Frontline World Season 5 Episode 1 Saddam's Road to Hell; Jewel of the Amazon

In season 5's premiere episode of Frontline/World, titled "Saddam's Road to Hell; Jewel of the Amazon," viewers are taken on two vastly different journeys. The first half of the episode focuses on the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the hunt for Saddam Hussein. The second half shifts focus to the Amazon rainforest and the struggle to preserve it.

In "Saddam's Road to Hell," correspondent Ghaith Abdul-Ahad takes viewers on a harrowing journey through the streets of Baghdad as he explores the impact of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Abdul-Ahad speaks with a variety of Iraqis who recount their experiences under Saddam Hussein's regime and the changes they have witnessed since his downfall. One interviewee is a former prisoner who was held and tortured in Abu Ghraib prison, made infamous by the shocking photos that surfaced in 2004. Another is an Iraqi journalist who now runs a radio station that broadcasts throughout the country. As he drives through the streets of Baghdad, Abdul-Ahad observes the lingering damage caused by the war and reflects on the difficult road that Iraq faces as it tries to rebuild.

The second half of the episode, "Jewel of the Amazon," takes viewers to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, where correspondent Nick Buxton investigates the fight to preserve the region's biodiversity and indigenous communities. Buxton interviews a range of people involved in the struggle, including an indigenous leader who talks about the devastating effects of logging and mining on his community's way of life. Buxton also speaks with environmental activists who are trying to stop deforestation and protect the Amazon's vast array of species.

As Buxton travels deeper into the rainforest, he highlights the beauty and importance of the Amazon, discussing how it produces 20% of the world's oxygen and is home to countless species of plants and animals. However, as he shows, the Amazon is under threat from a variety of forces, including cattle ranching, logging, and mining. Despite the challenges, Buxton points out that there are glimmers of hope, as local communities and activists work to protect the rainforest and ensure its survival for generations to come.

Overall, "Saddam's Road to Hell; Jewel of the Amazon" offers a glimpse into two very different parts of the world and the challenges that they face. Through powerful storytelling and on-the-ground reporting, the episode celebrates the resilience of individuals and communities while highlighting the urgent need for greater action to protect our planet.