CIA VS HEZBOLLAH: THE SECRET WAR THAT BLEW UP IN BEIRUT

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary plunges into the murky depths of the 1983 Beirut bombings, specifically examining the CIA's alleged covert retaliation. It meticulously reconstructs a secret, "off-the-books" operation sanctioned by CIA Director William Casey, ostensibly aimed at revenge for the devastating attack on the US Marines. The film highlights a critical intelligence misstep: the targeting of Sheikh Fadlala, mistakenly identified as a Hezbollah leader. Through compelling narrative, it reveals how this operation, resulting in the tragic deaths of 83 innocent civilians, not only underscored the limitations of American geopolitical influence but also served as a catalyst for profound changes within the CIA. The documentary traces the creation of the agency's modern Counterterrorism Center and the genesis of its drone program, born from the ashes of this significant intelligence failure.