May 2005
What will be the implications of recent events in Basra? How did British soldiers come to threatening their own allies? Prescient and timely, 'Beyond the War' is a look at how one of the most stable provinces in Iraq is slowly descending into chaos.
Captain Rob Armstrong is responsible for securing the frontier with Iran. "We're very concerned with the porous nature of the border," he confides. "There's evidence of weapons coming across." It's feared that rocket propelled grenades from Iran are helping to re-arm the Mehdi army. Even in Basra, one of the most peaceful regions in Iraq, patience is wearing thin. There's limited fresh water or electricity, road side bombs go off every day and there's still no sign of foreign troops leaving. Abdel Ali's son was killed by an IUD. Like many of Basra's residents, he believes the violence is being perpetrated by Syria and Iran who oppose democracy in Iraq. "All the countries around us are afraid of the success of the Iraqi experience," he explains. "They do not want it applied to their countries because it will cause problems for their political regimes." But as tensions rise, religious groups are positioning themselves to exploit the unrest. "Clearly religious influence is coming from Iran to various factions here in Basra," states Lt Col Phil Lewis. "Iran has an interest in what's going on." It seems that even in the safest areas of Iraq, new dangers are emerging.
Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures
16 окт 2024
