Collateral Murder?

In-depth analysis of a leaked military video showing a US army helicopter firing on Iraqis.

On July 12, 2007, the US military responded to reports of small arms fire in a Baghdad suburb. 
 
The military stated they were unable to positively identify the gunmen, and responded by dispatching Apache helicopters to the area.
 
The actions that followed have been subject to much debate and investigations.
 
By mid morning of July 12 a dozen Iraqis were dead, among them two Reuters News Agency staff members. All gunned down by a US Apache helicopter. 

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Does the public need to know what really happens in combat situations?

Recently, the video of the events was posted online by Wikileaks, a Sweden-based organisation that publishes anonymous submissions and leaks of sensitive documents from governments and other organisations.

It captures the moments leading up to the shootings, the aerial attacks and the audio of the pilots and ground forces communicating.  

An official military investigation took place in 2007 clearing all US military personnel involved of wrong-doing. Nevertheless the video has now been made public.
 
But has it changed public’s opinion and is it in their best interest to know what really happens in combat situations?

On Collateral Murder? we watch the video with the Wikileaks editor and a US military analyst, providing us with their perspective on the unfolding events.

Collateral Murder? aired from Thursday, April 15, 2010.