Ep 9. Bush's War, Pt. 2

Frontline season 26 episode 9, titled "Bush's War, Pt. 2," is a continuation of the exploration of the decisions and actions that led to the United States' involvement in the Iraq War. This episode delves deeper into the role of the Bush administration and the intelligence community in the lead-up to the war, and the consequences of their actions.

The episode begins with a recap of the events leading up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, including the flawed intelligence that suggested Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. The episode then shifts focus to the key players in the Bush administration, including Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and their repeated assertions that Iraq posed a significant threat to the U.S.

Through interviews with former insiders and experts, the episode examines the intelligence failures that led to the reliance on faulty information, as well as the political pressure placed on the intelligence community to produce evidence of an Iraqi threat. The episode also discusses the role of the media in selling the Bush administration's case for war to the American public.

"Bush's War, Pt. 2" also looks at the aftermath of the war, including the chaos and violence that followed the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, and the rise of sectarian tensions that led to the current state of conflict in the region. The episode analyzes the decisions made by the Bush administration during the occupation of Iraq, including the disbanding of the Iraqi army and the failure to adequately plan for the post-war reconstruction.

The episode concludes with an examination of the legacy of the Iraq War, including the rise of ISIS and the continued instability in the region. Through interviews with experts and individuals affected by the war, "Bush's War, Pt. 2" highlights the many ways in which the decision to invade Iraq had far-reaching and unforeseen consequences.

Overall, "Bush's War, Pt. 2" is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of one of the most consequential events in recent American history. The episode takes a critical and nuanced look at the actions of the Bush administration and the intelligence community, shedding light on the mistakes and misjudgments that led to the Iraq War, and the ongoing challenges facing the region in the aftermath.