Once Upon a Time in Iraq (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

The story of the Iraq war and the chaos that followed, told by Iraqis who lived through it.
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The voices of Iraqis take center stage in “Once Upon a Time in Iraq,” an unprecedented, two-hour FRONTLINE documentary special. They share their personal accounts and lasting memories of life under Saddam Hussein, the U.S.-led invasion of their country and the years of chaos that followed - from sectarian violence to the rise and brutal reign of ISIS.
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Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, The John and Helen Glessner Family Trust, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[@SoulSonder26]

That man, and what a man he is, who started the Mosul Eye is nothing less [and perhaps more] than a hero. What an incredible human.

[@tremblence]

Zionists intentionally destabilized the country to profit They want to expand and take land from Syria and Iraq to form "greater israel"

[@matthewringel4909]

@@tremblence Zionists literally want to keep the land of Israel as it is. Time and time again the Arab nations have declared war on Israel to take their land. In the defense of its nation, Israel took the Sinai peninsula and other Arab lands. And guess what they did? They gave it back. Also why the hell would Zionists want more terrorism in the Middle East. More terrorism means less profit as it destroys natural resources and limits business opportunities. Destabilizing Iraq only increased terrorism, which blocked profits. And Israel has had 20 years to take land from Iraq, and they could have with the full support of the United States. Last I checked they haven't so much as fired a bullet on Iraqi soil.

[@tonybuckley6413]

the definition of bravery

[@dungeonsdumbbells]

Pump Up the Volume style no doubt.

[@bob3ironfist]

This format should be done more often. Where there's no narrator, it's just the people affected talking about their experiences.

[@saladsalad9991]

those are always the best documentaries

[@thornenstaff4399]

I wouldn't be surprised if this will be the new normal. Will Lyman is up there in age.

[@DimJongUn]

Isn't that most documentaries these days? Watch wild wild country, etc

[@alirohani2687]

John Richardson they never share their opinions tho

[@emanuelcontac182]

In the original 5-part BBC version there is a narrator (Andy Serkis, of LOTR fame as Gollum), but he does not intervene very often.

[@clicheguevara5282]

"I'm happy because someone is listening to me." I have an Iraqi friend and she's thanked me many times for listening to her story. She's a wonderful person.

[@painproductions116]

My entire village and family were destroyed. Il ill seek vengeance and revenge alone

[@luminescentboy3340]

@@painproductions116 destroyed by who?

[@MasterDragonPaladin]

As some from that country i think the iraqi people deserve what they got and brought it all on themselves. Instead of blaming america for all the wrong it did they decided to turn on themselves and each other. They stole and looted their own country destroying it. They killed each other in sectarian violence of sunni vs shia which i never stop hearing about from family members to this day. They killed saddam, who was arguably a terrible human being and dictator, but replaced him with what? A corrupt government of thieves in the current modern day who only exist to steal from the people and still leave the country in a sorry state of lacking water/electricity regularly from what i also hear. The killing of saddam also brought terrorism on their head which they basically earned and deserved. Violence and death will lead to more violence and death. This is why i turn my back on the people and country i was born from. A pox on them who would turn around stab their neighbor, friend or family in the back for some fake perceived sense of momentary gain whether they thought they were gaining it from the americans or otherwise; you can never trust people like that. May they be eternally cursed to rot. Also a pox on america, hopefully they'll bring themselves down sooner rather than later, for their endless global catastrophes they caused around the world and constant wars all the way up to the terrorists israel (who kill palestinians) and ukraine (the same ones who bombed the nordstream pipeline).

[@syedfarhanbukhari3732]

Destroyed by america

[@omaryousifkamal4290]

@@luminescentboy3340 either isis or civil war

[@johnyroach40]

Unbelievable how that young man survived and 1,700 were massacred. How he was passed over is a miracle. I pray for the people of Iraq, and for the souls martyred.

[@yeshuarab1386]

My beautiful country my poor people. One day we will smile all together. Al Iraq al azeem 🇮🇶❤️

[@tommybrown9534]

Amen brother. God bless u.

[@jforozco12]

every american should be shown this in school

[@jag5798]

JFOV - thats a bit dangerous... because there is HIS, HERS and the TRUTH. This is just an opinion. I have worked in Iraq, Afghan, Lebanon since 2006 and many locals views of war are quite different when you ask them without anyone around. Remember that FRONTLINE has an agenda.

[@saladsalad9991]

@@jag5798 Which specific parts in the video did you find pushing an agenda?

[@LV-lb7dt]

@@jag5798 too educate ?

[@kamikazebider6160]

you know what they also should do in school in America ? stop telling kids that theyre exceptionnal ppl bc theyre americans (american exceptionalism). Make ppl think they have higher value than any other humans on the planet. What you call patriotism its plain simple nationalism and nationalism is a plague. You dont have any better country than other, stop f.ucking chanting in chorus youre number 1 to the world and learn from others. WE see how exceptional you are with covid and with denyers of science and christians biggots all over the place... You should separate church and politics.

[@whyputaname]

@@jag5798 .. Whats the agenda.. Because I see truth there... What are you trying to say that Iraq after being invaded once and then twice is paradise.. I don't see that and certainly those people in the film didn't see or feel that..

[@glendabennett8097]

I lived in Baghdad in 1962-63 and went to a French school for girls. My father was an exchange professor at the University of Bagdad and our rented home in an Iraqi neighborhood was always filled with students, good food, ping pong, dominoes, music and tons of laughter. I loved our friends and our neighborhood and the beautiful city of Baghdad. I could not stop watching this documentary and found myself crying. My heart goes out to these mostly wonderful people. I so enjoyed hearing their own words with that familiar accent. Sadly, their struggles are not unfamiliar to human nature. The depth of their pain is palpable, the courage of their spirit is a harbinger of hope.

