"Harab libnan" (2001) TV series

Director:

Omar Al-Issawi

Release Date:

2001 (Qatar)

Tagline:

So that history doesn't repeat itself

Also Known As:

War of Lebanon

Runtime:

40 min (15 episodes)

Country:

Lebanon

Language:

Arabic

Color:

Black and White (archive films) | Color

Company:

Al-Jazeera

Best documentary ever made to get deep understanding of the War in Lebanon

The idea for the War of Lebanon stemmed from the need to document a critical and turbulent period in the history of Lebanon, deeply built into the Middle East and international context. Barring the Palestinian cause, the Lebanese war was the most important issue in Arab politics for almost two decades. Having the cause of Palestine at the heart of the Middle East conflict in addition to the intricacies of Lebanon's internal power struggles made it imperative to document the period.

This is what this 10 episodes documentary attempts to do. And it does very well. It grasp the roots of Lebanon Wars back into the history (1st episode), search & question every internal as well as international actor of the war.

Over 200 tons of equipment, and 20 people took part into the production. In addition to interviews, the program relies heavily on archive material. Still photographs where purchased from international photo agencies such as Gamma, and from Lebanese newspapers. Other historical materials in the program include declassified US State Department documents.

Filming took place in major locations across many countries. Lebanese, Arab, Israeli, American and European commentators and politicians were politely but deeply interviewed as length of their outlook or roles vis-à-vis the war, as well as military & civilian victims.

Actually 10 episodes of 45 minutes each are of crucial need to get in (and understand quite a bit) a region notorious for its political intrigues and conspiracy theories. The program delves into the secret meetings & negotiations that took place at various landmark stages during the war. It must be said that, in my humble opinion, the program producers strove quite hard to maintain a strict policy of objectivity and balance (those having already watched Al Jazeera Satellite Channels may have been impressed on that point before). Hence views from the opposite ends of the political spectrum (from the Communists to the Phalangists including every political & religious Lebanese communities) are represented.

English subtitles are nicely written IMHO.

Highly recommended to anyone curious about this amazingly small, diverse and cute country that Lebanon was --and should stay forever!