Face to Face with Dexter Filkins: Journalism in a Facts Optional World

Dexter Filkins is a fearless truth teller and one of the premier combat correspondents of his generation. After spending a decade reporting from the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, Filkins penned in 2007 The Forever War, a definitive account of America’s conflicts and a searing exploration of its human costs.
A decade later, the U.S. remains mired in “forever war”, even as we continue to hear official assurances that we are “on track, making progress and meeting our goals.” Meanwhile, the rise of new forms of media have helped create audiences who reject truth-telling from the frontlines and hunger for versions of events that affirm their own points of view. For many in this politically charged world, facts have become optional.
Dexter was joined by IAF’s own Bob Giles for a wide-ranging discussion that explores challenges to journalism at home and abroad and consider the effectiveness of U.S. policy toward the Middle East and Afghanistan.
This presentation was recorded in Traverse City, MI on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College at Milliken Auditorium June 15, 2017.

[@greglarry11]

Always enjoy Mr. Filkins. I enjoy his work. Loved the book 'Forever War.'

[@MrMemozzza]

What a great story teller, great person and writer.

[@whatthisemail6954]

If only Dexter focused on justice for the victims instead of freedom for the enemy.