Saddam's revenge

Description

The "Sunni Triangle" in the center of Iraq is an area inhabited by five million people, united by the same religion and the same social structure based on an ancient tribal system. Under Saddam Hussein, the Sunni tribes enjoyed special favors and privileges. He made them the backbone of his state, his party and his army. This film explores what has become of the Sunni tribes a year after the end of Saddam s dictatorship. The filmmaker observes their relationship with the U.S. forces in Falluja, the heart of the the Iraqi insurgency. There, in the last refuge of Saddam s former security apparatus, she meets radical preachers, former officers of Saddam s Secret Service and others who began the revolt against US forces. These men know they are protected by Sunni tribal tradition which assists and supports them and punishes those they consider traitors with death. Also interviewed is Sheik Sabah who has tried to help the Americans understand how to be more effective in dealing with the Sunnis. The film also captures the cycle of violence escalating between Sunni and Shia muslims as assassinations occur on both sides. The American in charge of the area, Colonel Drinkwine, discusses the difficulties he faces as he tries to take control of what is actually a civil war. Other American officers and former CIA agents discuss Saddam s dangerous legacy which threatens the stability and future of Iraq.

Runtime

52 min

Creator

Rados, Antonia

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

2004

Database

Alexander Street

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