3/5 Biased
  by Douglas M. Penhallegon (Pittsburgh, PA)
This documentary has many subtle and not-so-subtle biases that really hinder its overall quality and usefulness as a teaching tool. It is presented almost completely from a pro-Western, pro-Israel perspective, with no mention of the events in Iran in 1954, the Suez in 1956, or the plight of the Palestinian people since 1948 (except to place the blame solely on Arab regimes), among other problems. It does however tightly cover quite a bit of the 20th century Middle East political experience, and features various prominent commentators like Bernard Lewis, Fareed Zakaria, and Thomas Friedman, and the production quality is of high value. You just have to learn to ignore the ominous, quasi-satanic music playing in the background when Nasser is mentioned, and the inspiring trumpet blasts of freedom and human decency when the story moves on to Israel. So long as this isn't the only source you consult in your efforts to understand the "road to 9/11" then it is worthwhile in spite of its flaws.

1/5 This is NOT "The Path to 9/11"
  by John Bohling (Modesto, CA)
This is not "The Path to 9/11," the five hour two night ABC/Disney docudrama that drew the ire of the Clinton administration, even though it was equally critical of the Bush administration. The producer of "The Path to 9/11," Disney and ABC, has refused to release it despite critical acclaim and viewer and stockholder requests.

5/5 Why It All Started
  by Samantha Kelley (USA)
It is frustrating to watch the news and all of the various explanations for the current conflict in the Middle East when the cause of it all is never explained. When did the problems arise and why haven't they been resolved? Who is to blame and what can be done? Is it really all for oil, is it a religious issue, or a clash of cultures? Many people want to be informed but are never given the facts or enough unbiased information to draw their own conclusions.

This documentary provides information about the beginning of the conflict which began surprisingly due to WWI and the way the land was divided in Europe. Great Britain decided to turn the Arab states into colonies and tried to westernize them. In response, the Arabs resisted the change and all things westernized. As a result of consistently alligning with losing groups (ex the Nazi Party, the Soviet Union), the Middle East has been embarassed by their history and their inability to become independent. The resentment of the west has spawned violent subgroups like Al Qaeda who act on their hatred. These problems have been growing for more than 80 years and can not be fixed quickly.

Despite the title, this film focuses little on the actual events of 9/11. Instead, it provides insight into why such an event happened and how similar attacks are likely in the future.

5/5 Understand our world!
  by Jay Esposito
If only our country's leaders could have had such a great education about what shapes the conflicts that plague our history, and unfortunately, our future! A terrific presentation of the unfolding story that is the Middle East.

5/5 STUNNING, THOUGHTFUL,, BALANCED
  by Steve Dietrich (Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Monica CA, United States)


The folks who put this together did a fantastic job of bringing together history and a grim glimpse of the future.

Balanced, interesting and thought provoking.