Watch Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace

Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace is a 2009 documentary film that explores the untold story of how the historic Middle East peace process came about. The film takes a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes negotiations that took place between Israeli and Arab officials during the 20th century, set against a backdrop of political unrest, war, and terrorism.

Directed by Harry Hunkele, the film features interviews with several prominent political figures including former US President Jimmy Carter, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Through a series of compelling and candid interviews, these key players recount the events, policies, and decisions that led to the historic 1978 Camp David Accords and the subsequent peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, which had been enemies for decades.

The film focuses largely on the personal relationships and channels of communication that were established between the parties involved, as they worked to establish trust, overcome obstacles, and find common ground. These "back door channels," as they were referred to at the time, ultimately formed the foundation for the peace negotiations and helped to navigate disagreements between the two sides.

One of the most powerful moments in the film is when Jimmy Carter recounts his personal involvement in the peace process. He discusses the complex negotiations that led to the Camp David Accords and how he leveraged his personal relationships with leaders on both sides to make progress for peace. The film also explores the personal beliefs and motivations of the key players involved in the peace process, revealing a deep commitment to bringing an end to the violence and bloodshed that had plagued the region for so long.

Another key theme in the film is the role of the United States in the peace process. From Kissinger's groundbreaking shuttle diplomacy to Carter's personal involvement, the film shows how American diplomacy played a pivotal role in the peace negotiations. This involvement, however, was not without controversy as the film also highlights the criticism faced by Carter and other negotiators in their efforts to broker peace in the Middle East.

Throughout the film, the audience is given a detailed and intimate look into the complex world of international diplomacy, providing a unique perspective on one of the most important peace negotiations of the 20th century. Using archival footage, personal photographs, and expert interviews, Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the history of the Middle East conflict and the role of diplomacy in achieving peace.

Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.