Netflix's 'Sergio' Chronicles Life Of U.N. Diplomat Killed In 2003

[BlueMTexpat]

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/19/838073257/netflixs-sergio-chronicles-life-of-u-n-diplomat-killed-in-2003?t=1587458730441

As one who has worked on various international projects in the UN and other international organizations, I was very interested to see this pop up among my Netflix options this morning.

I haven't yet seen it, in part because I remember that horrific event all too well. While I was safely in Geneva at the time, my boss, our Director had been in meetings at the UN compound that morning. We were frantic at the time because we thought that he had been among the casualties. We learned later that day that he had left the compound and been traveling at the time. He was devastated, as were we all.

While our Director was safe, too many other wonderful people died that day, all because of Bush II's misbegotten and VERY ill-advised invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003. My loathing for Bush II and his MisAdministration, which is deep and lasting, has been surpassed by that for 45 and his.

From the link:

... You know, he was opposed to the Iraq War. He did turn the job down several times and was persuaded by Condoleezza Rice, Tony Blair, George Bush, Kofi Annan that he was the only person who could do this job. I also think he did feel that the invasion had happened. The occupation was a reality. So maybe there was a chance to start a new beginning for the Iraqi people and construct a post-Saddam Iraq that would be grounded in human dignity and, you know, just a more normal life. But he was kind of pushed aside and not listened to. And he grew very frustrated and could see that the occupation was in danger of going off the rails.
...
I've been thinking a lot these past weeks about what this story means in the midst of the pandemic or current global crisis, what Sergio would be doing if he were alive today and still with the U.N. He wasn't a scientist. He was not a doctor. But he knew how to get stuff done. And he would be trying to marshal an effective global response to this. So, you know, I think we're in this era of, like, retrenchment and looking inward. But when we're in a truly global world, you know, we need these kinds of people, these kinds of institutions that look at dire situations and find a way through it. I think of it as a story of love and hope amidst the darkness.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. As soon as I saw the name, I thought "is this based on Samantha Powers' book ?". Yes, it is.

https://samanthapower.com/books/chasing-the-flame-one-mans-fight-to-save-the-world/

[BlueMTexpat]

4. Thank you do much for the link!

This will definitely go on my reading list!

[bif]

2. Looks like there's a movie and a documentary.

Which one did you watch?

[BlueMTexpat]

3. The one I am referring to

is the Netflix movie (2020).

The documentary is from HBO. They have the same director. Here's a link to check before viewing the movie: https://screenrant.com/sergio-netflix-movie-documentary-differences-comparison/

And here's a quick video to watch before viewing:

I haven't watched it yet myself. It brings up too many bittersweet memories right now of US foreign policy folly, wrongful interventionism, and recurring political idiocy that have resulted in the Worst WH Occupant Ever.

Why is it always the good ones who are lost, while the rotten ones live forever?