War Movies About Afghanistan: Fact Or Fiction?

The war in Afghanistan has been depicted in various films, ranging from documentaries to fictionalised accounts. The conflict, which lasted nearly 20 years, has provided a rich source of material for filmmakers, with movies such as The Outpost (2020), Lone Survivor (2013), and War Machine (2017) offering different perspectives on the war.

While some films focus on the experiences of soldiers, such as The Outpost and Lone Survivor, others explore the impact of the war on civilians, like the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker (2008). The war has also been the subject of numerous documentaries, including Taliban Takeover (2021), which examines the consequences of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan, and The Kill Team (2019), which is based on a 2013 documentary of the same name about war crimes committed by American soldiers.

The war in Afghanistan has been portrayed in a variety of ways, with some films focusing on the human cost of the conflict, while others offer satirical takes on the decisions made by those in power.

Portrayal of PTSD and mental health

Brothers (2009): The movie follows Marine Capt. Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire), who is captured and held as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan. Upon his return home, he struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has a hard time readjusting to civilian life. His wife, played by Natalie Portman, and brother, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, also struggle to cope with his changed behaviour.

The Hurt Locker (2008): While not specifically set in Afghanistan, this film portrays the psychological toll of war on a soldier tasked with defusing bombs in Iraq. The character of Staff Sergeant William James, played by Jeremy Renner, appears to thrive on the dangers of his job but struggles to lead a normal life with his family back home. The film highlights the contrast between the adrenaline-fuelled nature of his work and the mundane aspects of civilian life.

American Sniper (2014): Based on the life of Chris Kyle, considered the deadliest marksman in US military history, the film depicts his homecoming after his final tour of duty. Bradley Cooper plays Kyle as he grapples with the memories of those he killed and the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life. The film sheds light on the internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the long-lasting impact of war on soldiers' mental health.

The Deer Hunter (1978): This epic war drama follows the lives of three soldiers captured and held as prisoners of war in Vietnam. Upon their return, they experience vastly different lives. The film explores the long-term psychological effects of war, including PTSD, and how it can shape the lives of those who have experienced it.

Thank You For Your Service (2017): Based on a non-fiction novel, the film follows a group of soldiers returning home from Iraq as they struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. It depicts the challenges of coping with the trauma of war and the resulting PTSD, highlighting the difficulties many veterans face in readjusting to family and civilian life.

These films provide a window into the mental health struggles that soldiers often face after returning from war. They showcase the complexities of PTSD, survivor's guilt, and the long-lasting impact of traumatic events on individuals. By portraying these issues, the films contribute to a deeper understanding of the human cost of war and the importance of providing support for those affected by it.

Humanising American soldiers

Portray Soldiers as Multi-Dimensional Characters:

Avoid stereotypical portrayals of soldiers as either superhuman warriors or traumatised victims. Show their strengths and vulnerabilities, their courage and their fears. Depict them as individuals with unique backgrounds, motivations, and reactions to the horrors of war. This will help audiences relate to them as three-dimensional people rather than one-dimensional archetypes.

Explore the Impact of War on Soldiers' Mental Health:

Many soldiers returning from combat experience PTSD, and it is important to portray this accurately and sensitively. Show the struggles they face in adjusting to civilian life, including flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty reconnecting with their families. Movies like "Thank You for Your Service" effectively explore these challenges, offering a nuanced portrayal of soldiers' experiences.

Depict Soldiers' Relationships and Support Systems:

Show the relationships that soldiers have with their fellow servicemen and women, as well as their families back home. Portray the bonds formed during combat and the challenges of reintegrating into society. Movies like "The Outpost" and "Lone Survivor" highlight the camaraderie and brotherhood among soldiers, providing a more holistic view of their lives.

Focus on Individual Soldiers' Stories:

Instead of grand battle scenes, zoom in on the experiences of individual soldiers. Show their personal journeys, their motivations for enlisting, and the impact of war on their lives. This can include stories of resilience, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of combat. Movies like "American Sniper" and "The Hurt Locker" effectively humanise soldiers by focusing on their individual stories.

