Control Room (2004)
Control Room, directed by Jehane Noujaim, provides a rare glimpse into the international perception of the Iraq War through the lens of Al Jazeera, the Arab world’s most popular news outlet. The documentary dives into the complex relationship between Al Jazeera and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), as well as other news organizations that covered the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The film introduces key figures, including Lieutenant Josh Rushing, a press officer from CENTCOM, and journalists like David Shuster (NBC) and Tom Mintier (CNN). Representing Al Jazeera are Samir Khader (senior producer), Hassan Ibrahim (a Sudanese journalist with a background in US universities and the BBC Arab News Service), and Dima Khatib (a Syrian journalist and Al Jazeera producer). Notably, Samir Khader later became the editor of Al Jazeera, while Josh Rushing joined Al Jazeera English in 2006.
The contrasting views within the documentary are thought-provoking. Rushing initially criticizes Al Jazeera’s bias, accusing it of focusing solely on American tanks and Iraqi casualties. However, he later acknowledges that other news agencies, including Fox News, also selectively present information. Samir Khader defends Al Jazeera’s purpose, aiming to disrupt the rigid infrastructure of Arab society, which he believes has lagged behind culturally and technologically due to social intolerance.
The film captures the tension between Al Jazeera and the US government. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld criticizes Al Jazeera’s perceived propagandist nature, while Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf, the Iraqi Minister of Information, accuses the network of transmitting American propaganda. The documentary reveals the complexities of media bias, as Lt. Rushing acknowledges that both sides—Al Jazeera and Western media—omit certain details.
Control Room doesn’t claim to be the ultimate truth but rather “our truth.” It acknowledges its lack of objectivity while shedding light on the challenges faced by news organizations during a war. The film received positive reviews, although some criticized its bias. Despite this, it remains a valuable exploration of media dynamics and the multifaceted perspectives surrounding a significant historical event.
In summary, Control Room offers viewers an insightful journey into the clash of narratives during the Iraq War, emphasizing Al Jazeera’s role as a critical player in shaping global perceptions.
