The Issue

One of the world’s least-known societies, Iraqi Kurdistan, is under ongoing genocidal attack by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In 1988, Saddam launched a series of biological and chemical attacks against the Kurds, the tragic long-term effects of which are only now becoming apparent. British filmmaker Gwynne Roberts shot inside Iraqi Kurdistan for five years to prepare this unique report on a group who may play a crucial role, equivalent to that of Afghanistan’s Northern Alliance, in any military attempt to overthrow Saddam’s bloody regime. And with biological weapons already used by Saddam on one enemy, the program considers who may be next.

The Film

Director Gwynne Roberts was the first Western journalist to enter northern Iraq after the Gulf War. His unequalled access to the Kurdish leadership has resulted in a number of groundbreaking films, including THE ROAD BACK TO HELL, KURDISTAN: THE DREAM BETRAYED, and SADDAM’S SECRET ARMY. His films have twice been featured on 60 MINUTES.

Photos: AP