Ep 1. Obama's War

During the early years of his presidency, Barack Obama positioned the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan as his primary foreign policy objective. As the United States enters its eleventh year of war and civilian casualties continue to mount, Obama reevaluates his approach and orders a surge of additional troops to the region. In Frontline's 28th season premiere, appropriately named "Obama's War," filmmakers offer an unprecedented glimpse into the strategy discussions and decision-making processes that led the president to make this bold move.

Featuring in-depth interviews with key advisors and officials, candid conversations with soldiers on the ground, and exclusive access to the White House Situation Room, "Obama's War" traces the complexities and political pressures of one of the most important decisions of Obama's presidency.

Taking a step back from the immediate urgency of troop levels and combat missions, the episode begins by harkening back to Obama's initial campaign promises. Footage from the pre-2008 election cycle shows him condemning the Bush administration's approach to the war in Iraq while emphasizing his intent to bring American troops home. The show subtly sets up the question of whether Obama's policy change in Afghanistan contradicts this pledge or represents an altogether newfound realism in his foreign policy approach.

As the documentary delves deeper, viewers gain insight into Obama's thinking process regarding America's war in Afghanistan. A key theme that emerges is the president's belief that the U.S. has strayed from its original goals in the war - to eradicate Al Qaeda and combat the terrorist threat it posed - and become bogged down in costly nation-building efforts. "Obama's War" highlights the deep-seated tensions between military officials who advocate a more aggressive, troop-heavy approach, and diplomats who prioritize negotiations with the Taliban and other local leaders.

One of the most notable features of the episode is its sprawling cast of characters. As each contributor weighs in, viewers gain a multifaceted understanding of the considerations at play in shaping Obama's war policy. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, National Security Advisor James Jones, and Senior Advisor David Axelrod all offer their perspectives on the debate surrounding troop numbers and escalation.

Yet as much as "Obama's War" takes place in the Oval Office or on Capitol Hill, the most powerful moments of the episode are the testimonials of the soldiers sent to execute the president's orders. Through interviews with those on the front lines, the episode paints a complex portrait of troops who believe in their mission but increasingly recognize that it may be futile. Their stories are at once passionate and disillusioned, outlining the often-surreal experiences of being caught in the middle of a far-off conflict.

Ultimately, "Obama's War" refrains from making sweeping judgments about the war in Afghanistan or Obama's presidency. Instead, it offers a rare fly-on-the-wall perspective on one of the most contentious issues of the era, providing a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the difficult decisions of war. On a broader level, it stands out as an exemplar of the kind of high-quality journalism and storytelling that has made Frontline a trusted source for in-depth documentaries on American culture and politics.