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The Lives Of US Forces In The Iraq War | Mission Accomplished: Langan In Iraq (2004) | Full Film

Journeyman Pictures・42 minutes read

The narrator details the ongoing conflict and challenges faced by the US military in post-war Iraq, highlighting resistance, violence, and failed reconstruction efforts. The speaker emphasizes the harsh realities of the war, including torture and abuse in Abu Ghraib prison, fueling Iraqi opposition to the occupation despite declared victories.

Insights

  • The reconstruction efforts in post-war Baghdad were marred by shortages of petrol and basic necessities, showcasing the failure to restore order and infrastructure.
  • The intense resistance faced by US forces in towns like Radi and Fuah, coupled with the failure to establish meaningful connections with locals, highlighted the ongoing conflict and challenges in post-war Iraq, overshadowing any perceived successes.

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Recent questions

  • What challenges did the US military face in post-war Iraq?

    The US military struggled with maintaining order, facing shortages of basic necessities, and encountering resistance and anti-American sentiments in Baghdad and surrounding areas. The reconstruction efforts failed to address the lack of infrastructure and essential supplies, leading to chaos and discontent among the local population. Open defiance and armed resistance in towns like Radi complicated the mission, with raids turning chaotic and suspects escaping. The intense resistance in various areas showcased the ongoing conflict and tension in post-war Iraq, making it challenging for the military to establish stability.

  • How did Operation Ivy Blizzard impact the town of Samara?

    Operation Ivy Blizzard, inspired by heavy metal album names, aimed to root out insurgents through intense house-to-house searches in Samara. The American forces heavily controlled the town, conducting searches reminiscent of Israeli Defense Force tactics. Despite claims of success with 46 insurgents killed, conflicting reports and alienation of the town followed. The operation, while attempting to eliminate threats, intensified the tense atmosphere in Samara, leading to increased grievances and resistance against the American presence.

  • What were the challenges faced by the 82nd Airborne Division in Fua?

    The 82nd Airborne Division faced challenges in winning hearts and minds in Fua, considering it an enemy stronghold. Clashes and a tense atmosphere characterized the interactions between the division and the locals, leading to ongoing conflicts and attacks. The division's combat experience did not fully prepare them for the resistance encountered in Fua, showcasing the difficulties in establishing trust and cooperation in a hostile environment.

  • How did the aftermath of conflicts contribute to continued violence in post-war Iraq?

    The aftermath of conflicts often led to continued violence in post-war Iraq, mirroring historical patterns seen post-World War II. The speaker, who survived a shooting, highlighted the traumatic experiences and emotional toll faced by individuals in hospitals. The stark reality of injuries and suffering contrasted media portrayals, emphasizing the ongoing struggles and challenges in the region. The escalation of tensions, fueled by attacks and resistance, perpetuated the cycle of violence and instability in the post-war landscape.

  • What impact did the detainment of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison have on Iraqi opposition to the occupation?

    The detainment of approximately 10,000 Iraqis at Abu Ghraib prison, with reports of torture and abuse surfacing, fueled growing resentment against the occupation. Long queues formed daily outside the prison, with individuals given tickets to visit their detained relatives. The harsh realities of torture and rape within the prison overshadowed any declared victories or investigations into intelligence failures by President Bush. The mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib contributed to the escalation of Iraqi opposition to the occupation, highlighting the deep-seated grievances and challenges faced by the local population.

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Summary

00:00

Chaos and Resistance in Post-War Baghdad

  • The narrator arrives in Baghdad 7 months after the war's end, skeptical of the claimed peace.
  • Freedom Radio broadcasts from Baghdad, highlighting the chaos and lack of basic necessities.
  • The US military struggles with maintaining order and infrastructure in post-war Iraq.
  • Shortages of petrol and basic necessities plague Baghdad, showcasing the failure of reconstruction efforts.
  • The narrator encounters resistance and anti-American sentiments in Baghdad and surrounding areas.
  • The Imam incites violence against American occupiers, leading to his imprisonment.
  • The narrator explores the intense resistance in towns like Radi and Fuah, where attacks occur.
  • The US military faces open defiance and armed resistance in Radi, complicating their mission.
  • A raid to apprehend an insurgent in Radi turns chaotic, with the suspect escaping.
  • The narrator's attempts to meet with the resistance in Baghdad are unsuccessful, highlighting the ongoing conflict and tension in post-war Iraq.

25:37

Operation Ivy Blizzard: American Success Amid Tensions

  • A civilian and a soldier were wounded in an attack, with the killing of many insurgents touted as a major American success.
  • Conflicting reports on the events led to a decision to visit Samara for firsthand observation.
  • Samara was heavily controlled by American forces, with intense house searches being conducted.
  • Operation Ivy Blizzard, inspired by heavy metal album names, aimed to root out insurgents through house-to-house searches.
  • The American tactics mirrored those of the Israeli Defense Force, sealing off towns and conducting searches.
  • Despite American presence, locals openly expressed grievances, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
  • The claim of 46 insurgents killed was debunked, leading to Operation Ivy Blizzard being hailed as a success but alienating the town.
  • The 82nd Airborne Division, known for its combat experience, faced challenges in winning hearts and minds in Fua.
  • Fua was considered an enemy stronghold by the 82nd, leading to clashes and a tense atmosphere.
  • The Americans faced attacks, with a Bradley tank hit, showcasing the ongoing conflict and challenges in the region.

51:28

Christmas Eve attack in Samara leads to casualties

  • An attack occurred on Christmas Eve afternoon, with a vehicle firing into multiple vehicles, resulting in casualties and injuries.
  • Two individuals were lost, and four were wounded during the attack.
  • The attack was in Samara, following Operation Ivy Blizzard, where 100 people were picked up.
  • The aftermath of conflicts often leads to continued violence, as seen post-World War II.
  • The speaker, who was shot but survived, highlighted the traumatic experiences in a hospital setting.
  • The speaker emphasized the emotional toll of dealing with casualties and the importance of reuniting them with their families.
  • The speaker expressed surprise at the stark reality of injuries and suffering faced by individuals, contrasting media portrayals.
  • A meeting with a resistance group in Samara was arranged, showcasing the tense atmosphere and risks involved.
  • The resistance leader claimed responsibility for attacking a US convoy on Christmas Eve, adding to the escalating tensions.
  • The speaker faced a dangerous situation when a mob turned against them, with some members of the resistance ultimately aiding in their escape.

01:21:19

Abu Ghraib: Detentions, Torture, and Iraqi Resentment

  • Around Abu Ghraib prison, the American forces have detained approximately 10,000 Iraqis, with long queues forming daily. Some individuals, including a translator, are given tickets to visit their relatives inside the prison, where reports of torture and rape have surfaced, leading to growing resentment against the occupation.
  • Despite President Bush ordering an investigation into intelligence failures in Iraq and admitting to erroneous information about weapons of mass destruction, the harsh realities of the war, including torture and abuse within Abu Ghraib prison, have fueled Iraqi opposition to the occupation, overshadowing any declared victories.
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