Four Stars

"If you came to help, why would you destroy..?" asks one of the Iraqi-American voices in Miae Kim's very solid documentary/ conversation.

Her question speaks for all the Iraqi-Americans interviewed for the program. These voices in turn aim to speak for the many living out a war in the homeland.

The voices talk about relatives in Bagdad and lives without water, power, and employment. They tell us about Saddam Hussein and a war that wasn't necessary. They speak -- with hope -- about a vote and democracy. And, they speak of the need to educate in America about outrages at home.

The voices stand on their own, without interruption from narration or ambiance. They may talk for several minutes. This brings the listener in and gives the subjects the respect they deserve. It's a good choice by the producer.

There's only one male voice in the mix (used sparingly). And female voices are butt cut at times. We don't always know which character is talking, which is frustrating at first. But then the real character -- an Iraq in torment -- emerges and it's less of an issue.

The material feels contemporary and fresh, and doesn't dwell on the politics. So programmers can feel safely using this as an evergreen, perhaps during a holiday weekend.

Anthea Raymond
PRX Editorial Board
May 21, 2006