AllMovie

With WWII at an end, the world soon faced a new challenge widely known as the Cold War. In 24 episodes, this series chronicles this war of ideologies, from its inception in the late '40s until the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. some 40 years later. With Europe and Japan absorbed in rebuilding their cities and economies, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the world's superpowers and standard bearers for incompatible political philosophies. Capitalism or Communism: The line was drawn in the sand. This episode turns the spotlight on the Middle East as the American-supported government in Iran is toppled. The program also details the Soviets' fiercely opposed attempts to establish dominance in Afghanistan and the United States' provision of money, munitions, and training to the Muslim rebels, including Osama bin Laden.