Watch Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me It Would Become This Bad in Afghanistan

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me It Would Become This Bad in Afghanistan is a 2007 documentary film that explores the reality of the situation in Afghanistan following the United States' invasion of the country in 2001. The film is directed by Cyrus Frisch, who also stars in the documentary as he travels to Afghanistan with his cameraman, Marcel Van Den Broek. The film relies heavily on Frisch's personal experiences and interactions with the people of Afghanistan, as well as his own opinions and insights into the conflict.

The film begins with a brief overview of the political and social context of the conflict in Afghanistan, including the events leading up to the US invasion, and the subsequent Taliban regime that controlled the country prior to the invasion. Frisch then begins to explore the reality on the ground, highlighting the impact of the conflict on the people of Afghanistan, many of whom have been displaced, injured or killed as a direct result of the war.

Throughout the film, Frisch interviews a range of individuals, including Afghan refugees, soldiers, aid workers, and government officials. These interviews provide a unique and nuanced insight into the conflict, highlighting the different perspectives and experiences of those involved.

One of the key themes of the film is the impact of the war on the lives of ordinary Afghans. Frisch captures moving footage of children working in fields, people living in squalid camps and the destruction of towns and villages. He also emphasizes the high casualty rate on both sides of the conflict, with many Afghan civilians killed in US drone strikes or targeted operations.

Frisch also provides a critique of the United States' involvement in the conflict, arguing that the war has led to increased instability, political corruption, and economic hardship in Afghanistan. He highlights the failure of the US government to achieve their stated objectives, including the eradication of the Taliban and the establishment of a stable and democratic government in the country.

The documentary also explores the social and cultural implications of the conflict. Frisch notes the impact of the war on women, who have often been marginalized and oppressed in Afghan society. He highlights the limited access to education and healthcare for women, as well as the prevalence of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based discrimination.

Overall, Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me It Would Become This Bad in Afghanistan is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that provides a unique and intimate insight into the conflict in Afghanistan. Frisch's personal narrative provides a human face to the conflict, highlighting the impact of the war on the lives of ordinary people in the country. The film also provides a nuanced critique of US involvement in the conflict, emphasizing the complex and multifaceted nature of the conflict in Afghanistan.