Road to War: Iraq
August 24, 2007Jason Bolicki, Producer, "Road to War: Iraq"
When I began contacting interviewees for "The Road to War," many seemed surprised. With news from the Middle East dominating the headlines every day, it seemed natural that I would want their take on the current situation in Iraq. But everyone understood the importance of reflecting on how the decision was made to go to war. It's a decision that still affects every one of us more than four years later.
It was fascinating to hear, firsthand, how quickly the wheels began turning for a war with Iraq. Richard Armitage recalled that, after 9/11, "Saddam Hussein's name was mentioned almost immediately by some colleagues in the Department of Defense." Though the CIA quickly ruled out Saddam as the culprit, Armitage told me "there were certain quarters the administration who would speak up and say, 'Oh, Saddam Hussein may be at the bottom of this.'"
Inviting me into their homes or offices, everyone was quite candid about their particular role in history. Mary Matalin spoke about the heated debates that occurred behind closed doors at the White House. Sen. Bob Graham told me he was stunned when he heard there were no plans for a National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq's WMD programs. 
Andy Card recalled how he was alone with President Bush just moments after he made the decision to go to war.
What's most remarkable about "The Road to War" is that there's only one man walking on it. Whether or not you agree President Bush's decision to invade Iraq, it was his -- alone -- to make.
Road To War Iraq Premieres Monday August 27, 9p et/pt
Preview a segment here before it airs.
Comments (8)
I have sat for the last 45 minutes and watched your appalling whitewash of the Bush administration in "Road to War - Iraq". When did the producers at National Geographic lose their objectivity in reporting? It amazes me that you left out ALL of the known lies and half-truths employed by the administration to drum up support for this horrible war. Every day more innocent civilians and young American soldiers lose their lives due to the horros enacted by the Bush government. You are now equally culpable in this tragedy for refusing to tell the truth about the lead up to this war. I have always admired and respected your television programs and your magazine. You have now wasted any respect and admiration I once had. I am ashamed that this august magazine has stooped to the level of daily rags by airing such trash. Your lies, added to the lies the American people have suffered under Bush and his cronies, has added even more evidence to the belief that journalism in the country is at the lowest it has ever been. Based on your latest addition to "journalistic integrity" I fear the people of this country will never again be able to trust we will get truth in reporting. May the blood of all of the people who have died due to this atrocity be on your heads.
Posted by R Watson | August 28, 2007 1:02 AM
I also watched and waited to hear more facts that lead up to the "Road To War".How does the "New American Century" drafted June 1997 come to play in going to war in Iraq.I totally agree with the previous view of R.Watson.
Where are the other comments on this documentary?
Posted by E Coleman | August 29, 2007 7:49 AM
We appreciate your comments and take them quite seriously. We feel we have presented as unbiased a look as the substantiated facts allow - we can't cover everything in an hour, but we gave enough to allow viewers to make their own decisions. In our comments@natgeochannel.com email most viewers felt we were too harsh on President Bush. Here's an example:
I am shocked to actually learn your slant on the Iraq war. I thought you were above the CNN's and MSNBC's biased reporting. I just watched a program called something akin to "the lead up to the war in Iraq". In this piece you wholly slanted the decision, the reason and blamed it on President Bush. I recently had flooding, please do a story on how it is G. Bush's fault. Who do you think you are fooling? The illegal immigrants? It is a shame that the American Press has become a puppet for the people who want to "rule" America. America is supposed to be a place where you can "make it on your own". Not a place of over-powering government, that only has their own interests/power in mind. Most all of the Democrats agreed to sending our troops into Iraq. Now it's all "George Bush's fault". You are a bunch of whining, crying, do-nothing, baby's. Oh, and Global Warming....it's the Sun, STUPID!!! Another Liberal plan to rule the world. It is bordering on Communism. The American people understand and you are doomed. Start reporting unbiased information. You are not in the business of shaping the news to be sensational. You are supposed to report the truth. You Don't. I am ashamed for America for the way the media and the Democrats portray daily events. YOU are POLITICIANS. Not real people. The people of America will prevail. I anxiously await your demise.
Posted by Jeff Darnell | August 29, 2007 5:27 PM
You all know they are not going to imply Bush was responsible for 9/11
and the war is inspired by greed
. Very few media outlets are that independent, if any
(They were plotting the whole invasion 10-20 years ago)
Posted by M. Johnson | September 2, 2007 1:34 PM
the war in iraq needs to stop
Posted by tanner simmons | September 26, 2007 9:59 AM
the war sucks and needs to stop.....the wars realy in iran
Posted by t killa | September 26, 2007 10:01 AM
man why we fightin this war.iraq needs to learn that we showed up to protect, not kill. but do they listen? NO! so their gettin what they deserve for not respecting the fact that we tried to help.
Posted by Dk | November 29, 2007 8:32 AM
IT MUST STOP
Posted by open | February 7, 2008 12:32 PM