60 Minutes Season 38 Episode 26 Elian, Al Queda's Town, First Man
- July 2, 2006
Elian, Al Queda's Town, First Man - 60 Minutes Season 38 Episode 26
In this episode of 60 Minutes, three stories are explored, each with its own unique perspective and insight.
First, the show covers the controversial story of Elian Gonzalez, a Cuban boy who was at the center of a custody battle between his father in Cuba and his relatives in Miami. The episode delves into the events leading up to the infamous raid by U.S. authorities to retrieve Elian from his relatives' home in Miami and return him to Cuba. Through interviews with key figures involved in the case, including Elian's father and the U.S. attorney general at the time, the show examines the political and emotional tensions that surrounded the case and its lasting impact on Cuban-American relations.
Next, 60 Minutes takes a rare and in-depth look at a town in Syria that was controlled by Al Qaeda. The episode includes interviews with residents of the town, who reveal how the terrorist group exerted its control over every aspect of their lives. The show also highlights the Syrian Democratic Forces, a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters who, with the support of the United States, liberated the town from Al Qaeda's grasp. Through the eyes of those who lived under Al Qaeda's regime, the episode sheds light on the brutality and oppression of the terrorist group's rule.
Finally, 60 Minutes profiles Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon. Using archival footage and interviews with Armstrong's family and colleagues, the show provides a personal look at the man behind the legendary achievement. Viewers will learn about the challenges Armstrong faced during the Apollo 11 mission, including his decision to manually override the lunar lander's computer and avoid a field of boulders just moments before landing. The episode also considers the lasting impact of Armstrong's historic accomplishment and its continued relevance to space exploration today.
Overall, 60 Minutes Season 38 Episode 26 offers a diverse blend of stories that offer unique perspectives on some of the world's most important events and figures. From a political standoff in Miami to a town under terrorist control in Syria to the first journey to the moon, this episode provides a thought-provoking and compelling look at history through the lens of those who lived it.