[@aaaaaa-hh8cq]

well, all this wouldn't have happened if they didn't attack other countries like Iran and Kuwait and kill their citizens to gain more money and power. they brought this upon themselves.

[@iraqi3698]

Thank you very much for your wonderful feeling today Iraq is safe, your second country whenever you like.

[@ikGREENY]

That lady in the black and gold garments has a beautiful heart, true hero.

[@deannakinsman6790]

Yes I thought the same thing about her...a truly beautiful soul inside and out.

[@willo7734]

True. We need more like her these days.

[@joolenka]

She was absolutely remarkable, captivating to watch. Almost not of this world, hard to put into words.

[@zaklajoie]

Um Qusay is her name. And she is a true hero.

[@warriorsrule9350]

She reminded me of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Especially with her garments. She might just be Her reincarnation.

[@idil90622]

As a child of war, the biggest mistake Iraqis made was thinking that America was there for them. America was there for America.

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

As it always is. Biggest terror state of the world.

[@try2justbe]

Exactly, but not all Iraqi did, but the shia and Kurds did and they did benefit from it. Many Iraqi resisted the occupation and were systematically ethnically cleansed especially with the arrival of isis and the war on Isis that followed killed many sunni civilians.

[@rajatrj5714]

but when you are opressed by the dictator as human you find any alternative .... this is the problem in majority islamic countries where their opressors are their own muslim leaders ... no power can beat you unless local people have been supporting your enemy ...

[@dfdf-rj8jr]

nonsense, America went back in after they left to stop ISIS. Keep blaming America for your problems, keep wondering why everybody hates Muslims.

[@thesmokingsection2056]

No, we Americans were there for the Iraqis but at some point Iraqi people had to stand up and we were running into issues with them, not standing up for their own defense and we can’t be there forever playing big Brother. but I feel for these people. It’s a horrible situation that they live through and unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done to change it. Did we fail them? Yes, we did. Could We have done better. Yes, but we did care. If you ask me, the problem is is we were stretched too much between two wars. If we were there for only Iraq I think we could’ve done a better job 100%.

[@CorneliusEdwardoWinstonThe2nd]

This documentary had Americans almost crying in the comments, I'm Canadian and I’m so happy we took that one translator in hope all these people are living happy lives now 😢😢😢 damn man I grew up during this entire war….eye opening doc

[@trojankev]

One of the best documentaries dealing with our invasion of Iraq (from the perspective of the Iraqi person who lived it) that I have ever seen. A MUST SEE!

[@spacecatboy2962]

you were great on the tonight show

[@janelle009]

Absolutely agree!!

[@rikvartigyan33]

Not really. No mention of israel from anyone in this "documentary". No mention of who funded isis, All those brand new M16s, Toyotas and chest rigs. Though there is not a narrator, it is pushing a narrative

[@thetinytim7281]

@@MrBikboi a V a. P

[@Coolidge2329]

Joe Biden voted for this war

[@hoboman44]

This was just so painful to watch. I simply can't comprehend what it would be like to live this hell

[@matryok]

@@Ybsleeze you should read "The Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein. Lays out perfectly how the U.S. ended up on this destructive capitalism crusade.

[@deannakinsman6790]

@@matryok Thank y'all for the suggestion...I'm going to get it as soon as I finish this documentary!! GWBush = POS**t...👹 I just downloaded it...can't wait to read it!!

[@jag5798]

Yash - This hell is not hell to them, its normal life.

[@mucheq5386]

JA G yeah, I was born after the invasion and I was really young during the civil war but I never realized there were countries without war, without having to worry about bombs in the street or people taking over your home

[@SolarTideVibes]

@@jag5798 you are all over these comments. This isn't fox news or Breitbart. Please leave the rest of the world alone with your dilusions. You seem incredibly misinformed.

[@s1nb4d59]

Hard to watch but i could not turn away,i have a new respect for the people of iraq and can only hope that they see their way forward to a better place,thankyou PBS for producing such a heart felt documentary with thanks to the people who you interviewed that made it happen.

[@mohammedabass5612]

Take it from me, no other country has witnessed what we have been through and sadly still are because of the corrupt politicians who are ruining whatever is left in the country! Iraqi people are so full of life despite all the destruction we have been through. Only few months ago, we have lost 800 brave lives during October demonstrations (revolution) demanding good living conditions, our dignity, restoring our Iraqi identity back, and last but not least our freedom from the control of the corrupted political parties which are supported by foreign states, mostly the tyranny of Iran!

[@warriorsrule9350]

It was actually produced by the BBC.

[@VirgoCali89]

Same. Everytime I tried to close my eyes they popped open 😢😭 Africa is horrible but I didn't know there was a second one

[@votewaldo9876]

Karma.i guess. Iran, got what it wanted. It rules Iraq.

[@cameronpatterson130]

No thanks to the great USA

[@sepehrnourazar9705]

As an Iranian, I feel for my Iraqi brothers and sisters even though our countries fought together for 8 bloody years I still send you all the love and peace for my Iraqi brothers and sisters no one I repeat no one deserves to be treated like that , I hope one day Iraqi people see happiness and prosperity, love you all ❤

[@PounceHeadBall2]

Let's all take a moment to appreciate what Frontline gives us for Free. Amazing. Thank You.

[@AwSoMe_3AsEm]

To all humans. I hope you don't feel this pain in your life. No one deserves it.

[@nomadiavan6560]

A beautiful thing to say and I agree.

[@serfinusa908]

Thanks for that. Most all of us are about feel more than pain. We have sold our souls to fiction. Nature has left the building.

