Ep 9. Benghazi in Crisis/Yemen Under Siege

In season 34, episode 9 of Frontline, titled "Benghazi in Crisis/Yemen Under Siege," the focus is on two countries in the Middle East that have been rocked by violence and political unrest. The first half of the episode covers Benghazi, the Libyan city that became infamous after a 2012 attack on the American diplomatic compound there resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya.

Through interviews with government officials, journalists, and survivors of the attack, the filmmakers piece together a detailed account of what happened before, during, and after the assault. They explore the failures of both the Libyan government and the U.S. State Department to adequately protect American personnel in Benghazi, as well as the ensuing political fallout that continues to this day.

The second half of the episode shifts the focus to Yemen, a country torn apart by civil war and a humanitarian crisis that has left millions of people at risk of starvation. The filmmakers follow a group of humanitarian workers as they try to navigate the dangerous landscape of Yemen, where air strikes and blockades by Saudi Arabia and its allies have left many areas inaccessible to aid groups.

The workers describe the challenges they face in trying to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people, including children and the elderly, who are caught in the middle of the conflict. The filmmakers also touch on the complicated geopolitical issues at play in Yemen, including the role of Iran and the United States in the conflict.

Overall, "Benghazi in Crisis/Yemen Under Siege" offers a sobering look at two countries struggling to maintain stability in the face of violence and political turmoil. It highlights the human toll of these conflicts, as well as the challenges faced by those trying to provide aid and assistance to those in need.