I strongly recommend “Syriana” as a must-watch movie. This film does an excellent job of illustrating just how politics and big business conspire to preserve the status quo which also protects their power and profits, leaving no room for any fantasy for “spreading democracy” or “good will of the western world”. Also it reveals many hidden relationships among different, sometimes opposite, shareholders, which I think is a closer portrait for the reality.
The Middle East is a blessed region, according to Koran, but currently it’s also an arena attracting all kinds of political powers that are thirsty for energy, e.g., China and US. The prince of the old Emir tried to change the situation and get away with the American’s control. He wanted to develop the relationship with Iran and China, for instance, and to really control the resources. Over night, he was put on the blacklist of “terrorist” and CIA sent people to assassinate him. He had great ambition and vision, but his brother was greedy too. He was willing to be the puppet in exchange for the next Emir. In the desert, US bombed him and all his family while that puppet was attending the party for oil stars in the US. Every movement also brought unexpected consequences to the poor. Pakistani lost jobs and suffered a lot. In the desperation, they turned to religious comfort and channeled all pains into hatred. Later they became “body bombers”. I can’t see any hope at the end. After they empty all resources and are not attracted to the western world, what will they do? Are they going to retreat to 100 years ago, killing in the desert? Even though there are some people, like that prince, who want to change and revolute, do they have any chance to be successful?
Here is what a scapegoat of the big American oil company told to the attorney:
“Corruption charges…corruption? Corruption is government intrusion into market efficiencies in the form of regulation. That’s Milton Friedman. He got a goddamn Nobel Prize. We have laws against it precisely so we can get away with it. Corruption is our protection. Corruption keeps us safe and warm. Corruption is why you and I are prancing around in here instead of fighting scraps of meat out in the street. Corruption…is why we win.” Later actually the Justice Dept. reached a deal with the company. What they need is just an illusion of “justice”.
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