Backstabbing for Beginners

Michael Sullivan's early years were overshadowed by the tragic loss of his father, who was a diplomat for the US State Department. This formative experience deeply impacts Michael's later choices and aspirations.

In the fall of 2002, Michael abandons a promising banking career for an opportunity to join the United Nations as a diplomat. This decisive shift reflects his ambition to contribute to global humanitarian efforts.

Michael is appointed as an assistant to Under-Secretary-General Costa 'Pasha' Passaris. His new role focuses on overseeing the Oil-for-Food Programme, which was initially designed to help the citizens of Iraq.

During his first visit to Baghdad, Michael meets Christina Dupre, the local chief UN diplomat. She shares her serious concerns about corruption in the Oil-for-Food Programme, hinting at her plans to reveal the truth.

As Michael investigates further, he uncovers a vast corruption scandal involving $20 billion meant for humanitarian aid. This shocking revelation alerts him to the deep-seated issues plaguing the program and its management.

Amid the unfolding chaos, Michael finds love with Nashim Hussani, a dedicated UN worker. Their relationship blossoms as she provides him with valuable insights about the struggles of the Kurdish people and ongoing corruption.

Pasha takes Michael under his wing, despite not being without his own moral complexities. Through this mentorship, Michael learns about the harsh realities of diplomatic work and the balance between doing good and operating within a broken system.

Pasha reveals to Michael that, despite the embezzlement scandals, $60 billion still managed to reach those in need, funding essential food and medicine for the Iraqi population. This statistic becomes a crucial point of reflection for Michael as he grapples with ethical dilemmas.

As the investigation intensifies, the stakes become life-threatening, resulting in tragic losses, including the deaths of Nashim and Christina. These events weigh heavily on Michael, deepening his resolve to fight against the corruption.

The program is officially terminated following the Coalition Invasion of Iraq in 2003. However, Michael realizes that the corruption has not disappeared and continues to threaten the very fabric of the humanitarian aid efforts.

Driven by a passion for justice and truth, Michael begins meticulously gathering evidence of the corruption within the Oil-for-Food Programme. His efforts are focused on illuminating the malfeasance that has perpetuated the suffering of the Iraqi people.

Realizing the importance of exposing the truth, Michael bravely decides to approach The Wall Street Journal. This decision marks a pivotal moment in his journey as he seeks to bring the hidden corruption to light.