National Geographic: Inside 9/11

The DVD "National Geographic: Inside 9/11" was released today. I have had both parts sitting on my TIVO for some time. I must say, this is the definitive 9/11 documentary.

Crammed into under 4 hours of video time is a step by step look at the events leading up to that horrific day (Episode 1: War on America)

"War on America" opens with the dramatic 1993 World Trade Center bombing and tracks terrorist activities aimed at U.S. targets throughout the 1990s leading up to the horrific morning of September 11, 2001. With each successful attack, terrorist networks become more emboldened. The organization and the legend of Osama bin Laden grow.

Meet Osama bin Laden as a young Saudi businessman who arrives in Afghanistan to raise funds to help those hurt by the war. Follow this wealthy and privileged son of a self-made billionaire as he rises through the ranks of Islamic terrorist society and remakes himself into a mujahedeen warrior. Hear how bin Laden is schooled in the teachings of radical Palestinian leader Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Azzam as Azzam calls for violent jihad, or holy war, against all enemies of the Islamic state, including the United States, most Western nations and Israel. The extreme hatred for those outside the Islamic faith becomes the cornerstone of al Qaeda's ideology from the mid 1990s until today and is the basis of bin Laden's power.

and a detailed look at the unfolding of the attacks themselves (Episode 2: Zero Hour).

It is a beautiful morning. Nathan Goldwasser is starting his usual day at work in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, as are Ed Nichols and Stanley Praimnath in the South Tower. Sheila Moody arrives at her office at the Pentagon.

Meanwhile, the 19 terrorists are boarding planes in Boston, Newark and Dulles, Virginia. They monitor the flight crews, waiting for the right moment to execute their evil plan.

At 8:14 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 is hijacked. Relive the last precious moments as flight attendants call their supervisors on the ground to report the murders of fellow crew members. Listen as they describe the scene on board.

If you haven't seen it yet, you simply must. Check your cable listings or TVGuide, or better yet, buy the DVD for your archives. That is what I plan on doing.

There is plenty of blame to go around. Clinton gets hammered for wag the dog missile attacks and lackadaisical efforts following the USS Cole attack. Bush is cornered regarding his failure to acknowledge the signals coming his way regarding terrorist activities leading up to the attacks.

This documentary is the most objective take on the myriad of events surrounding that infamous moment in history. Both those on the Left and Right should be sure they digest this film in its entirety.

Now go watch it . . . . NOW!

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