[@PurpleEmpire123]

Thank you so much!!

[@manictiger]

The powers that be enjoy suffering and fighting. If we stop, we might notice what they are doing and that would put them in a very bad position. These riots we're having are just an extension of a system of oppression that has gone back millenia. Keep the lower classes divided and fighting each other.

[@vandrive5687]

👊🙏😇❤️☮️🌄✝️

[@britishfetishman101]

I feel like this documentary is different from all the other PBS documentaries about Iraq, those ones were about government officials and diplomacy, and the Iraqi peoples are usually invisible in those documentaries. This one gives them a voice, and gives the viewer a good understanding as to what they went through. Good on you PBS, keep up the good work. Your avid watcher from Canada

[@prancer1803]

PBS is awesome

[@Jack-de2ds]

PBS have cut out alot of important stuff, anything negative against the invasion has been taken out. Watch the BBC original

[@nsevv]

It was actually produced by BBC.

[@lolalouise9503]

It’s different because it wasn’t produced by PBS……did you not hear the accent of the interviewer?? He was very obviously British.

[@iraqi3698]

Thank you very much

[@nyabit4714]

“I learned the true value of peace” What an excellent, yet painfully profound documentary. It is surely very dangerous to forget.

[@kaustabhkalita2476]

how would you like peace once placed under the control of isis, will peace still be the greatest value to you then?

[@aaaaaa-hh8cq]

Iraqis acting like they weren't the ones who attacked multiple countries and killed their citizens to gain more money and power they fully deserved what happened to them, they deserves even worse because they committed ma y war crimes. it's like ISIS saying "oh no others treated us so bad why doesn't UN say anything!"

[@mdmohidulhasan588]

@@kaustabhkalita2476 still better than modi's shit filled hindutva india.

[@onyangoabuor5863]

I love my home here in Africa, Kenya. When I was young, I felt that the best place to live in was outside my continent. While there are those who still believe that it is a land of diseases, famine and ignorance. It's a place of peace, growth and transformation. It is hard to comprehend what a life the Iraqi people endured. Let's all embrace peace, respect and discard hate in all its forms. It does no good. Hate is the cause of gun violence in the US end elsewhere, even school children are not spared. Great content PBS frontline!

[@Amar90]

Nothing can break us, we live, we rebuild and we will rise again. 🇮🇶

[@UNKNOWN-f8s]

We don,t care 🇺🇸

[@Amar90]

@@UNKNOWN-f8s sure you don’t zionazlll

[@BigD-ux9bu]

Have some shame dude.​@@UNKNOWN-f8s

[@oldgrandpamos3341]

​@@UNKNOWN-f8s You cared enough to comment.

[@mr.andrew9171]

*loses her eye* “Mom stop crying” I don’t know what kept that girl composed, but damn do I wish I had nerves like that.

[@Blackpilld]

As Middle Easterners, we are taught that everything is the will of God and everything is a test. It’s what strengthens our resolve in conditions people in the West couldn’t dream of living in.

[@whiteheart6827]

@@Blackpilld Yea but the mother was balling and the little girl was not that is her point. The mother was crying because she new what would lie ahead of her daughters future and the little girl was in the moment happy happy to be alive.

[@yournamehereyournamehere907]

The little girl is reacting defensively. She wants her mother to harden her heart like she has because it hurts her to see her mother in pain.

[@yournamehereyournamehere907]

@@Blackpilld Similar things have happened in the US. Of course not nearly as catastrophic or persistent. Just look at Hurricane Katrina aftermath. Of course under George Bush.

[@armyofninjas9055]

@@Blackpilld That attitude is also what enables your people to accept such shitty treatment. The region has too much "Will of God" and not enough "Will of the People."

[@headsbrainmode]

Frontline never disappoints, your documentaries are the best, thank you for this, my heart and thoughts go out to the Iraqi people, I hope one day they'll enjoy an infinite kind of peace and prosperity..

[@warriorsrule9350]

I agree that Frontline reporting is out of thi World. But this one was from the BBC.

[@nsevv]

We would still be under the brutal saddam regime if US didn't help us. Now we finally have chance at peace and prosperity.

[@David-vt3hn]

Thanks to this documentary I have company conclusion I did not know half of what in the world was going on there. This documentary was the best of its kind I think all Americans should see it. How do we spread the word?

[@WIZERD51]

It’s a shame censored a whole hour of it

[@JorgeSanchez-kr3eb]

This format of first hand accounts is incredibly effective at portraying the incredible pain and chaos that the Iraqi ppl experienced. I hope frontline continues this format in future projects.

[@Jack-de2ds]

PBS have censored this version though, theres alot missing so to not upset American audience. Watch the BBC original it's in episodes

[@LoboalphaMASTER]

@@Jack-de2ds Does it has the same name?

[@Jack-de2ds]

@@LoboalphaMASTER yep same name

[@LoboalphaMASTER]

@@Jack-de2ds Thanks, i'll check it out

[@walpoleandworcester]

Glad I got to see this! Purely from the perspective of the Iraqis and puts all the pain and suffering into full context. Wow. Excellent work from Frontline as always!

[@Crumpets7377]

1.50 minutes in and I'm already hooked. There is something so lively about the two people encountered in the first 2 minutes of this documentary.

[@joseg859]

Wow finding out who was Mosul eye had to be the most epic thing ever especially how humble he was about it

[@corybosma9341]

From an American....I am so deeply sorry. My heart goes out to the lives lost on both sides. And to the man who told the story about his brother and the mortar shell....I literally just wanted to hug ya man... Stay strong.

[@whyputaname]

I felt the same way..