Collaborate with Veterans and Military Advisers:

Work with veterans, military advisers, and technical consultants to ensure accurate and authentic portrayals of soldiers' experiences. This will help avoid stereotypes and provide a more nuanced understanding of military life. Initiatives like the GI Film Festival and Got Your 6's certification program aim to bridge the civilian-military gap by promoting more realistic portrayals of soldiers in media.

By incorporating these elements, war movies can humanise American soldiers, offering audiences a deeper understanding of their experiences, sacrifices, and the complex realities of war.

Exploring the impact of US drone warfare

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have become one of the primary weapons of the US military. They are used for lethal counterterrorism strikes, surveillance, and other non-lethal operations. The US has used drones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.

The Impact of US Drone Warfare

Drones have been a key component of US counterterrorism efforts. They allow the US to carry out strikes against terrorists with minimal risk to American personnel. However, their use has raised moral, ethical, and legal questions, particularly regarding civilian casualties.

Civilian Casualties

Drone strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties in Afghanistan. In August 2021, a US drone strike in Kabul killed ten civilians, including several children. This tragedy sparked a debate about the use of drones and raised questions about the effectiveness of the US targeting process.

There is a lack of transparency around civilian casualties in US drone strikes. Investigations by media organizations and human rights groups have revealed that officials often make misleading statements and conceal their assessments of civilian casualties.

Effectiveness in Counterterrorism

Studies suggest that drone strikes have been effective in disrupting terrorist organizations and reducing their ability to conduct attacks. They are associated with decreases in the incidence and lethality of terrorist attacks, as well as a reduction in certain deadly tactics such as suicide bombings and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

However, some argue that drone strikes anger Muslim populations and incite Islamist terrorism. The trauma of living under drones can fuel anti-American sentiment and aid in the recruitment of individuals into armed groups that engage in terrorism. This impact, known as "blowback," is an unintended consequence of US drone strikes.

Psychological Impact on Drone Pilots

Drone warfare has also had a significant impact on the pilots operating these vehicles. Early studies suggest that drone pilots experience mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, severe stress, and moral injury, at similar rates as pilots participating in live combat. The intense nature of their work and the long hours contribute to these psychological issues.

Impact on US National Security and Human Rights

The use of drones has implications for US national security and human rights. With minimal oversight and transparency, drones contribute to a constant state of endless war, resulting in significant civilian casualties and negative perceptions of the US in the regions where they are deployed.

US drone warfare has had a significant impact on counterterrorism efforts, civilian populations, and the psychological well-being of drone pilots. While drones offer a strategic advantage, their use raises complex ethical and legal questions that require further evaluation and oversight. Increased transparency and accountability are necessary to address the challenges posed by this form of warfare.

Depictions of the Taliban

The Taliban has been depicted in several Hollywood films, often as part of the backdrop to stories of American soldiers fighting in the Afghanistan War. Here is a detailed overview of these depictions:

Lone Survivor (2013)

Based on a true story, "Lone Survivor" follows a team of Navy SEALs led by Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg) on a mission to capture or kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. The film showcases the bravery and teamwork of the SEALs as they navigate hostile terrain and engage in intense firefights. It also portrays the human cost of war, as Luttrell struggles with the physical and psychological aftermath of the mission.

The Outpost (2020)

"The Outpost" tells the story of the Battle of Kamdesh, where a small group of U.S. soldiers fought against hundreds of Taliban insurgents. The film focuses on the camaraderie and resilience of the soldiers, highlighting their determination to survive against overwhelming odds. It also explores the political complexities and cultural clashes between American and Afghan perspectives.

12 Strong (2018)

"12 Strong" depicts the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11. Led by a new captain (Chris Hemsworth), the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban. The film showcases the challenges of navigating complex political alliances and the bravery of soldiers in intense combat situations.

War Machine (2017)

A satirical comedy, "War Machine" follows four-star General Glen McMahon (Brad Pitt), who leads the assessment of U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The film satirizes the disconnect between military leadership and the realities on the ground, as well as the absurdities of war. McMahon's character is portrayed as comically antagonistic towards civil leadership and the press.

