Turning Point: Le 11 septembre et la guerre contre le terrorisme

Once upon a time, there were these two jocks (full of muscle but s**t for brains) who had to one-up each other and see who has the bigger cojones. One is a psychopath (Russia) and the other is a narcissist (America). Somehow they had teamed up to defeat a common thorn in their side (Germany) and each ended up briefly dating the conjoined Korean twins. Of course they had to sow discord between the twins, indoctrinating them with their respective ideologies. Russia later flirted with Vietnam and America was like, "Not on my watch". It was an ugly love triangle.

Not long after Vietnam, Russia, like a horny teenager, made a move on Afghanistan. America obviously had to spoil Russia's party and come to Afghanistan's rescue like a knight in shining armour. America saved Afghanistan from being violated by Russia. Russia then went through a meltdown. But fear not, trouble was brewing within the Islamic society over the distribution of Adderall. Iraq tried to seize Kuwait's share of Adderall. America, horrified at the potential disruption to the Adderall supply chain, stepped in and fended off Iraq on Kuwait's behalf. What a guy.

This drew the attention of the new bad boy of Islamic society, Al Qaeda, who did not appreciate America meddling in Islamic affairs. So Al orchestrated an elaborate plot to invade America's home and destroy America's pride - his high school trophies. America was livid; Russia had a massive case of schadenfreude. To save face, America decided to strike back. See, Al had been cosying up to Afghanistan's tyrannical patriarch, the Taliban, and living under their roof. America then exposed Al Qaeda and Taliban for their misdemeanors, and got them kicked out of home.

Afghanistan was grateful that she gets to do whatever she wanted at home again, without the watchful eye of the Taliban. High on adrenaline, America was looking for another fight and his gaze settled on Iraq. Time for some unfinished business. Afghanistan, in the meantime, like a damsel in distress, could not decide whether she loves America or not, "Is he my liberator or is he another oppressor?". Why don't we find out by inviting the Taliban back home? Not to be outdone, Russia has been doing some shady things in the Crimea and Syria. These two bad boys are hellbent on leaving their skid marks all over the world.

Americans (even some liberals) typically have a hard time admitting the numerous human right violations that were committed by their government as part of its "War on Terror". I was worried that this would be a fictional story of American heroism but luckily, a diverse panel of interviewers from all sides makes this a reasonably balanced portrayal. Almost shocking given how ignorantly biased and self-centered many American "documentaries" on this topic are. The portrayal of 9/11 is well done. It's good to see it put into the larger context - both the before and after.

Pretty extensive history, starting with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and ending with the Americans leaving in 2021. Some political figures and veterans who were involved comment. Consequences of the war and political decisions are discussed.

Overall this documentary was substantial and well-researched as far as I can tell. One remark: I wish it would have covered some backstory on the pilots and their radicalisation in Germany.

A really in-depth and thorough view of 9/11. I think so many of us have seen documentaries or at least coverage on September 11 but not so much the aftermath and 19 years of war. Astounding but somewhat conceivable at the same time how Congress only had 1 person challenge the decision to give Bush an open mandate to declare a broad war on Terror. Hindsight is also 20/20. It shows how critical foreign policy is and how no robust strategy or plan has emerged over 19 years. I found this a very sobering documentary, there were no winners in this. The world paid a dear price with this deadly attack and its plagued us in various forms and countries ever since.

Pretty spot on demonstration of how an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.