The Role of Media in Documenting Iraq’s Political Events (1979–1991) The Program « Special Testimonies » as a Model

This study examines the role of media in documenting Iraq’s contemporary political events between 1979 and 1991 through the television program “Special Testimonies” as a practical model that combines media work with oral history. The study demonstrates that media is not only a means of transmitting events, but also an effective tool for preserving historical memory and providing researchers with valuable material that can be used to analyze political developments and understand the circumstances surrounding them. The research focused on oral testimonies as one of the most important sources in documenting contemporary history because they provide direct accounts from individuals who experienced and participated in political events. These testimonies offered detailed information that was often absent from written documents and official records. At the same time, the study emphasized the importance of critically analyzing oral narratives by comparing different testimonies and distinguishing between factual events and personal interpretations in order to achieve objective historical understanding. The program “Special Testimonies” succeeded in presenting a wide range of political and social perspectives through its numerous episodes and diverse guests. This diversity enriched the documentary material and enabled researchers to form a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of Iraq’s political history during the selected period. The study also highlighted the important role of the Hamid Abdullah, who managed the interviews professionally and contributed to shaping the historical narrative through his academic background and media experience. His ability to guide discussions, organize historical events chronologically, and encourage guests to present detailed testimonies gave the program significant academic and documentary value. Furthermore, the study concluded that the integration between media and oral history contributes to producing a broader understanding of historical knowledge. Media has become more than a platform for presenting events; it now plays a role in interpreting and reconstructing historical narratives in a way that reflects the complexity of political and social reality. The research also showed that professionally produced media programs can become reliable documentary archives for future studies in political history and media studies. In conclusion, the study confirmed that contemporary media can play a major role in documenting political events and preserving collective memory when it is based on professionalism, objectivity, and accurate historical analysis. The program “Special Testimonies” represents a successful example of the integration between media and oral history, offering researchers a rich and valuable source for understanding Iraq’s modern political history.