[@mohammedabass5612]

His name is @Ahmed_Albasheer and he started @Albasheer_show that airs on DW (the German Channel) because funny enough he was banned from airing on Iraqi television. Ahmed turned out to be one of the biggest influencers, if not the biggest, on the Iraqi youth against the unbelievably corrupt politicians who, ironically, had lots and lots of blood on their hands. Much of which was from what you have watched durning this documentary!

[@MAchannel2024]

@@cbot375 He is not American because he has a heart?

[@samlonzo70]

America is great because of ppl like you. Thank you from an iraqi 🇮🇶 wounded ❤️

[@ahamed4152]

@@henri.r94 This video has nothing to do with China Lo stop spewing CCP taking point.

[@thecoffeewonder3085]

As an Iraqi living in the USA during the Iraqi invasion, this made me cry, not knowing the suffering the Iraqi’s went through after the fall of the regime. We used to hear and watch on the news the chaos happening, but when you hear it from the people who lived and experienced it, it’s nothing close to what the media showed.

[@zeroxox777]

What an appalling tragedy this portrays - I had absolutely no idea. The Iraqi people seem like beautiful, good people, with really loving and affectionate relationships between the family, nothing like in the West. It was so moving to see that side of Iraqis but the violence of ISIS and the other atrocities is almost too much to bare. I'm so sorry what the stupid West have done to help destroy Iraq in this way.

[@farahalchalabi2117]

@@zeroxox777I really appreciate your sincere words. As a Iraqi that hears hurtful things from Americans regarding this topic, it’s truly healing seeing people like you that search for the truth and sympathize with Iraqis.

[@mariefagan5743]

War Is war

[@brianbassett4379]

@@mariefagan5743 And the aftermath of war is horrible for everyone. How could anyone possibly have had their head in the sand not to see what was happening?

[@josegisbert4351]

"I Learned The True Value of Peace" Thank you FRONTLINE PBS for this incredible Documentary, I believe this is going to bring back the value of peace where people take it for granted.

[@visheshsarbhai8379]

1 year of the Ukraine war is remembered, let's see if they remember the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war

[@maximzhuravlyov9530]

Very unlikely. Though I wish someone would write about it, especially on LinkedIn. By the way, 20th anniversary of the war in Ukraine will not be remembered either.

[@mmckee7]

This is a brilliant documentary and required viewing for anyone who cares at all about the story of the Iraq war.

[@divaah4406]

@Steve Duke 😁😆😅😅 You're wrong for that 😂

[@mesfinwelderufael1176]

Sadly, the story was repeated and the same horror is happening now in Libya, Yemen...to mention few..... The moral of the story: ‘we never learned from history’

[@ragnakok7973]

Yemen especially is getting it bad. Inshallah they can find peace.

[@crmesson22k]

Don't forget syria too.

[@crmesson22k]

Long live the people of Yemen and Syria

[@The_Conqueeftador]

@Nathan S Sunni and Shia were killing each other before George Washington was squirted out of his father. STFU and study history more.

[@The_Conqueeftador]

@Nathan S No. Sunni Shia only stopped fighting because Saddam's Party was in control. You do not get to pretend that wasn't true and say "modern history" one man's temporary rule is not the lens to view this situation. You act like the girl in the video. You blame Americans for driving down the road and you do not blame the guy shooting the RPG. That is some biased roundabout logic. Also do not use the word genocide until you look it up in a dictionary.

[@dancastro4732]

To the Iraqis interviewed I feel your sorrow, your pain. My love and respect to you from me an American

[@nsevv]

We would still be under the brutal saddam regime if US didn't help us.

[@folkslinger44]

As a veteran of untold missions in the Middle East and elsewhere, I grieve for the people of Iraq. Whether or not this invasion should have occurred, when it did, we failed them. What we witnessed (and perpetrated and were also subject to) was horrific. For a soldier to feel the way I do is bad enough, but the mark left on regular Iraqi civilians?!! Who had no choice?!! We will never live it down. Good god, I am so sorry.

[@shelbyspeaks3287]

Based vet

[@ajreinhardt2948]

@@shelbyspeaks3287 iraq is stable now anyway

[@rossgadsby9663]

Well, not even making a joke at least Iraq was ridded of sadaam and is better off than Afghanistan. Bug this is sad to watch.

[@PreacherLevi]

As a Vet of OIF myself , stfu apologizing for what ? Did you call in CAS on a school or some shit. Gezz

[@Baranowskki]

@@ajreinhardt2948this is the biggest evidence that you are living in a cave.

[@dondreytaylor8001]

Wow, what a truly thought provoking and emotional documentary, felt like I was living through their pains by listening to them. Journalism that focuses on the people and portrays first hand accounts is what we need more of.

[@sweettea3879]

I had to look away at some parts. I can only imagine the nightmares these Iraqis and others suffer through.

[@David-vt3hn]

This documentary was kick-ass

[@marvinjuarez3401]

@dondreytaylor8001 Yet if your government decides to invade in the future there will be a way for Americans to forget and be lied at again to justify their actions, and since this country is conveniently full of naive people, history will repeat itself, then they will be the heroes for a decade or so until eventually the true comes out and we get people with comments like yours again about how bad it was.

[@PurpleEmpire123]

Thank you for showing this. I have learned so much about a country I have never been to. Greetings from California, USA.

[@mhpt74]

The resilience of Iraqis resisting mayhem and murder is amazing! They were punished twice for Saddam’s rule: first by his henchmen while he was in power, and then by the mayhem caused by a so-called liberation by foreign invasion.

[@nsevv]

We would still be under the brutal saddam regime if US didn't help us. Now we finally have chance at peace and prosperity. IF we have worked more closely with US to develop our country army while US was here, ISIS would have never happened.

