American's Real Propaganda Of Democracy and Freedom In George Packer's Betrayed

Abstract

George Packer is one of the American celebrated playwrights of contemporary political drama. He is very much influenced by the recent history of Iraq which is reflected and can be recognized in his works, most notably in his opulent 2008 play Betrayed. It is based on a journal article written for The New Yorker Magazine after Packer's last visit to Iraq during America's invasion of 2003. Betrayed argues many political and social issues, but it focuses heavily on the US's alleged democracy and freedom so as to prove (their lying) and reveal their hidden colonial interests. Packer shows the audience how Iraqis' hope turns suddenly into a disappointment as a result of the tragic actions that have happened instead of stabilization and peace. Thus, their dependence upon America's good intentions make them ultimately look for asylum outside Iraq. Hence, this paper aims at investigating America's false claims and phony promises of democracy and liberty. It also explores their betrayal which is accomplished in pillaging, looting, destructing, militias, murdering, sectarian dividing, and bombing.