Osama Bin Laden: War on Terror

This straightforward documentary primarily offers a chronological account of the United States' escalating series of conflicts with Middle Eastern terrorist groups, particularly the stepped-up war with al-Qaeda—led by Osama bin Laden—following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Along the way, the film serves up a quick early biography of Bin Laden, traces al-Qaeda's history from the 1970s through 9/11, notes the subsequent 10-year search for Bin Laden, and briefly covers the 2011 American military operation that resulted in Bin Laden's death in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The narration plays out over (sometimes repetitive) footage of Middle Eastern sites, Bin Laden's televised speeches, young Arabs training, and al-Qaeda members in custody. Excerpts from official statements by George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton illustrate the American response to 9/11, the U.S. declaration of war on al-Qaeda and the Taliban, and Bin Laden's death. The program also includes brief images of the Twin Towers collapsing and excerpts from the video footage of the Navy Seals' 2011 raid on Bin Laden's compound. A solid if also somewhat superficial account of the history of the War on Terror, this is recommended, overall. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)