Standard Operating Procedure

The film opens with the introduction of the infamous photographs taken by soldiers inside the Abu Ghraib prison. These images not only shocked the world but also became pivotal in reshaping the narrative of the Iraq War.

Following the release of the Abu Ghraib photographs, America's self-perception began to change significantly. The images forced a national introspection about the actions taken by the military and the implications of those actions on American values.

As the narrative unfolds, the documentary delves into why these photographs were taken in the first place. It probes the conditions under which the soldiers operated and the chaotic environment that surrounded them during the Iraq War.

The filmmakers conducted extensive interviews with the soldiers who took the haunting pictures as well as individuals featured in them. These conversations provided haunting insights into their motivations, emotions, and the moral dilemmas they faced.

Through two years of research, the team amassed a staggering collection of transcripts, documents, and photographs. This effort sought to capture the full narrative surrounding the incidents at Abu Ghraib and the implications of each.

The complexities of the Abu Ghraib scandal are underscored by the moral uncertainty it presents. The documentary highlights how this uncertainty continues to cloud the interpretation of the events and the images that emerged from them.

The photographs from Abu Ghraib are characterized as both a revelation and a concealment. They offer a disturbing glimpse into human rights abuses while also suggesting that the images may have obscured the need for a deeper investigation into the situation.

New developments regarding the destruction of the Abu Zubaydah interrogation footage contributed to the ongoing narrative of concealment. This raised eyebrows and suggested a broader effort to cover up the extent of military misdeeds tied to Abu Ghraib.

In the media, debates proliferated around the existence of a 'smoking gun' that could clarify the scandal. Critics argue that the focus on finding such evidence detracts from the broader implications of the atrocities revealed by the photographs themselves.

The aftermath of the Abu Ghraib scandal raises profound questions about America's ideals and moral compass. The documentary leaves viewers grappling with how such significant compromises could occur within a nation that prides itself on human rights.

Even years after the scandal, the implications of Abu Ghraib continue to reverberate both within military circles and amongst the public. The military and societal perceptions of ethical responsibility have been irrevocably altered, demanding continuous scrutiny.

Despite the exposure provided by the photographs, the film argues that this was merely the tip of the iceberg. It emphasizes a need for ongoing investigation into the systemic issues surrounding military practices and treatment of detainees.