Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

Having previously captured Wal-Mart and the Fox News Channel in his viewfinder, muckraking filmmaker Robert Greenwald here takes on the corporations who've profited handsomely from the American invasion and occupation of Iraq (operating with virtually no supervision from the Department of Defense—let alone Congress). The pursuit of profits has created a moral disaster, ranging from civilian truck drivers being forced to motor through battle zones without protection, to freelance mercenaries being brought in to provide “expertise” in both combat missions and prisoner interrogations, resulting in a tragic loss of life (both American and Iraqi), an extraordinary waste of money and resources, and a war-devastated country that has yet to benefit from the much-ballyhooed and repeatedly promised reconstruction. While Halliburton (Vice President Cheney's former stomping grounds) is a key player in this tragic drama, Iraq for Sale—combining interviews, archival footage, and relevant financial records and other documents—makes it clear that many other companies have also reaped juicy harvests from the Iraq War. As in Greenwald's earlier films, the tone here is strident, but in view of the corruption and incompetence revealed, it seems warranted. DVD extras include a filmmaker's commentary and an abridged version of the documentary. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)