Syriana Reflection Questions

Robert Baer was a real 21-year veteran of the CIA who spent his career investigating
terrorists around the world and watched as warning signs were ignored regarding the
future of the Middle East. This thriller follows several characters across the globe as their
lives are impacted by the ruthless competition for the incalculable power that comes
from the energy resources in the Middle East.

Film Discussion Questions: Answer 5 of these questions, and copy

and paste the questions and answers into the assignment text box.
1. James Berardinelli says Syriana, "Contains elements of a thriller, but isn't one in a
traditional sense." What makes this film like other thrillers and what makes it different?
This movie has exciting fragments, it is similar like other thriller. However, the film is
more exposed the corruption behind the global oil industry and breathtaking insider, this
is the different part.
2. Tim Knight says that Syriana gradually weaves together four disparate narrative
strands against the volatile backdrop of the Middle East. What are the 4 storylines and
how are they linked?
1.Bob was a CIA agent, when he finished the last task had an accident and became the
scapegoat.Then he found that, over the years he has been taken by the government

2.Bennett is wearing a new lawyer, he using various methods, through various channels, let the
two oil companies deal to go through.
3.Energy analyst Bryan and his wife and two young sons live in Geneva, when he brought the
family to participate in, Mr Prince family in Spain's summer party, one of his sons unfortunately
died unexpectedly., Mr Prince in order to make up for the accident cause damage to Bryan, and
hired him as his economic advisers.
4.Pakistani immigrant wach salim and son is working in Connex companies, The policy shift let
father and his son not escape bad luck in unemployment, the visa will expire soon. Desperate
wach, finally find the dignity in an islamic militant group, and group leader is stolen "sting"
missile in Bob last action of the egyptians.

3. In the film, Danny Dalton says to Bennett Holiday, "No, I tell you. No, sir. Corruption

charges! Corruption? Corruption is government intrusion into market efficiencies in the

form of regulations. 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 over scraps of meat out in the
streets. Corruption is why we win." What does he mean when he says this? Do you think
this is true?
These two character are working for acquisition, if they get the business, they will get
huge benefit . Of cause , it is not true. Corruption is boycott in China, but still have a lot
people did this, because it can get what they want easier.
4. Danny says to the Prince, "What are they thinking? They're thinking that it's running
out. It's running out... and ninety percent of what's left is in the Middle East. This is a
fight to the death." Why does the Middle East dominate so much of US political thinking?
Because of the energy, US need to cooperate with middle East, because they have the
energy what the US need to use it to develop their industry and economic.

5. Dean Whiting says to Bob Barnes, "In this town, you're innocent until you're
investigated." Why is this an important statement?
It means even though you are innocence, you still will have charges after trial.
6. Why is the Princes statement, "When a country has five percent of the world's
population but spends fifty percent of the world's military spending, that country's
persuasive power is in decline," important to the context of the film?
Establish the military is necessary things for a country, but a country who have less
population but spends too much on military spending, it will shows that that country
intent to waging war.
7. Why do you feel that Wasim is ripe to be recruited by the Muslim extremist group?
What rhetoric do they use to convince him to become part of their group?
After the civil war, muslims and christians often conflict, terrorism, reconstruction work is
slow.

8. Why would Prince Nasir Al-Subaais becoming the next Emir be problematic for the
American government, as well as the Connex Corporation? How does each remedy the
situation?
He wanted to change the country has long been a U.S. interests as the priority of bad
habits.

9. Dean Whiting says to Barnes, "Your entire career youve been used and you probably
didnt know what for." How did the US government use Agent Barnes?
They let agent Barnes to kill the Prince.
10. What are some things that motivate the principal characters?
Bryan is American, but he works in Switzerland, after due to the loss of children as the
consultant.
Agent Bob lost a missile at the beginning, and the CIA who are reluctant to mention this,
then his superiors lie to him, let him kill the older. But his partner defected, and also
torture him.He was a scapegoat after back home.

11. James Berardinelli says, "The general thinking is that the military's need to amass the
newest and best weapons keeps the economy going and positively impacts the health of
thousands of American corporations. It's not just that the need for a strong economy
demands a strong military, but that the greed and influence of Big Business (especially
the oil industry) sets policy." How is this shown in the film? Were you surprised about the
connections between business, government, and the military?
Every characters have there owns unique characteristics, the working in the different
industry or government. but in the film, it seems like 4 different story, but you will found
that everything is connect at the end of the movie.
12. James Berardinelli says that Syriana will be a polarizing motion picture, pitting
defenders of the establishment against those on the other side. Do you feel this is an
accurate statement?
This is a full of black market, indemnification, and large politeical and economic system,
political intrigue of the world. Everyone plays an important role, but he didn't know his
fate will be how much impact on the world.
13. Pete Travers says, "Global oil corruption has seeped into every facet of our lives, from
the collusion of White House and business interests in the Persian Gulf to the financial
squeeze we all feel just pumping gas." How is this evident in the film and how is this
evident in our current political situation and everyday lives?
Syriana express more is the theme of the economic ,political. After all, the world is of
interest, all is the fundamental interests are the result of the game.