How the Iraq War Led to More Extremism in the World | Birth of a Monster

In this deeply personal film, journalist Paul Moreira takes viewers on a journey that spans over a decade of significant world events. Having traveled extensively in Iraq for 12 years, he’s on a mission to understand the root causes of what led to the fragmented, shattered nation that Iraq has become, and the impact it continues to have today.

The journey leads him to reconnect with the men he filmed back in 2003 during the initial days of the American occupation, providing a unique perspective on the nation’s complex history. Through their stories, he traces the rise of ISIS to the arrival of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, and how America’s handling of the resistance played a critical role. With poignant clarity, Moreira peels back the layers of history to reveal how events in Iraq triggered attacks in Europe, and shaped the future of the world around us.