Iraq’s Secret War Files

Iraq’s Secret War Files provides a revealing look at the Iraq War based on nearly 400,000 classified U.S. military documents leaked by WikiLeaks. Produced by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the realities of the conflict from 2004 to 2009.

The film contrasts official statements with the ground-level reports contained in these secret files, exposing significant discrepancies between public narratives and actual events. It highlights several troubling aspects of the war, including the scale of civilian casualties, instances of U.S. forces killing individuals attempting to surrender, and the continued abuse of prisoners even after the Abu Ghraib scandal.

One of the most striking revelations is the apparent overlooking of torture and abuse committed by Iraqi security forces. The documents suggest that U.S. troops were instructed not to investigate such incidents unless coalition forces were directly involved or ordered to do so by higher authorities. This raises questions about the adherence to international laws and conventions regarding prisoner treatment.

The documentary also sheds light on the evolving presence of Al-Qaeda in Iraq. According to the leaked files, mentions of the terrorist group increased dramatically from 2004 to 2008, coinciding with the period following Saddam Hussein’s removal from power.

While the release of these classified documents has been controversial, with concerns about potential security risks for coalition forces, the filmmakers argue that the information provides crucial insights into the conduct of the war. By analyzing millions of words across hundreds of thousands of entries, the documentary aims to present a more accurate picture of the Iraq War and its consequences.