
As the debate over withdrawal of troops from Iraq escalates among White House officials and members of U.S. Congress, many concerned citizens and their political representatives are looking for answers on how best to end the conflict in Iraq. Understanding the history of the region is critical to making a plan to move forward. According to Blood and Oil Writer/Producer Marty Callaghan, “This film details the enormous struggle in the Middle East during World War I, a conflict that had great implications for the world’s future. The film clearly demonstrates how the breakup of the Ottoman Empire by Western Powers set the stage for political and military conflict that has plagued the region ever since. The control of oil reserves played a key role during World War I, just as it motivates Western intervention in the Middle East today.”
One of the clips from Blood and Oil focuses on the British capture of Baghdad on March 11, 1917 - and the oil deal Britain made with France that still affects the world we live in today. In the film, David R. Woodward, author of Hell in the Holy Land: World War I in the Middle East, provides unique insight into the battle for Baghdad. Download free clips.
In an article entitled We Can No Longer Ignore Blood and Oil Lessons, talk show host, non-fiction author and novelist, weekly OpEd-columnist, award-winning television writer and filmmaker Steve Young claims that Blood and Oil "ought to be mandatory viewing for every Washington legislator, Defense Department worker and member of the Bush White House."