Matt Damon on "Syriana," Democracy in Middle East
Matt Damon couldn't be more pleased with events in Egypt -- and hopes to see more of the spread of democracy throughout the Middle East.
"I'm thrilled with what's happened so far in the Middle East," he told Current. "It's exciting to see this non-violent revolution in Egypt, to see a dictator toppled in 18 days, and I'm very excited to see what happens next."
Likewise, his character Bryan Woodman in Syriana gets excited about the prospect of reform-minded Prince Nasir coming to power, since he plans to start a Parliament and expand women's rights. After he's recruited at Nasir's energy analyst, Woodman tells his wife, "This guy might be able to revolutionize not just his country, but the whole region... Prince Nasir could be like Mossadegh in Iran in 1952, a real democracy springing up organically."
Although Egypt started its revolution relatively peacefully, Libya, Bahrain, and other regions have not had as easy a go at it. But forcing the situation might not be the answer.
"You can't export democracy at the end of a rifle," Damon said. "You can't just tell them, 'You're going to become a democratic society.' That change has to come within."
What changes would he like to see happen, then? Smiling, Damon said, "It's hard to answer that question without sounding like Miss America: 'First of all, world peace.'"
Syriana airs on Current TV on Sunday, March 13 at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT.
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Short_Shanks
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I've liked Matt Damon since I listened to him read part of Howard Zinn's "People's History of the United States: Highlights from the 21st Century."
- 1 year ago
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Short_Shanks
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letsliveinpeace
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I like Matt Damon and all of his Movie I haven't miss one yet.
- 1 year ago
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letsliveinpeace
