Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

Overview

Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers is a 2006 documentary film directed and produced by Robert Greenwald, made with Brave New Films. Set against the Iraq War, it examines allegations of profiteering and negligence involving private contractors and consultants who went to Iraq as part of the U.S. war effort. Its focus is the role of those contractors in wartime, rather than a general account of the conflict.

At 75 minutes, the film offers a compact feature-length look at a subject where military operations and private business interests intersect. It is an English-language documentary from the United States, classified as both a documentary film and a war film. Viewers interested in Greenwald’s work can explore Documentaries by Robert Greenwald, while those browsing by topic may also want War documentaries or Documentaries of the 2000s.

Key features

• Central subject: Alleged war profiteering and negligence by private contractors and consultants involved in the U.S. war effort in Iraq.
• Format: A 75-minute documentary film.
• Production: Made by Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films, with Greenwald also serving as director and producer.
• Context: Produced while the Iraq War was ongoing, the film addresses the place of private contractors within that effort.

Who it's for

This film is suited to documentary viewers interested in the Iraq War, wartime contracting, or the relationship between private companies and military campaigns. Its specific focus also makes it relevant for teachers and students discussing the Iraq War or the wider question of how private contractors participate in a war effort. At 75 minutes, it can fit a focused viewing or classroom discussion without requiring a series-length commitment.

Those looking for documentaries by the same director can use the Robert Greenwald list. Viewers approaching the subject through other films may consider Uncovered: The War on Iraq or Rethink Afghanistan.

Alternatives

For a different angle on Greenwald’s documentary work, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price turns attention to a corporate subject outside the Iraq War. Outfoxed is another Greenwald title for viewers exploring his films beyond this war-focused documentary. These alternatives shift the subject matter, while Iraq for Sale remains specifically concerned with contractor conduct in Iraq.

Verdict

Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers is a focused choice for viewers who want a documentary centered on allegations about private contractors and consultants during the Iraq War. Its defined subject, 75-minute runtime, and clear historical setting make it a useful entry for anyone exploring war documentaries through the lens of contracting and accountability. It is best approached as an examination of alleged profiteering and negligence, not as a broad overview of the war.