"Breach" (by Aliya) - Contemporary Imperialism

Based on real events, Breach provides exploitation on the truth of the United States’ invasion of Iraq. Proclaimed as a great and forceful raid on world-wide terrorism and despotism, the incursion was intended to mark the uprising of an exceptional and more dogmatic American imperialism. After the launch in March, 2003, few anticipated the fail of the United States in their attempt to take full control of the country. Set in Baghdad, Iraq, 2006, Breach exemplifies the negative affects on America when the number of casualties amplifies, ethnic issues increase and uncertainty advances to neighboring countries; the Iraq war has undeniably become a representation of Americans’ global vulnerability.

Going back and forth between World War II and the war in Iraq, Breach presents the trend of American imperialism throughout various nations. With the help of colonies, protectorates and spheres of influence, the United States has, in typical Marxist terms, been an imperialist nation for over a century. In this light, Breach sends General Douglas McCartney through two of the three largest as well as lengthiest wars the world has seen. As a young high school dropout, only 17 at the time, McCartney enlisted in the army during the last year of Hitler’s reign. After the second World War had ended, McCartney was sure he had signed off with respect to such brutal fighting. A few decades later, though, he had been called in by a couple of his old mates for one last ride on the peak of adrenaline and adventure; the United States had already set their mark in Iraq and they were ready to move in more forcefully and with more might than any attack prior.

With great sensibility and devotion, General McCartney leads troops into Baghdad where he comes into contact with his old general, Earl Jackson, who had been sent in during the 2003 launch on Iraq. Though Jackson is American, he has adapted to the life in Iraq and gained a sense of trust with the Iraqis, yet he has lost any sense of self he used to hold with evident pride. McCartney faces the possibility of losing his own sense of self while constantly running into new and unfamiliar technology which hadn’t been used during the last war in which he had fought. Everything is intimidating, but will it drive McCartney to his wit’s end?