Truth, Lies and Intelligence
Truth, Lies and Intelligence
A documentary by Carmel Travers
If you thought Fahrenheit 9-11, Outfoxed, The Corporation and similar documentaries in our Cafe Diem! store were good, try to get to see Truth, Lies and Intelligence, by veteran Australian investigative journo, Carmel Travers. Unfortunately, it's not in Cafe Diem! yet, but we're working on it.
"Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, used as the catalyst for the invasion by the coalition of the willing, have not been found. According to intelligence reports, they may never have existed.
"So why did government leaders in the US, Britain and Australia use the claim to justify their military involvement?
Documentary producer Carmel Travers talks to former US intelligence agent Greg Thielman, who advised Colin Powell on the threat posed by Iraq. He contradicts many of the claims that were made by Powell to the UN Security Council before the invasion of Iraq.
"Closer to home, Andrew Wilkie, former senior intelligence officer with the Office of National Assessment in Canberra, details his decision to voice his opposition to the war through the media. 'I did not betray my country. I betrayed my government for the country that I love,' Wilkie tells Travers."
Source
"Journalist, broadcaster and filmmaker Carmel Travers' incisive new documentary examines the response of the intelligence community to the war in Iraq. Interviews with Australian and American whistleblowers are interspersed with stories of the Iraqi people whose lives have changed irrevocably. The film powerfully illuminates that in war, the truth varies according to your level of engagement."
Source
Google Travers truth lies intelligence
Pip Wilson posted item above at 8:21 PM | Permalink
1 Comments:
This is a remarkable documentary and well worth getting on DVD. Apart from the shocking truth behind the intelligence fraud that launched an unjust invasion of Iraq, the film has a profoundly human aspect to it which is both inspiring and devastating. Most notable the story of Guzin Najim, whom, with director Carmel Travers, travels back to the Middle East in hopes of visiting her husband’s grave for the first time. Guzin recounts her ordeal from the day her diplomat husband arrived home beaten and poisoned at the hands of Saddam's men only to die days later after Guzin had tried to care for him the best she could. But more horrendous is her recount of the beating and torment she suffered at the hands of these same men for six years after Saddam had her and her children placed under house arrest.
Even though Iraq may have been liberated, it still remains too dangerous a place for Guzin and Carmel to make the pilgrimage to the grave of this remarkable woman's husband.
Another part of the DVD I found fascinating was the very insightful extended interview with Australian Andrew Wilkie which was included as part of the extra features. Wilkie discusses his motivation for exposing the truth behind the Governments improper use of the intelligence put forward. It’s a heartfelt interview and offers a look at a man who lost almost everything to stand up for the truth. Regardless of the media or the governments portrayal of this man, the interview portrays a noble individual who should be held up as a role model, not a traitor for his actions.
In all, Truth, Lies & Intelligence is a straight forward, journalistic approach to a matter that has changed our history, and thankfully without the glitz and spin of the American docos that have been hitting the screens lately. Ms Travers is to applauded on her work.
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