Comments for The Roots of War

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Mark Head

Mark Head — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:11:17 +0000

The Roots of War provides meaningful new insights into the thoughts and perspectives of many of the people directly involved in the broad turmoil now stretching from the mid- to far east. Its rapid-fire sequencing of quotes on a wide array of topics helps the viewer distill the deluge of fragmented information on terror and its causes into a more concise and digestible format.

Mark Head
Chief Solutions Office

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Allen M

Allen M — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:30:15 +0000

Hello Niki,
I watched the film and was expecting to write before today, but our internet has been completely down until late last night. I hate technology! I liked the film much better this time than last. You did a very good job of laying out the players and situations that created and then fostered terrorism. Your interviewees were knowledgeable and articulate. I felt you showed many different points of view effectively, helping me and others, I’m sure, have a more clear picture of terrorism. It is an ambitious film in scope and should find an audience beyond Dallas. And congratulations. I know this has been an arduous journey. I hope it’s been worth it. Good luck.
Allen M.

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Jean & Herb

Jean & Herb — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:28:01 +0000

Niki,
We are the ones who should be thanking you for the invitation. I was delighted that we got to be a part of the celebration and the discussion. I wish KERA had aired it earlier so we could have had a discussion after the film. Comments and reactions that I heard afterward were very positive. I can see great use of the documentary for classroom and teaching discussion. I think you should be thinking about how to follow this one so you could develop a series.
It seemed to me that you demonstrated balance of views and I didn’t see evidence of the concerns voiced proceeding the showing. Keep up the good work as we cheer you on to the next project!
Jean and Herb

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Thelma Morris-Lindsey

Thelma Morris-Lindsey — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:54:02 +0000

FINALLY…a documentary that commands that the viewing audience listen with our ears, our eyes, and our hearts. The Roots of War…The Road to Peace explores the historical background, its many truths and its many voices…But then Niki takes a giant leap and she is willing to go where few have gone. She is willing to speak of our extraordinary ability, as human beings, to transcend the atrocities of war and create global peace. I look forward to the “road to peace.”

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by M. L. Neill

M. L. Neill — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:46:59 +0000

My primary thought was that mainstream Americans will be reminded that our enemy is not Saudi Arabia, Iran , Iraq, Pakistan….the Islam religion or Muslims. Our enemies are the fundamentalists- who use terrorist tactics to kill Americans, Israelis, etc. They want us to fight back to show other fundamentalists that we are indeed the evil ones- American satans. Hopefully, Roots….will create more understanding ; more communication. I am grateful , Niki, that you didn’t quit even though it cost you much in use of your time and your money.
M.N.Neill

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by James C. Oberwetter, Amb. (ret)

James C. Oberwetter, Amb. (ret) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:47:42 +0000

I really enjoyed the work you all did. It was comprehensive and very useful for those in a learning mode about from whence the current crop of terrorists emerge for the most part and the elements which drive them. A little more on takfir would help focus on where violent jihad finds its roots, but at least it is there and is most discussions and books it is still lacking. David Kilcullen’s book, The Accidental Guerilla, is one of the first to distinguish the takfir sliver of hate.

Of course we did not know about the deep dispute over version one. I do not see anything which would cause such divides in the great work we saw. We wish you all the best in making it available as well as encouraging you on to address women’s issues and others you have identified.

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by David Schulz

David Schulz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:46:33 +0000

Watched Roots of War, Road to Peace with great interest and deep appreciation for the effort it took. They did a fine job encompassing the topic, balanced and credible. The Hatton W. Sumners Foundation can be proud… in fact, when my recorder (I tivoed it) kicked in, the first words on the screen were the Foundation’s name. Bravo! When we speak, or have lunch, we can discuss its virtues more fully; suffice it to say it was gripping enough to watch it through in one sitting. These days, that takes good writing and superior editing.

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Scott

Scott — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:53:43 +0000

I really enjoyed the program last evening. The segment on the history of Islam going back to its “roots” in the six century was brilliant. The context it provided to the present day conflict was compelling in that reminded me of the how interconnected the Christian, Hebrew and Muslim tribes were, and perhaps still are in certain respects.

I hope that you will continue to push for wider distribution of the Roots of War. It really does hit the mark on balance and fairness relative to the perception issue of Muslims and Arabs in America. There is much that the average American does not understand about Islam, and I believe your show helped to diminish that negative stereotype that unfortunately is so pervasive in our country.

Finally, I applaud your determination in seeing this project through and thank you for making a difference.

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Scott

Scott — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:53:03 +0000

Again, congratulations on “Roots of War”. Kudos!

Comment on The Roots of War…the Road to Peace airs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV by Howard W.

Howard W. — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:52:20 +0000

Wow! You’re to be commended. lots to cram in, very well thought out.You were fair. When will this air again?