Watch My Country, My Country

My Country, My Country is a 2006 documentary film directed by Laura Poitras that explores the daily life of Iraqis living under the US occupation, seen through the eyes of Dr. Riyadh, an Iraqi physician and father of six who is running for office in the January 2005 elections. The film follows Dr. Riyadh as he interacts with his patients, who have been affected by the ongoing violence and chaos in the country. We see him attend meetings, debate political issues with other candidates, and go door-to-door campaigning in the streets of Baghdad. Through his actions, we get a sense of his dedication to his country and his desire to help heal it.

The film also provides a window into the lives of other Iraqis, including an outspoken Sunni politician, a widowed mother struggling to care for her children, and a young boy who dreams of playing soccer in a stadium now occupied by US troops. Throughout, we witness the daily struggles of living in a war zone – the lack of basic necessities like running water and electricity, as well as the omnipresence of violence and the constant threat of danger.

As the elections draw nearer, tensions rise and the film takes on a more urgent tone. Dr. Riyadh faces opposition from the US-backed interim government, who view him as a potential threat to their control. He also makes enemies within his own community, as he tries to bridge the divide between Sunni and Shia factions.

My Country, My Country is a powerful and intimate portrait of a country and its people in the midst of great upheaval. Poitras' camera is unobtrusive, allowing the subjects to speak for themselves and their stories to unfold naturally. Through their words and actions, we gain insight into the complex political and cultural forces at play in Iraq, as well as the personal toll the war has taken on individuals and families.

While not explicitly political, the film does not shy away from tackling political issues head-on. We see firsthand the ways in which the US occupation has affected the lives of Iraqis, from the destruction of infrastructure and the loss of life, to the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of sectarian violence. However, the film also recognizes the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people, who continue to fight for their country despite the many obstacles in their path.

My Country, My Country is not an easy film to watch – it is a raw and unflinching portrait of a country in crisis. But it is also an important one, offering a glimpse into a world that is often portrayed in simplistic or one-dimensional terms. Through the eyes of Dr. Riyadh and his fellow Iraqis, we gain a better understanding of the complexities and nuances of life in Iraq, and the struggles that continue to define the country to this day.