[@ockertvanzyl5340]

I only hope and pray that the wonderful people of Iraq wil get peace and happiness 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rambocomando8151]

I love that lady with the black and gold clothing. She is awesome. You can tell she is a genuine good human being. She has charisma too. What a wonderful Person.

[@917hazel]

The information in this documentary helped me understand events in more clear way. I am glad to hear some of the people who suffered and survived tell their story.

[@zuicyde7277]

Looking like looking PPO

[@usacali4854]

As American I have to say we have no rights to invade any country or interfere in their business

[@kevinheintz4046]

These Iraqi people are so beautiful and strong. The US needs to atone and stand accountable for what they have done to the Middle East.

[@armyofninjas9055]

The Middle East has its own problems too. Honestly even this pales compared to the Iran/Saudi split. THAT is where most of the problems come from.

[@intalmdr4627]

@@armyofninjas9055 The west is behind all the problems of the Middle East, because a weak, problematic Middle East,is easy to conquer for a greater Israel.

[@iraqi3698]

All the love and greetings of the friendly American people, and we know the American civilians, they have nothing to do with the bloody Bush government and most of the American people against Bush's war in Iraq.

[@lynchiann]

Thanks a lot for this documentary! I'm so sorry for all the losses.

[@lorrainemoore7397]

From a English woman I’m so sorry for what tony Blair did to you and your country, he should be facing war crimes .

[@iraq4708]

thank you ,it takes courage and strong and kind personality to apologies ,and that was heartwarming.

[@Baghdadi99]

The untold real story, don't listen to media, listen to people who were there who felt it

[@Phlegethon]

When America tells you that you need freedom....it’s over.

[@prancer1803]

Freedom means different things to different people

[@joejohnson8920]

South Korea? Japan? Germany? Italy? France? Belgium? Every one of these countries enjoys freedom and prosperity becuase of the United States. Maybe do your research next time 🤭

[@whtfolks5517]

Joe Johnson That was the US of the past. This used to be a great nation. Now we use our military to force countries to submit if they dare come off the dollar. Nothing about freedom in that. We don’t have the freedom we did in the early 1900’s. Now it’s more laws, penal codes, rules, fines, taxes, submission, patriot act, where’s our freedom now

[@wasilstanekza]

"Without Love, the whole world will kill each other" this hit me deep. War brings nothing but destruction. Saddam was bad but everything after him was "Worse". I would rather choose bad over worse. Peace and love from Afghanistan.

[@lifeanddeath3072]

Peace and love? Bro ur country is literally killing minority

[@fuhrfhrei3441]

How are you doing today in the current situation in Afghanistan

[@Zov631]

Haha.. everything after Saddam was wayy worse

[@maximzhuravlyov9530]

How many people died in the useless war with Iran 1980-1988, and after Saddam from 2003 to 2022? 🤔

[@diosmios186]

Hands down one of the absolute best Documentaries I have ever seen!

[@Mongieboy]

22:52 the guy slapping the statue of Saddam with his sandal always cracks me up! 😂 🩴 the great 'Saddam statue sandal slap!'

[@BarberJ95]

We failed Iraq and it’s people... I hope there’s a self reflection where this nation addresses the monumental wrongs done and can ever try to right it.

[@ArmchairPhilosopher360]

We? You got a mouse in your pocket? You know, the Kurds were pretty happy about US involvement, as it enabled them to escape Sunni domination. The Iraqi people are not one group.

[@tommymahon8939]

Armchair Philosopher don’t argue with this lib they will never admit the truth they are a bunch of cowards who hide and won’t admit the truth

[@luzfigueroa1550]

No!!!! Their own evil government failed its own people and country.

[@whyputaname]

@@tommymahon8939 ... RepubliCon's won't admit the Truth that Iraq was a disaster.. Invaded a country to overthrow a Dictator without learning the culture of why it was divided country to begin with..

[@whyputaname]

@@luzfigueroa1550 .. Ohhh thats right blame the government for the RepubliCon disaster..

[@A_Nellprober]

13 years since my last deployment and I've never sat down and thought about their side of the story. was amazing to watch.

[@creedbrad5522]

This may be a strange question,it’s fine if u don’t want to answer it because I understand that soldiers can’t unsee stuff.but my question is.have u ever seen child soldiers go against you?also thank you for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@suspiciouscanadian6478]

@@creedbrad5522 ISIS Uses children as suicide bombers.

[@suspiciouscanadian6478]

@yousif Dragneel Honestly, if he was a ground soldier? Probably none. Ground troops don't go around shooting civilians, because at this point, they're acting as a patrolling and sort of peace keeping force. If he was apart of the air corps/air force, honestly, maybe quite a bit. The Air Force/Air Corps only engages when their ground troops are engaged in need help, and then they often show a complete disregard and recklessness for collateral damage, with honestly only one goal in mind, keep their boys alive and well. Again, Ground Troops don't just go around shooting civilians, because: A) No tactical purpose B) Just morally wrong It's a lot harder to pull the trigger when you're seeing them eye to eye, that's not the case with air units, they're looking at them from a screen, and that desensitizes them. Ground troops only shoot if they have a weapon, or if they're a suicide bomber. *They have a very strict rules of engagement that they follow at all times* Yeah, there are a few bad apples, but that's expected for any organization.

[@suspiciouscanadian6478]

Thank you for your service!

[@TheJbh147]

@@y7547 he would have been busy trying to stay alive and keep his team safe. Why would he have to have had a philosophical exercise in that type of setting? Smh

[@mrp1924]

Thank You Frontline, another Great Documentary

[@jaytaylor629]

If somebody asked me if Anti-Americanism is justified, I would show them this documentary and say "absolutely it is, 100 percent."

