Frontline Season 9 Episode 15 To the Brink of War

To the Brink of War is the fifteenth episode of the ninth season of Frontline. In this episode, the team of reporters and experts explores the tensions between Iraq and the United States during the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The episode delves deep into the decision-making processes of both the Bush administration and the Saddam Hussein government, and examines how ideology, politics, and misinformation played a role in the push for war.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey that reveals the complex web of events that led to the brink of war. The show begins with a look at the aftermath of the Gulf War, and how Saddam Hussein's regime exploited the UN embargo to gain power and influence in the region. The reporters interview several key players from both sides, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who famously presented evidence of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction to the UN in 2003.

The episode goes on to explore the political climate of the time, including the ongoing War on Terror and the post-9/11 fear of terrorist attacks. It delves into the role of neoconservative thinkers like Richard Perle and Paul Wolfowitz, who pushed for regime change in Iraq, and examines the ways in which their ideology influenced the Bush administration's decision-making process.

To the Brink of War also offers a closer look at Saddam Hussein's regime and the various political factions within Iraq. The reporters speak to Iraqis who were involved in the government at the time, as well as American officials who had contact with Hussein's inner circle. Through these interviews, the episode reveals the complex power struggles at play within the Iraqi government, and how they ultimately led to the country's destabilization.

As tensions continue to rise between the two countries, the episode explores the efforts at diplomacy and the role of the UN in trying to prevent war. It chronicles the efforts of UN weapons inspector Hans Blix, who was sent to Iraq to search for evidence of weapons of mass destruction, and examines how his findings were used (or ignored) by both sides of the conflict.

Ultimately, To the Brink of War offers a nuanced look at the factors that led to the Iraq War, and the ways in which ideology, politics, and misinformation can shape international relations. It is a thought-provoking and insightful episode of Frontline that sheds light on a pivotal moment in modern history.