Watch Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror

Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror is a documentary series that explores the events leading up to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as the subsequent response from the United States government and the effects it had on the world. The series, which originally aired on Netflix in September 2021, is divided into five episodes and features interviews with surviving family members of 9/11 victims, military veterans, high-ranking government officials, and journalists who have covered the War on Terror.

The series is hosted by James LaPorta, a Marine Corps veteran and journalist who has covered national security and military affairs for several publications. LaPorta provides context and analysis throughout the series, helping viewers understand the complexities of the War on Terror and the various actors involved.

The first episode of Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror focuses on the events leading up to the attacks on September 11, 2001. The episode details the rise of al-Qaeda and the various warning signs that were missed by government agencies in the months and years leading up to the attacks. The episode also features interviews with family members of 9/11 victims, who share their personal experiences and stories of loss.

The second episode delves into the immediate aftermath of the attacks, including the government's response and efforts to rescue survivors and recover bodies from the rubble. The episode also covers the George W. Bush administration's decision to invade Afghanistan in an effort to dismantle al-Qaeda and overthrow the Taliban regime.

In the third episode, the series explores the controversial policies and tactics employed by the Bush administration in the War on Terror, including the use of torture and the establishment of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. The episode also covers the government's surveillance programs and the erosion of civil liberties in the wake of 9/11.

The fourth episode of Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror focuses on the Iraq War, which was launched in 2003 under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction. The episode covers the intel that was used to justify the invasion and the subsequent fallout, including the rise of sectarian violence and the emergence of groups like ISIS.

The final episode of the series brings the story up to the present day, covering the legacy of the War on Terror and its ongoing impact on the world. The episode features interviews with veterans who served in the Middle East and civilians who have been impacted by the conflict. The episode also touches on the current state of al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as the potential for future terrorist attacks.

Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror is a comprehensive look at one of the defining events of the 21st century and its ongoing aftermath. The series provides a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of the complex and multifaceted issues surrounding the War on Terror, drawing on a variety of perspectives and firsthand accounts. While it can be difficult to watch at times, Turning Point is an important and necessary exploration of a topic that continues to shape our world today.

Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between September 1, 2021 and on Netflix