Backstabbing for Beginners 2018

The film tells the compelling story of Michael Sullivan, a young man whose childhood was marked by the loss of his father, a US State Department diplomat. Leaving behind a promising career at a major bank, he grabs the opportunity of a lifetime to become a diplomat with the United Nations (UN) in the fall of 2002. His journey begins as he is appointed as an assistant to Under-Secretary-General Costa “Pasha” Passaris, who oversees the Oil-for-Food Programme established in 1995. This program was intended to provide humanitarian aid to the citizens of Iraq while preventing oil sales from enriching Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Upon his initial visit to Baghdad, Michael is introduced to Christina Dupre, the local chief UN diplomat. Christina expresses her grave concerns regarding the rampant corruption within the program and hints at her intentions to publish a report to expose this misconduct. This revelation opens Michael’s eyes to the troubling realities of the situation he is in. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a staggering corruption scandal involving the siphoning of $20 billion intended for humanitarian aid into the hands of greedy businesses, financial institutions, and even various government officials, potentially implicating Pasha himself.

Amidst the chaos, Michael finds solace in a romance with Nashim Hussani — a UN worker who passionately works to aid her people, the Kurds of northern Iraq, while revealing critical insights about the corruption to Michael. Pasha takes it upon himself to mentor Michael, attempting to illustrate the harsh truths of diplomacy in a world rife with dishonesty, emphasizing that despite the embezzlement, $60 billion ultimately reached those in need, purchasing food and medicine for the Iraqi populace.

As the stakes drastically rise and those around him start meeting tragic fates, including Nashim and Christina, Michael becomes increasingly disheartened. Even after the program’s de jure termination following the Coalition Invasion of Iraq in 2003, the corruption persists. Fueled by a desperate need to bring justice, Michael meticulously gathers evidence and ultimately makes the courageous decision to approach The Wall Street Journal, seeking to shine a light on the truth that has been obscured.