Lions for Lambs (2007)

"Lions for Lambs" is a fictional story that intertwines three narratives: a college professor trying to inspire apathetic students, a U.S. Senator promoting a new war strategy, and two former students who enlist in the army and face tragic consequences. The film critiques the disconnect between Washington strategists and the harsh realities of war, as well as the use of war propaganda.

Documentaries

Several documentaries have also provided insights into the Taliban and the Afghanistan War. "Taliban Takeover" (2021) explores how the Taliban's return to power impacted daily life, especially for women and ethnic minorities. "The Kill Team" (2019) and "Taxi to the Dark Side" (2007) delve into the dark side of war, exposing war crimes committed by American soldiers and the use of torture during interrogations. "The Tillman Story" (2010) reveals the cover-up surrounding the death of football player-turned-soldier Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.

True stories of female empowerment

Afghanistan has had a tumultuous recent past, with the country being occupied by Soviet troops and US-led international forces, and ruled by militant groups, including the oppressive Taliban. Throughout this changing political landscape, women have been campaigning for their rights and have made some gains, but the issue has also been exploited by different groups for political gain.

Under the Taliban, women and girls were discriminated against in many ways, for the 'crime' of being born female. The Taliban enforced their version of Islamic Sharia law, banning women and girls from going to school, studying, leaving the house without a male chaperone, showing their skin in public, accessing male-delivered healthcare, and being involved in politics or speaking publicly. Women were essentially invisible in public life, imprisoned in their homes.

However, despite these restrictions, some women have shown incredible bravery and resilience in the face of oppression. Here are some true stories of female empowerment in Afghanistan:

Rangina Hamidi

Rangina Hamidi is the first female Minister of Education in Afghanistan in 30 years. She was born in Afghanistan but fled to the US during the Soviet occupation, where she received a degree in Religion and Gender Studies. In 2003, she returned to her home country to help rebuild Afghanistan and champion the rights of girls and women. She opened the first women-owned and run social enterprise in Kandahar province, providing 400 women with an income by producing hand-embroidered textiles. Since becoming Education Minister, she has supported and introduced new education initiatives designed to create more gender equality.

Shamsia Alizada

In 2020, Shamsia Alizada came first in the national university entrance exam in Afghanistan, beating nearly 200,000 students. She has ambitions to become a doctor and Afghanistan's first female president. At sixteen, she survived a deadly attack by ISIS on her school, which killed 40 students. Despite the Taliban's ban on women's education, she continues to pursue her dreams: "I have some fears about the Taliban’s comeback, but I don't want to lose my hope, because my dreams are bigger than my fear."

Zarifa Ghafari

Zarifa Ghafari became the first female mayor in Afghanistan's Maidan Wardak province in 2018 and has used her position to advocate for women's rights. The 27-year-old has frequently been threatened by the Taliban, who have tried and failed to kill her three times. Despite the danger, she continues her work, even taking a job at the defence ministry of Kabul to look after the welfare of soldiers and civilians injured in terror attacks.

Zakia Khudadadi

Zakia Khudadadi was set to become Afghanistan's first female Paralympian at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The 23-year-old taekwondo champion was given a wildcard to compete and said, "I'm so happy... I will be so proud to stand with all of those athletes." However, due to the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, she was unable to leave the country and was unable to compete. If the Taliban takes the country back to pre-2001 rule, she won't be able to practice taekwondo at all.

Kawkaba Nowruzi

Kawkaba Nowruzi is a midwife who has served her community for around 18 years in the most rural districts of Ghazni province. Despite the Taliban's control, she has braved restricted areas to reach pregnant women who are not allowed to visit clinics and has saved the lives of many women and children. She has also had to fight for women's rights, including their right to inherit property and their freedom to choose their own marriages. Kawkaba has faced many dangers in her work, including close escapes from the Taliban, but she continues to fight for a better world for women in Afghanistan.

These are just a few examples of the incredible bravery and resilience shown by Afghan women in the face of oppression. They are a testament to the power of female empowerment and a reminder that we must continue to fight for gender equality worldwide.

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