The Audio Long Read Shock, awe, death, joy and looting: how the Guardian covered the outbreak of the Iraq war
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Mar 13, 2026 Frontline accounts of the initial bombardment and chaotic aftermath in Baghdad. Stories of photographers risking everything to document war and the moral debates over publishing graphic images. Reporting from embedded journalists and independent mavericks reveals looting, ruined cultural heritage and overwhelmed hospitals. Personal voices from Iraq show shifting hopes and the heavy costs of covering conflict.
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Shock And Awe Focused On Regime Symbols
- The initial US-UK assault used a “shock and awe” bombardment aimed at breaking Saddam's regime by quickly striking symbolic centers like the presidential complex.
- Julian Borger and Rory McCarthy described the presidential complex being razed in about ten minutes as civilians watched from the Palestine Hotel across the Tigris.
Sean Smith's Calm Photo Work In Baghdad
- Sean Smith photographed daily life moments—last meetings at Baghdad Racetrack, a football match and a wedding—capturing war's smoky poignancy.
- Suzanne Goldenberg praised Smith's calm and people skills; he carried old photographic gear and a risky satellite phone into Baghdad.
Embedding Trades Access For Military Oversight
- The embedding system gave reporters unprecedented access but also allowed military control, including confiscating comms and monitoring reports.
- Jamie Wilson lost his satellite and mobile phones and had ship radio monitored while aboard HMS Marlborough.