Watch Rethink Afghanistan

Rethink Afghanistan is a compelling documentary film that delves into the complex and contentious issues surrounding the United States' ongoing military involvement in Afghanistan. Directed by Robert Greenwald and released in 2009, the film features a diverse range of perspectives from experts, politicians, soldiers, and citizens, offering a comprehensive analysis of the war and its implications for both Afghanistan and the United States.

The film begins by examining the events that led to the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. It highlights the Taliban's oppressive regime, which provided a safe haven for Al Qaeda, as well as the United States' military objectives, which included combatting terrorism, eliminating Al Qaeda, and fostering stability in the region.

However, as the documentary progresses, it becomes increasingly critical of U.S. policy in Afghanistan. Through interviews with military personnel, experts, and Afghan citizens, Rethink Afghanistan exposes the flawed assumptions and misconceptions that underpinned the United States' intervention, highlighting the unintended consequences that have resulted from nearly two decades of war.

The film shines a spotlight on the devastating toll that the war has taken on Afghan civilians, who have endured widespread violence, displacement, and economic hardship. It also highlights the challenges faced by U.S. soldiers, who have been forced to navigate a complex and shifting political landscape while engaging in a protracted conflict with no clear end in sight.

Throughout the film, viewers are presented with a range of voices and opinions, including those of anti-war activists, conservative politicians, and military insiders. The documentary does not shy away from difficult questions, nor does it offer easy solutions. Instead, it provides a nuanced and multifaceted picture of a conflict that has defied easy characterization.

One of the key strengths of Rethink Afghanistan is its focus on Afghan voices. The film features interviews with Afghan citizens and experts who offer a unique perspective on the conflict and its impact on the country. By foregrounding the experiences of those who have been most directly affected by the war, the documentary humanizes a conflict that is too often reduced to abstract military objectives and strategic considerations.

Ultimately, Rethink Afghanistan challenges viewers to reevaluate their assumptions about the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and to consider alternative ways of addressing the complex challenges facing the region. The film does not offer a definitive answer to the question of how best to move forward, but it does provide a compelling case for the urgent need for a new approach.

In conclusion, Rethink Afghanistan is an important and thought-provoking documentary that offers a nuanced and critical examination of the United States' intervention in Afghanistan. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the film offers a comprehensive perspective on one of the most enduring and contentious conflicts of our time. By presenting a diversity of viewpoints, the documentary encourages viewers to rethink their assumptions about the war and to consider a range of possible paths forward.

Rethink Afghanistan is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.