Examining War

Grand Valley students will examine the causes and effects of today's potential war on Iraq by viewing an award-winning analysis of the U.S.'s previous military conflict in Iraq. A special screening of 'Hidden Wars of Desert Storm,' followed by discussion, takes place on Wednesday, February 26, on the Allendale Campus.

The 60-minute film will be shown at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 154 Lake Superior Hall. A question-and-answer session follows until 2:50 p.m., giving students an opportunity to discuss the film and its relevance to today's problems in Iraq. Three faculty members with expertise in Middle Eastern affairs will be available to answer questions:
¿ James Goode, history professor and coordinator of the Middle East Studies program;
¿ English professor David Alvarez, addressing U.S. actions and perceptions regarding Iraq;
¿ philosophy professor Coeli Fitzpatrick, a specialist in medieval Islam and the history and culture of the Middle East.

'Hidden Wars of Desert Storm,' produced in 2001 by Free-Will Productions, documents a two-year investigation into Iraq and the Gulf War and features interviews of many key officials in the conflict, including Desert Storm Commander, General Norman Schwarzkopf. Narrated by actor John Hurt, the film analyzes all aspects of Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the U.S.'s ensuing military actions against Iraq. It also suggests answers to the many questions brought up, such as 'Were diplomatic means fully utilized to try to resolve the issue peacefully?'

'Hidden Wars' was described the The New York Times as 'an uncommonly sober, well researched film.' It won the grand prize at the 2000 Cine Eco International Film Festival in Portugal and was named one of the top 10 documentaries at the 2000 Vancouver International Film Festival.