Watch Relentless: The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East

Relentless: The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East is a documentary film from 2003 that delves into the complex and ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The film is directed by Wayne Kopping and is narrated by Martin Sheen. The movie features a range of interviews with political and religious leaders, as well as experts on the Middle East, and provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural context of the conflict.

The film begins by tracing the roots of the conflict back to the early 20th century, when Jewish immigrants began arriving in Palestine in search of a homeland. This was met with resistance from the Arab population, who saw their territory being taken away from them. Tensions then escalated with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The film then moves on to explore the subsequent wars, the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the peace process that took place in the 1990s.

One of the central themes of the movie is the role of religion in the conflict. The documentary features interviews with prominent religious leaders, both Jewish and Muslim, who discuss the importance of their faiths in shaping their beliefs about the conflict. The film provides insight into the deeply ingrained religious divisions between the two groups, with both sides claiming the land as their own and citing religious texts to support their arguments.

Another key focus of the film is the political landscape of the conflict, and the powerful players involved. The documentary delves into the role of the United States, as a key supporter of Israel, and the various attempts by different US administrations to broker a lasting peace deal. The movie features interviews with American politicians, including Bill Clinton and Madeleine Albright, who discuss their efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

The film also explores the complex relationship between Israel and the wider Arab world, particularly in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The documentary delves into the rise of Palestinian nationalism and the formation of militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and the impact they have had on the conflict.

Throughout the film, there is a strong sense of the sheer scale of the conflict and the human cost it has exacted. The documentary includes interviews with ordinary civilians on both sides of the conflict, who discuss the impact of the violence on their lives. The film also explores the role of the media in shaping perceptions of the conflict, with interviews with journalists and media experts.

Overall, Relentless: The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East is a powerful and comprehensive documentary that provides a detailed look at the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The film does an excellent job of presenting both sides of the debate, and provides insight into the cultural, religious, and political factors that have contributed to the conflict. The movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Middle East conflict, and the challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region.