Nick Berg was an American businessman who traveled to Iraq in early 2004 to work on rebuilding efforts following the U.S. invasion. He was abducted by Islamic militants on April 10, 2004, while he was in the country for business purposes. Berg's kidnappers demanded the release of prisoners held by the United States in Iraq in exchange for his life. On May 7, 2004, a video surfaced online showing Berg being beheaded by the militants in a brutal and shocking manner. The video was intended to send a strong message and instill fear, showcasing the power of the insurgent groups operating in Iraq at that time.

The release of the video captured massive media attention globally, prompting widespread condemnation and horror from various leaders and communities. It also ignited debates regarding the treatment of captives, the effectiveness of U.S. policies in Iraq, and the responsibilities of nations in protecting civilians from such acts of terrorism. The brutal nature of the execution and the public nature of its release had profound implications, impacting public opinion and media coverage of the ongoing Iraq conflict.

In addition to the immediate reactions, the incident prompted discussions about the safety of civilians in war zones and raised awareness of the extensive brutality of the insurgency. Berg's murder was one of several high-profile kidnappings and killings during this period, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by foreign nationals in conflict regions. The video went viral and played a role in shaping perceptions about the nature of the conflict in Iraq and the threat posed by Islamic extremism.