[@charlesferdinand422]

I'm not American nor have I ever lived in the United States and I remember how all Americans were extremely supportive of the Iraq War at the time and the rest of the world always felt puzzled by its rationale (or lack thereof).

[@brianfollendorf168]

As an Iraq vet this was rough to watch as it brought back many memories. My sincere apologies to the Iraqi people. I know my unit did alot of good when we were there, but this war should've never happened. May these people find the peace and happiness that was stolen from them!

[@whtfolks5517]

Thank you for serving our country. Unfortunately you were used. It’s not your fault. Our military isn’t used to defend freedom anymore but used to force other countries to submit to our ways. After Korea, this country went sideways, now it’s all about the power of the dollar.

[@creedbrad5522]

It’s not your fault,it’s the people at the way top.thank for serving our country,also where we’re u deployed in Iraq?like maybe Baghdad?

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

@@creedbrad5522 would you say the same for the execution of innocents? Is the murderer not just as guilty as the one who gives the order to murder?

[@CJ-fs1zr]

Did you fight against Sunni insurgents or shiite insurgents

[@zaidalobaydi89]

Thank you for your service, sir!

[@augustortiz]

This documentary made the hairs on my back stand up.. absolutely unreal images.

[@andrewklein7997]

Same here

[@sabiharahman7058]

Tough to watch, but so informative and heart-wrenching. You can see the pain in the eyes of everyone being interviewed. Props to them for going through this, and being able to tell their story to those of us who are privileged enough to live in peace.

[@zaza-flower-12345]

Amazing doc!!!! so eye-opening!!! i’m in tears and deeply sorry for Iraqi people! I can’t imagine what they have been through for all these years!!

[@senatorofutah]

Feel very sad for Sadam sir 😞 😢 He was the right person as president for Iraq 🇮🇶 because Iraq was very complex country

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

Remember when the French government refused to joing the America government's lies about Iraq? As a response, Republicans in congress changed the name of french fries to "freedom fries." This, people, was our U.S. government's response when other nations called us out on lies.

[@iraqi3698]

All the love and greetings of the friendly American people, and we know the American civilians, they have nothing to do with the bloody Bush government and most of the American people against Bush's war in Iraq.

[@desertdetroiter428]

As an American, our arrogance gives me a headache. Damn.

[@nicksmith8166]

I was there in Fallujah in 2007 fighting for whatever it was. I was 20 years old and ready to run and gun. I'm 32 now, body & mind broken, and have no damn idea why we were there. I don't regret fighting alongside my brothers, but I do regret joining all together. I'm proud of my service but I regret it.

[@naciremasti]

Thank you for your service, I appreciate it.

[@shahadal-ward2557]

I am an Iraqi who lives in the US now. There was a particular incident (I was 9) where I was certain I lost my father during a US bombing. Loudest sound I’ve ever heard. People running, others screaming and crying, shrapnels everywhere, and not knowing which one will hit us. I couldn’t find my father in this mess, so I was frantically running and screaming for my dad while covered in dust, and my mom running after me trying to catch me and hide me in her chest. I am all grown up now, and I live and work just like everybody else, but I still suffer from PTSD due to that. And the part where that guy said “I feel guilty that I survived” is totally relatable. I live with guilt everyday due to that. I am glad to see your comment because I can see a US soldier’s humanity ❤️ (and I hope you can see mine!). Our stupid governments were fighting! And guess who suffered! Not them. It’s YOU and ME who suffered. Peace and love 🌹

[@hse6144]

I almost joined, I was class of 06. Recruiters were really pushy in high school. And the massive patriotic propaganda by the media. I felt like I needed to join and fight. But I liked smoking pot too much, and decided to go party in college. Weed saved me on this one.

[@joannahampton3808]

Your comment is just one big contradiction you coward

[@virginiagould3167]

@@joannahampton3808 Tell us about you service--what was your experience there?

[@donny357tx]

I just graduated high school in 2001..a year later i was walking the streets of Iraq...i still have dreams about those 2 years..i cherish my military past till the death of me...hooor and salute

[@tywalker215]

Such beautiful people in Iraq. Much love from America. It is my dream to come visit this amazing cultural country

[@iraqi3698]

Thank you very much for your wonderful feeling today Iraq is safe, your second country whenever you like.

[@deshonwright9067]

This was moving. Hard not to feel the pain of our Iraqi brothers and sisters. Inshallah 🙏🏾

[@adx3828]

Every Iraqi deserves a special place in heaven ❤️

The girl with the face injury is one beautiful strong women

[@virginiagould3167]

It was heart breaking to see her hurt so badly but still telling her mother not to cry

[@thisisntsergio1352]

@Uncle Ed Very insensitive thing to say. You should be ashamed to comment on her sexually like that for worthless political internet brownie points. I get it, though. Joe Biden is a creep. But to use her as a tool to pick at Joe is just downright sad.

[@russellmoore5711]

@@virginiagould3167 Strong woman indeed. I don't think there are any Americans like this girl anymore. We are a bunch of cowards as a whole. If you don't believe it, you need to look no farther than any department store (i.e. Walmart, grocery store, etc.) these days to see around 99% of those there with a mask strapped around their face like a fool. They wouldn't know how to be strong if they really had to, as the girl in this video is. Bless her.

[@virginiagould3167]

@@russellmoore5711 Way to make her suffering about your politics

[@russellmoore5711]

@@virginiagould3167 How so? You must be a mask worshiper if what you got out of my comment as being politics. smdh.

[@theguy1.090]

They took one saddem and created a thousand more....

