Blood and Oil: The Middle East in World War I (2006)

"Blood and Oil - The Middle East in World War I" examines the devastating conflict and Western political intrigue that laid the foundation for wars, coups, revolts and military interventions in the Middle East. After the end of World War I, most of the Ottoman Empire was carved up into "spheres of influence," controlled mostly by the British and French. The remaining territories became the modern state of Turkey in 1923 - after a five-year struggle by Turkish nationalists against Western domination. Written and produced by Marty Callaghan ("Archives of War," "Remember Pearl Harbor: America Taken by Surprise"), this feature-length documentary film follows conflict from the Ottoman Empire's entry into the Great War in October 1914 to the Allied victory and declaration of the new Turkish Republic in 1923, and the hostilities that have plagued the region since. The 112-minute DVD also features extended expert commentary. Product Description

A Must see!

If you really want to understand what is happening in the Middle East, then this dvd is a must see. From the Ottoman Empire to the Iraq war. How the US, GB and France carved up that area. Also,the CIA's role in the overthrow of the only democratic government ever elected in Iran. Last but most certainly not least is Israel's starring role in this entire affair. October 25, 2008

Vital Background for Today's Issues

In order to understand the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East, one needs a good grounding in the region's history. "Blood and Oil" provides an outstanding overview of the regional issues, from World War I to the present. Commentary by subject matter experts, as well as interesting historical footage, help to bring the information to life. Ever since my first viewing, I have recommended this film to *anyone* who says they don't know why the US is in the Middle East. I've watched the film twice since then, and have finally bought my own copy. Truly an outstanding work. July 23, 2008

Blood and Oil: The Middle East in World War One

Blood and Oil: The Middle East in World War IIf anyone wants to know why the there is so much instability in the Middle East today, they should watch this DVD very carefully. It provides an excellent overview of the tragic history of this very vital region of the world.All of the major battles fought there in World War I are covered as well as subsequent wars after the ending of World War I.This documentary clearly explains a lot of the who,what and how of the numerous military and political figures and treaties that shape today's Middle East. June 9, 2008

A Tale of Manipulation and Sorrow

"Blood and Oil" reveals the energy politics that guided the dismantling of the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East and Caucasus. The film, perhaps controversially, uncovers how Russia, Great Britain and France exploited ethnic and religious differences to fuel revolts against the Ottoman Empire, so that the West could dominate certain petroleum-rich areas, from Baku in Azerbaijan to Mosul and Kirkuk in Iraq. One track followed very closely in the film is that of the Russians (from the east) and French (from the south) instigating the Armenian Revolt, 1885-1920, that killed hundreds of thousands of Muslims, mostly Kurds, in eastern Anatolia and the Caucasus, the Ottoman response to which brought terrible suffering upon the Armenians. The film also delves into the British-engineered Arab revolts from the Sinai, to Palestine, to Baghdad. "Blood and Oil" draws acute parallels between the British invasion of the Middle East in WWI and the present US occupation of Iraq, both of which seemed designed to redraw the region's borders under the guise of self-determination and human rights, but of course in line with energy objectives of the West. The ethnic and religious feuds of one hundred years ago still haunt the region today, raising the question whether the War to End All Wars actually created a peace to end all peace, as David Fromkin argues in the documentary. February 8, 2007

review of Blood and Oil

This is an excellent and compelling documentary of events leading to the middle east crisis that we have been feeling for the last almost 100 years. The video footage is well done and the narration is clear, not cluttered, and informative. The entire DVD is very objectively done and I found I could not stop it once I started. And I am not a war buff or one who likes war documentaries. Everyone should see this DVD to understand why we're in Iraq now and how the way the US has gone in there (and Afghanistan as well) is unlikely to help and will probably exacerbate an already bad situation. January 23, 2007

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