Pakistan Frontline: Staring into the Nuclear Abyss. Comparative review with Islam and America: Through the Eyes of Imran Khan) 2001
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Journeyman pictures
Director n/a
VHS, color, 26 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Asian Studies, International Relations, Political Science
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VAThese two recent productions should be of great interest given the current war with militant Islam. Pakistan Frontline is somewhat tangential to the war, but does introduce one of the players, Pakistan, and its seemingly perpetual dispute with India. Portraying only the Pakistani view of the conflict we are shown various locales along the border where the action is hot as well as interviews with a number of individuals. The production is a good, though not “balanced,” introduction to this conflict. Unreported World: Islam and America is narrated by Imran Khan of Pakistan. Khan is Oxford-educated and a well-known cricket player who is married to the former Jemima Goldsmith of England. Interviewing a number of Pakistanis from a wide range of social strata, one will be impressed by how unpopular the United States and its’ position in this war is. Imran is no fan of the Taliban, but the United States and its’ foreign policies are given much criticism. Anyone who wishes to be informed about the War on Terror must watch this latter production. However, both productions complement each other to an extent and both are beneficial to view.
Technically, there were no perceived flaws in either production: sound and image in both are very good. These two productions are both quite sober and would be most effective if viewed by a mature audience: juniors in high school through seniors in college. Public libraries should also consider these programs.