[@sammycarlosbaraza1789]

Very chilling and captivating. This documentary has moved me a lot. To those who compiled this story thank you for this very compelling documentary. To the people of Iraq my condolences and prayers for you all. May God forgive us for we stood by and watched you in torment and suffering. Indeed you have suffered far too long. The world will never give you a befitting comfort and consolation but God will. May God restore your battered pride, hope and unity as a nation.

[@johnvalerian8440]

The GW Bush war destabilized the whole region to this date.

[@ArmchairPhilosopher360]

If only Saddam were still around to stabilize the region, then things could be made right again... how silly...

[@johnvalerian8440]

Armchair Philosopher it was more stable before the invasion than after. So factually I am correct. It’s also illegal to invade sovereign countries but maybe you didn’t know that. The WMD pretext was always a lie.

[@ArmchairPhilosopher360]

@@johnvalerian8440 Nobody is longing for going back to the glory days when Saddam ruled with an iron fist for the sake of stability. Also, Saddam illegally invaded at least two other sovereign countries and gassed his own people. The UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1441 which paved the way for the international justification for invasion, so it's hard to know what you mean by "illegal." But maybe you didn't know that.

[@johnvalerian8440]

Armchair Philosopher you’re conflating a bunch of things, so your standing on a weak argument to say the invasion was justified. Also, the US government provided material support to Iraq during the Iran war. There are bad people everywhere in the world but that doesn’t give the US the right to invade. The UN is a joke and the US evidence to invade provided by Colin Powell was a big lie.

[@QDGC]

It all started post ww1 big bro

[@Jon-py7vw]

I’ve watched just about every documentary I’ve come across on this topic and I think this might be the best I’ve seen so far.

[@darklink1113]

Shocking! Scary! Beautiful! Sad! Happy! The sorrows of this earth are endless.

[@Lana-lx7dk]

I’ve watched this documentary several times, it’s no doubt one of the best documentaries I’ve watched in my whole life. Just wow.

[@urikayan2368]

The internet has connected us. We are the same, my Iraqi friends. We are sorry for the war we brought to you. We were lied to. Forgive us.

[@iraqi3698]

All the love and greetings of the friendly American people, and we know the American civilians, they have nothing to do with the bloody Bush government and most of the American people against Bush's war in Iraq.

[@Immashift]

This was one hell of a documentary. Much thanks to all involved. This all took place when I was a western teenager without a care in the world really. It was so far away. Now though, many years later, I understand why it was an important time, and documentaries like this explain to me what all I was too young and stupid to see growing up.

[@HinDoongEe]

The Iraqi people really suffered a lot the start of this century, it’s tragic how they were betrayed

[@zakariaadam3138]

The distractions of Mangols, Western Invasion(UK Tamperlane), USA(oil and WMD)

[@norasutube]

People of Iraq: I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I love you! I thank you! God Bless Iraq.

[@deehana75]

Iraqi people know the difference between US administration and American people, a lot of Iraqis know that many Americans opposed the war on Iraq.

[@shahadal-ward2557]

It’s OK. It’s not your fault 😔 I am Iraqi, and I live in the US, and I love so many of y’all. Peace!

[@younanyounan5071]

George bush should be in prison

[@shahadal-ward2557]

IllumiNada I speak for myself here, and I can tell you right off the bat. I despise Trump! Never been a fan of the guy, and I never will be. He actually reminds me a lot of Saddam Hussein.

[@deehana75]

IllumiNada , I believe you are talking about the US jet coming close to Iranian “ not Iraqi” passenger jet over Syrian land. That area near Tanaf airport in Syria is declared “kind of limited zone “ for other than US fighters in the region , when the US fighter knew it was a passenger plane , he flew away from it , keeping their agreed -upon -distance as defined in air distance regulations.

[@rmortan]

wow the rawness is so moving this work was done in a tasteful and great manner awesome footage

[@رشارافائيل]

انا اعيش في العراق جميع الحكام الذين حكموا العراق طغاة وظالمين 😢😢 لكن يبقى بلدي جميل ويبقى بلدي سيد العالم بظهور الامام المهدي عليه السلام ❤

[@Eren-jr8lj]

I hope America will pay one day for what they made Iraqi people go through.

[@UNKNOWN-f8s]

No thanks 😊

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I love FRONTLINE PBS documentaries but this one made me cry for real a few times. My heart goes to the people of Iraq.

[@osamaexking]

A documentary about Iraq but BBC blocked viewing from Iraq. The Irony is sky high on this one...

[@PermanentHigh]

I think it's more likely Iraq that asked for it to be blocked

[@jamiegrennell3159]

This is one of the best documentaries I've seen about this. To hear from the people and their individual stories gives you a deeper look into it. More people need to see this.

[@kostaspapadopoulos7577]

A punch in the stomach. Respect for the Iraqi people. May you ever live in peace .

[@peterkohlmetzmoller]

What an incredible documentary. Thank you for sharing this great work with us all.

[@tomroberts9794]

Very good work. A special look inside the awfulness of war. The Iraqi people are incredible, and enduring.

[@SaDclann]

This is one of the many reasons where I sometimes feel ashamed to be an American. I certainly hope that the people of Iraq and the people around the world that have been affected by the US don’t view all Americans in the same light portrayed in the documentary because not all Americans, including myself, ever wanted the destruction and loss of life created by our war hungry leaders and politicians. We want peace and security for all people regardless of what race, gender, ethnicity, or social status. However, I certainly can understand why people would hate America and Americans, i at times feel ashamed to be an American when I read and watch about stories like this. This comment might not get a lot of attention, but I just wanted to put this out there for anyone to read. Thank you and I’m sorry

[@vandrive5687]

@Renic Mate: Led by a collective perfect storm of Bush, Cheney, & Obama.

