Customer Reviews

Intrigue in/Middle East

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A great documentary about a very complex region. However this documentary is likely to distress unconditional supporters of Israel since it does not present the usual pro-Israeli propaganda.

This video presents the historical facts that underlie not only the current Arab/Israel conflict, but sheds light on the problems the United States faces dealing with the whole Middle East. In contrast to the propaganda and Hollywood stereotypes that "fog" the truth, this film presents facts and photos that show BOTH sides of the current conflict. In addition, the scholars (both Jewish and Arab)in this film suggest, Western imperialism, ignorance, and bigotry are significant factors in the current political problems. Actually, this film illuminates the basic problems the U.S. faces not only in the Middle East, but also in South America, Asia, and Africa--anywhere 20th century imperialistic policies have created complex conflicts that threaten world peace today. A brave, accurate and honest report.

This movie is a total distortion of the truth and a rewriting of history from the point of view of the Arab propaganda machine. Even though at first it had some "clout" of legitimacy, I soon realized that important facts about Jewish and Israeli history were purposefully omitted to suit the extremely anti-Israeli views of the producers. It is scary to realize how easy it is to transform perfectly legimate historical events into "atrocities" by omitting some "dismissible" facts. This is an example of brainwashing, not history, and it is a shame for the producers.

I bought this DVD and was so let down to see that it pandered mostly to the way the Palestinians try to re-write Middle East history. For instance, this DVD showed a shot of the British welcoming a boatload of Jewish settlers who were fleeing the Nazi holocaust. It said nothing about all the boats full of Jewish refugees who the British actually did not allow to land in Israel -- who had to return to Europe. Tens of thousands these who were forcibly turned back by the British ended up killed by the Nazis. Also, this film highlighted the tens of thousands of "poor" Palestinian refugees following one of Israel's wars with its arab "neighbors". What it did not mention was that while little Israel was surrounded by huge arab armies, the "Palestinians" not only refused to help defend Israel, but most left their homes in Israel and fled to assist the arab armies - who later left these refugees on their own (as refugees). I was sickened to see how this DVD tried its best to show the British as trying to be fair; when actually more often than not they worked against the Jews and tried their utmost to stop bringing about the return of the Jews to their ancient Jewish Homeland. I'm Christian, and not Jewish. I just think Jewish History should be told correctly.

I'm taking a class on the Middle East and was hoping to learn even more with this DVD. The best part about this movie are the quotes and Noam Chomsky. Lots of pictures are given with boring music, but if you want to look at pictures, go buy a book instead. Annoying actors (playing people from different time periods) speak their opinion. It's nothing I couldn't do with my little camera for Film 101. It also sucks because so much has occurred since this dvd was filmed. Next time try checking the history channel or news before waisting money.

Lifting The Fog: Intrigue In The Middle East is an informed and informative document providing the viewer with an historically accurate account of the events that led to and continue to maintain the violence and conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Beginning with the discover of oil in 1908, continuing through to the formation of Israel, down to the events of the Persian Gulf War, Lifting The Fog documents the deals made between international power brokers beginning with the British and French occupations of Palestine and Egypt, the emergence of an American involvement, and the influence of an emerging international oil industry that used their own political agendas to create the Middle East as it is today. Noted scholars Noam Chomsky, Nubar Hovespian and Edward Said, among others, provide invaluable commentary, while historical films of all the key battles and personalities provide an outstanding visual chronology. Lifting The Fog is a very highly recommended contribution to academic and community libraries, and "must" viewing for anyone trying to understand the background to the events that would eventually drag the United States into a world-wide war against international terrorism.