When I look at this video, I see all the momentum, all the right things that the U.S. did right. Even most of the Iraqi people were at their side. The war has lagged on because we are not just trying to rescue an Iraqi people but we also want to change them. Plus, the Iraqi people themselves have lost faith in the American military and government. Morale and momentum as at a low, and when you have that in a war then it tends to lag on for too long.
A comprehensive, inside look at the military campaign to topple Saddam Hussein21 DAYS TO BAGHDAD joins National Geographic’s own filmmakers Gary Scurka and Charles Poe to relive their experiences shooting in and around Baghdad during the Iraqi conflict. Working with officials insistent on denying the imminent threat posed by the U.S. aggression, Poe sets the scene in Baghdad as one by one, the city’s stalwart buildings and palaces succumb to enemy fire. Dealing with the bureaucracy by day and filming the aerial attacks by night, Poe gives a very real impression of a city—and governmental regime—in peril as coalition forces draw closer. Stationed with India Company of the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Scurka gives viewers an up-close look at the U.S. military in action as he travels with them by tank from the Kuwaiti border into Baghdad. Viewers experience enemy fire first hand as India Company undergoes a tense conflict outside the Baghdad city limits. Later, after it is clear the coalition forces have effectively ended Hussein’s stronghold on the city, viewers are there to witness the soldiers’ relief as they enter Baghdad to the smiling faces and cheers of its citizenry.
One-on-one interviews with military personnel give viewers insight into the complex mix of emotions soldiers encounter when facing the enemy, helping the wounded or thinking of home. Meighan Adamouski, wife of Blackhawk pilot James Adamouski, whose helicopter was shot down by Iraqi soldiers early on in the conflict, puts a human face to the impact of the war back home as she talks of her husband’s commitment to his country and his family. For many soldiers, these seemingly disparate loyalties do not conflict with their stated missions, but make them even more steadfast in their belief that what they accomplish abroad will enable their family to lead a happier, more secure life at home.
 21 Days to Baghdad
Release Year: 2003 Duration: 60 min Availability:
Related: History, International, Life & Culture, Politics, Science & Nature, National Geographic 21 DAYS TO BAGHDAD joins National Geographic’s own filmmakers Gary Scurka and Charles Poe to relive their experiences shooting in and around Baghdad during the Iraqi conflict. Working with officials insistent on denying the imminent threat posed by the U.S. aggression, Poe sets the scene in Baghdad as one by one, the city’s stalwart buildings and palaces succumb to enemy fire. Dealing with the bureaucracy by day and filming the aerial attacks by night, Poe gives a very real impression of a city—and governmental regime—in peril as coalition forces draw closer. Stationed with India Company of the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Scurka gives viewers an up-close look at the U.S. military in action as he travels with them by tank from the Kuwaiti border into Baghdad. Viewers experience enemy fire first hand as India Company undergoes a tense conflict outside the Baghdad city limits. Later, after it is clear the coalition forces have effectively ended Hussein’s stronghold on the city, viewers are there to witness the soldiers’ relief as they enter Baghdad to the smiling faces and cheers of its citizenry.
One-on-one interviews with military personnel give viewers insight into the complex mix of emotions soldiers encounter when facing the enemy, helping the wounded or thinking of home. Meighan Adamouski, wife of Blackhawk pilot James Adamouski, whose helicopter was shot down by Iraqi soldiers early on in the conflict, puts a human face to the impact of the war back home as she talks of her husband’s commitment to his country and his family. For many soldiers, these seemingly disparate loyalties do not conflict with their stated missions, but make them even more steadfast in their belief that what they accomplish abroad will enable their family to lead a happier, more secure life at home.
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Comments Posted 09/01/09 by Jay
Posted 07/15/09 by Brandon
I think it is fair coverage of the early days of the war. Keep in mind it covers only those early days, so the assessments of strategy aren’t based on current knowledge of later events. 21 days to reach Baghad seems like a great accomplishment, and it was, but knowing the problems that came afterwards, would 21 weeks, more troops on the ground, and a better capacity for securing supply and bypassed urban areas have worked better? We will never know. As to Anthony, I thank you for your service, but if you want to better yourself and your race, you have many more important battles to fight than yelling racism at a documentary that didn’t show as many black people as you would personally prefer. Rico, did the Marcos ever agree to peace terms with the US to save his hide, then flagrantly breech those terms? Did Marcos ever possess WMDs, much less use them on his own population? There are many bad leaders in the world, but the US has not and will not take care of all of them. We can all debate whether the US should ever engage in regime change, or if so, in what cases, but Marcos and the Philippines were not Saddam and Iraq. You’re comparing rotten apples and rotten oranges. Both are repulsive, but unique. To the men and women of the US military, former, active, and fallen, thank you all for your sacrifices and service. Posted 07/01/09 by rico
im just wondring.why doesnt the US help philippines when it was under dictatorship of ferdinand marcos.he reign for more than 20 years.much more like saddam.ordering the killing of innocent civilian.maybe im too young to know |
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