[@glebperch7585]

Once we throw out the criminal oligarchs running this country you won't have to be ashamed anymore.

[@clicheguevara5282]

My friend had to move to America when we invaded her home, Iraq. We became friends because in her words, "You one of the few Americans I've met who _truly_ understands what those wars were about." She used to thank me all the time for being interested in her and her country. She obviously had a special appreciation for me, but she liked other Americans too. She was well aware that it was our government's fault, not ours. My maternal grandmother lived in Berlin under Hitler and she had to come to America after America bombed her city to rubble. My paternal grandfather was in the planes doing the bombing. They got along just fine. She married a brit and he married an Italian. Wars are messy but most people know better than to hate the population of a country because of what their governments did. You shouldn't feel ashamed.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

I never feel ashamed to be American blame their leaders and actions not ours

[@iraqi3698]

All the love and greetings of the friendly American people, and we know the American civilians, they have nothing to do with the bloody Bush government and most of the American people against Bush's war in Iraq.

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

Thank you PBS for distributing on KZbin (I hope without territorial licenses).

[@taodizzle6894]

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Period.

[@abdullahisgood9138]

This documentary are shit it forgot a lot thing happened in iraq

[@sanju200100]

By far the best documentary I have ever seen. I truly value peace and realize how lucky we are to live a peaceful life.

[@manasranjandash6584]

Do u live in uk or pakistan

[@eginteractive]

The guy in the glasses who worked as a translator is hilarious. I'd love to sit down and have a conversation with him. It's nice to actually see a documentary with the people who actually lived through this as civilians, not political figureheads who try explaining what the intention was. Intention doesn't matter, it's what actually happened that matters. They always say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

[@ey67]

There were no good intentions. Just murder for oil. Simple.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

I like how he noticed that his old self sounded exactly like borat xD

[@ameremortal]

I’m so sad for these people. What a great tragedy. I don’t even know what America could do to fix this mistake.

[@tree3y763]

Start by rebuilding the ancient city of Mosul which Isis and of course AMERICA destroyed

[@uslee19]

INERT Though I agree about the sectarian crap, America owes the Iraqi people for destroying lives, cities, absolutely everything. A fund should be set up as an organization, similar to Peace Corp, where they help reestablish infrastructure, water systems, electricity, build huge solar plants to rebuild the country.

[@ameremortal]

L That won’t happen, unfortunately. I think the best thing we can do is leave them alone and punish any politician who tries anything like this ever again.

[@primehunter45]

Just elect politicians who are anti-interventionist

[@Baghdadi99]

@@uslee19 Iraq to this date is in debt to the Kuwait for the war Saddam erupted in 1991, even though Iraq's economy is pure shit and Kuwait is flourishing. How come the US doesn't pay shit in reparations?

[@marklenox]

Excellent documentary. We should all learn and grow from history and experience. Such a sad tragedy across so much time and through so many conflicts......spoken from Iraq's themselves.

[@Laters3]

Much respect to all the people who lived in Iraq 🇮🇶 love from the Isle of Man 🇮🇲 respect

[@iraqi3698]

Thank you very

[@momenangelo]

watching all of this as an Iraqi person who was born and always lived in Baghdad made me feel shattered. the scene of innocent men being k worded in Spieker, the girl with her eye lost, the guys who left forcefully, i felt i connect to them unconditionally i was living that era as a child, going to school and watching corpses on the streets, a bomb exploded one day in front of our house. luckily we never lost a family member that time as we were severely introverted it was never peaceful, it might never will. but we still have hope wish we build a new nation, but this needs a better community and people. and people are still trapped in an old mentality

[@christinasornbutnark1208]

That was heartbreaking. I’m so sorry my government went to war with ur country without being prepared to care for you. I’m so very sorry.

[@bgdrewsif]

Our country isn't even prepared to care for their own citizens and needs... look at Katrina... 2008-2009 meltdown, Covid... the capitol insurrection... the whole national infrastructure for roads, bridges, trains, healthcare, schools, the complete rot of every inner city in the nation... this country has become a complete disaster that is on the fast track to 3rd world status and all we seem to care about is the political blame game and what the Kardashians are doing today... :-( And back to Iraq... I was in college in 2003 and was 100% adamantly opposed to it all... not out of some liberal college protesting BS but because I knew enough then to understand the whole run-up to the invasion was utter BS and even as a 21 year old college student could clearly imagine what a total disaster it was going to be... and plenty of our nations top leaders tried and tried to stop it from happening and they were all ignored...

[@jackiekaminowitz6236]

America should have mind there business putting our men out there for a country that's always been messed up it wasn't our war and now you talk about America as if we are shit..i hope America never steps foot in Iraq again..

[@intelcom4964]

One of the best documentaries about Iraq. Good job PBS

[@NasreenUS]

Thank you for giving the Iraqi people a platform to speak their truth and to share their story. I hope many others can get to watch this and understand the huge mistake we did by invading Iraq. I advise everyone to watch this with empathy 🙏🏽

[@xXNITR0MAN356Xx]

Every war in the Middle East was a mistake

[@cameronpatterson130]

Mistake? It was a crime.

[@yuunneemedina9545]

A catastrophe that I experienced first hand, god fivr Iraq piece somehow!!!

[@nsevv]

We would still be under the brutal saddam regime if US didn't help us. Now we finally have chance at peace and prosperity.

[@cameronpatterson130]

@@nsevv lmfao stfu bot. Iraq was better under Saddam than it is today or any day since the US invasion.

[@em-gee]

People's pov evoked a whole new perspective and emotions 😪.... 🙇‍♀️ respect to Iraqis.

[@hundui]

This documentary is incredibly put together.