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Syriana is a political thriller film directed by Stephen Gaghan, released in 2005. The script is inspired by the non-fiction book "See No Evil" by Robert Baer. The story revolves around the oil industry in the Middle East, particularly in the country of Iran. The narrative is split into various storylines, each with a different perspective on the industry and its effects on various characters.

The first storyline follows Bob Barnes (played by George Clooney), a disillusioned CIA operative who is tasked with assassinating a Middle Eastern prince. Barnes is a veteran operative who has grown disillusioned with the agency and the corrupt politics surrounding it. He is initially reticent about carrying out the mission, but eventually acquiesces. However, when the mission goes awry, Barnes is forced to go underground, unsure of who to trust.

The second storyline follows Bryan Woodman (played by Matt Damon), a consultant who works for an energy company called Connex. Woodman is sent to Geneva to broker a deal with a powerful Iranian oil magnate, but he finds himself caught up in a web of corruption and deceit. As he begins to uncover the truth about the company he works for, he must decide whether to remain loyal to his employers or risk everything to do the right thing.

The third storyline follows two Pakistani brothers, Wasim and Saleem Ahmed Khan (played by Mazhar Munir and Shahid Ahmed), who work as oil field workers in a Connex plant. When Wasim is injured in an accident, the company refuses to pay for his medical bills, driving him further into poverty. Saleem becomes involved with Islamic fundamentalists, and his story becomes intertwined with that of a young idealistic lawyer, Bennett Holiday (played by Jeffrey Wright), who is working for the law firm representing Connex.

Finally, the fourth storyline follows the story of a young energy analyst, Julie Woodman (played by Amanda Peet), who is the wife of Bryan Woodman. Julie tries to balance her career aspirations with the demands of being a wife and mother. As her husband becomes more deeply involved in the corruption surrounding the company he works for, Julie must decide whether to turn a blind eye or confront him.

Syriana is a complex and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the murky politics of the oil industry in the Middle East. The film looks at the conflicts of interest that arise when powerful corporations are allowed to wield unchecked power, and the consequences of that power on the lives of ordinary people. The film features an all-star cast of talented actors, including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet, and Jeffrey Wright. The film is an absorbing and challenging work that will leave audiences pondering its themes long after it ends.

Syriana is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 76.