Filmmakers Emmanuel Razavi and Eric de Lavarene's provocative 2007 French documentary argues that the failure to capture Osama Bin Laden after 9/11 is neither the result of tactical ineptitude nor sheer bad luck. Rather, according to Afghanis of all classes interviewed here, the U.S. permitted Bin Laden to escape and has deliberately allowed him to remain at large. This purported American policy serves a twofold purpose. First, it's designed to avoid destabilizing the Pakistani government (and its intelligence service that retains close ties to both the Taliban and al-Qaeda), which has traditionally been supportive of Islamic fundamentalism in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan. Secondly, it's intended to provide a rationale for maintaining a substantial U.S. military presence within striking distance of both Islamabad and Tehran. Whether or not this is at all valid, the end result has been increasing disorder in Afghanistan as the Taliban reasserts itself, as well as growing bitterness against the Western coalition for its apparent willingness to sacrifice Afghan stability for larger geopolitical interests. Not surprisingly—given the title—there's a bit of a tabloid quality to this film, which travels from Kabul to western Pakistan through dangerous terrain, interviewing officials, local leaders, and ordinary citizens along the way. But when members of French special forces here say they actually had Bin Laden in their sights on more than one occasion but were refused permission to shoot, viewers might begin to wonder where the truth lies. Certain to spur spirited discussion, this intriguing film should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Search for Osama Bin Laden
(2007) 50 min. DVD: $19.98. Pathfinder Home Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 5
The Search for Osama Bin Laden
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