Watch WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception

WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception is a documentary film released in 2004 that delves deep into the role of the media in the Iraq War. Directed and produced by Danny Schechter, the film features interviews with journalists, media watchdog groups, and former government officials, including Peter Arnett, a renowned war correspondent who reported on the Gulf War, and some key names of the Iraq War like George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and Tony Blair.

The film begins by asserting that the American public was misled into supporting the war in Iraq based on the false premises of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and links to Al-Qaeda. It highlights that the mainstream media, particularly the news networks, played a critical role in perpetuating these myths and shaping the public's perceptions, effectively becoming the propaganda arm of the Bush administration.

WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception further examines the ways in which these media organizations did not just focus on the propagation of the Bush administration's nuanced versions of the truth but also distorted facts to make its case for war. It also explores how some media outlets actively suppressed or censored stories that went against the government's official narrative, failing to exercise the responsibility of the fourth estate to hold powers to account.

The film features various scenes that provide insight into the media landscape of that time, including some of the most iconic moments of coverage leading up to the Iraq War. It showcases the various talking points pushed by the government, such as how Saddam Hussein may have access to uranium from Africa and that there were links to terrorists. It also features interviews with former CIA officials who assert that the intelligence was manipulated or twisted to justify the war.

The film further highlights the crucial role played by foreign correspondents in Iraq, who were often overlooked or ignored in the American media. It explores how covering a conflict from within the region itself provides a much-needed perspective, and how reporters like Arnett were ostracized and targeted for their reporting.

Interspersed throughout the documentary are the media's biggest mistakes, valid criticisms, and the moments where they seemed complicit in repeating the White House's unverified claims. It also examines how the media moved on from the failure to uncover weapons of mass destruction and the consequences of being uncritical of power, such as the long-lasting insurgency that followed.

The climax of WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception delves into the aftermath of the Iraq war and the investigative reporting that finally started to uncover the truth behind the WMD claims. The documentary explores the role of independent media, particularly blogs and citizen journalism sites, that began questioning the official narrative once the traditional press stopped doing its job.

In conclusion, WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception is a powerful exposé of the pervasive influence of the American mainstream media, its link to political power, and the consequences of the media's failure to fulfill its responsibility to inform and educate the public. It is a scathing critique of journalism that uncovers the realities behind war propaganda and the need for ethical journalism to uphold democracy's pillars. The film remains relevant as it reminds us of the importance of media literacy and the role of citizens in holding power to account.