In The Dark: Bonus Episode “Cleared by Fire” – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the bonus episode titled “Cleared by Fire” of the award-winning investigative journalism podcast In The Dark, host Madeleine Baran engages in a profound conversation with Sam Wilson, the co-director of the interactive documentary project of the same name. Released on September 27, 2024, this episode unveils the collaborative endeavor between In The Dark and The New Yorker to create an immersive visual exploration of the Haditha incident—a tragic event involving the killing of Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines in 2005.

Overview of "Cleared by Fire"

Cleared by Fire is an interactive documentary that reconstructs the events of November 19, 2005, in Haditha, Iraq, offering multiple perspectives to present a comprehensive view of the incident. Sam Wilson provides an introduction to the project:

“Cleared by Fire is an illustrated, immersive documentary that takes you through the events of November 19, 2005, through the perspective, statements and words of the people who were there. So the perpetrators, the alleged shooters, the survivors, and the people who witnessed what happened that day.” (01:31)

The documentary employs 3D recreations of key locations, dynamically adjusting visuals to align with the varying testimonies of different individuals involved. This method allows viewers to experience the events from both the Marines' and the Iraqi civilians' viewpoints, creating a nuanced and multifaceted narrative.

Creation Process and Methodology

Madeleine Baran delves into the intricate process behind the creation of Cleared by Fire, seeking to understand how the team translated extensive data into a tangible, immersive experience. Sam Wilson elaborates on the methodology:

“Our starting point was all of the reporting materials that you all had collected over years. So the photographs, the FOIA documents, the NCIS reports, satellite images, drone footage. And we started by sort of making a big board with all of these different assets that could sort of describe each one of these spaces and help us bring these spaces to life.” (03:32)

The team meticulously gathered thousands of data points, including photographs, official documents, and multimedia footage, to reconstruct the physical spaces where the events unfolded. By building these environments in 3D, they were able to visualize the "intimacy of these spaces and how close the Marines must have had to be to the people that they were shooting" (04:51), creating a visceral representation that traditional formats might fail to capture.

Humanizing the Narrative: Khalid Jamal's Story

A poignant aspect of Cleared by Fire is its focus on individual stories, particularly that of Khalid Jamal, a 14-year-old survivor. Sam Wilson highlights Khalid's significant role in the documentary:

“Khalid stuck out to me as someone who could really help bring this story up to the present moment. You know, Khalid is still seeking justice. He's still trying to figure out what happened to his three uncles and his father who were killed that day.” (07:37)

Khalid’s personal experiences and his quest for understanding provide an emotional anchor to the documentary, bridging the gap between past events and their lasting impact on individuals. His vivid recollections—such as his desire to stand with his male relatives and the ensuing conflict with his aunt—add depth and humanity to the overarching narrative.

Intentions and Impact of the Project

The primary objective of Cleared by Fire is to juxtapose conflicting accounts from different perspectives to uncover a more transparent and honest portrayal of the Haditha incident. Sam Wilson articulates this aim:

“You have Marines that are contradicting each other. You have Marines that are contradicting themselves. You have survivors who are saying something completely different than what the Marines had. And in a sort of contradictory way. By juxtaposing these conflicting statements, you can start to find a clearer picture through the comparison of what people said.” (05:56)

Furthermore, the project emphasizes the importance of incorporating Iraqi voices, which have historically been sidelined in such narratives. By centering these perspectives, Cleared by Fire strives to foster a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of the events, facilitating an honest conversation about accountability and the human cost of conflict.

Engagement and Accessibility

Madeleine Baran encourages listeners to engage with the Cleared by Fire project through various multimedia avenues available on The New Yorker's website:

“If you've listened to the podcast and you want to sort of see. I think that if you went to look at this, you're going to learn something new. It is going to be an incredibly moving and interesting experience.” (09:37)

The interactive documentary not only offers a visual and immersive experience but also provides access to supplementary materials such as photos taken by Marines post-incident and a database of alleged war crimes by American service members. This multi-dimensional approach ensures that audiences can explore the story from different angles, enriching their understanding beyond the auditory narrative.

Conclusion and Future Engagements

As the episode wraps up, Madeleine Baran highlights the significance of Cleared by Fire as a pioneering project in journalistic storytelling. She invites listeners to explore the interactive documentary and participate in upcoming bonus episodes where they can engage directly with the creators by submitting questions:

“You can email us your questions by writing to us@inthedarknewyorker.com and thanks, as always, for listening.” (10:57)

Cleared by Fire stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of journalism, where interactive and immersive storytelling methods enhance the depth and impact of investigative reporting. By meticulously reconstructing events and amplifying marginalized voices, the project not only commemorates the victims but also challenges audiences to confront the complexities and moral ambiguities inherent in conflict.

Final Thoughts

The bonus episode “Cleared by Fire” of In The Dark offers listeners an in-depth look into a groundbreaking project that redefines how stories are told and experienced. Through thoughtful reconstruction, personal narratives, and a commitment to unveiling the multifaceted truths of the Haditha incident, In The Dark continues to illuminate the shadows of untold stories with integrity and innovation.