Saddam's Tribe

Watch Saddam's Tribe

  • 1969
  • 1 Season

Saddam's Tribe is a compelling documentary series from Channel 4 that explores the complex and tumultuous history of Iraq through the lens of Saddam Hussein and his extended family. The show delves deep into the lives of Saddam's tribe members and the broader political and social landscape of Iraq.

Each episode of the series focuses on a different member of the family, such as Saddam's half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti or his daughters, Raghad and Rana. Viewers are taken on a journey from the turbulent rise of Saddam to power in the late 1970s to his fall and execution in 2006. Along the way, they see how family dynamics shaped the regime of Saddam's Baath Party and how the familial ties of the tribe continued to have repercussions long after his death.

Saddam's Tribe also places great emphasis on the wider context in which the family operated. The series covers key events in modern Iraqi history, from the Iran-Iraq War to the Gulf War to the US-led invasion in 2003. Through archival footage and interviews with experts and eyewitnesses, viewers get a sense of the upheaval and violence that characterized Saddam's regime and the forces that led to its eventual downfall.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is its focus on the personal experiences and emotions of the family members. Viewers see how Saddam's relatives alternately admired and resented him, and how their relationships with each other were shaped by their positions in the regime. The series also explores the human toll of Saddam's brutal reign, including the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, the crushing of dissent, and the effects of economic sanctions.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Saddam's Tribe manages to be both informative and engrossing. The series is impressively researched and offers a nuanced portrait of a country that has long been misunderstood by the outside world. The show's producers clearly sought out a variety of perspectives on Saddam and his family, and they present these perspectives in a thoughtful and balanced manner.

One of the most contentious aspects of the series is its decision to give airtime to members of Saddam's family, some of whom remain unrepentant about their roles in the dictatorship. However, many viewers will likely appreciate the opportunity to hear from these figures firsthand, which provides a unique insight into the psychology of those who supported Saddam.

Saddam's Tribe is also notable for its high production values. The series is beautifully shot and edited, with stunning aerial footage of Iraq's landscapes and cities. The soundtrack, which blends traditional Iraqi music with contemporary beats, is also memorable.

Overall, Saddam's Tribe is an excellent documentary series that sheds light on a complex and fascinating subject. It offers a humanizing look at a family that has long been demonized in the Western media, while at the same time contextualizing their actions within the broader history of Iraq. Fans of political documentaries and Middle Eastern history will not want to miss it.

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Seasons
Saddam's Tribe
1. Saddam's Tribe
 
The invasion of Iraq in 2003 brought a dramatic end to Saddam Hussein's brutal regime.
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