Gitmo

This documentary was compiled by a two-person team based in Sweden. They investigate the Guantánamo Bay detention facility (GITMO) used by the United States in housing enemy non-combatants for purposes of interrogation to seek intelligence that can be used in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

It is clear that the filmmakers do not like the facility; they raise issues regarding application of the Geneva Conventions, and also propose there is a linkage between tough practices for interrogation developed at GITMO and the disaster at Abu Gareb in Iraq.

The documentary, however, does present alternative views, and on the whole this work is balanced and not a piece of propaganda. It raises serious questions regarding the new environment of GWOT, including the role of private contractors and the issues raised by Al Quaeda not being a country, but rather a private organization. In other words, what are the legal and ethical issues that arise when "war" is not between countries, but between countries and private organizations.

Erik Gandini's 'documentary' on the conditions at Gitmo is another example of obviously talented filmmakers going after easy targets and NOT serving their western audience well. I would be interested in seeing them put their zeal & energy into investigating why, for example, Saudi Arabia still educates their children to hate western (Swedish and US) ideals. Or, are there examples of 'moderate' Islamic men actually trying to reform their culture so MAYBE Islam can start giving women the rights enjoyed by women in Sweden?? Just like the main stream, drive by media, that attacks easy targets like the Catholic Church or George Bush -- I think Eric Gandini's smirks and pompous tone of voice is extremely annoying and makes me wonder what his true intentions are.