War Machine (2017)

Ben Kingsley: President Karzai

Photos 

Quotes 

• President Karzai : Your predecessor, General Whelan! I liked him! I'm not entirely certain he liked *me*; he didn't visit very often. Why was he dismissed? It seems- uhh, one minute he was here- uh, next minute, not here.

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Ah. Well, Mr. President, I think our government simply felt it was time our effort took a new direction.

  President Karzai : And uh, what is this new direction?

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Ah! It's most important to me that we *build* Afghanistan. Together, we build Afghanistan into a free and prosperous nation, free from fear and conflict.

  President Karzai : I see.

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Yeah.

  President Karzai : I see. Sounds a lot like the *old* direction.

• Gen. Glen McMahon : We hope to launch Operation Moshtarak *tonight*. I need your official consent before doing so.

  President Karzai : [surprised]  Really?

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Yes, sir.

  President Karzai : Why?

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Because it's your mission.

  President Karzai : It is?

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Yes, sir!

  President Karzai : Ah. No one has ever asked me to approve a mission before.

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Well that needs to change! This mission *needs* your consent. If we're to win the trust of Helmand Province, it demands that this mission be seen to be of your design. I-

  [the President sneezes loudly and one of his nose tampons fly off] 

  Gen. Glen McMahon : I don't mean to be rude, Mr. President, uhm, but it is *imperative* that you begin to take a leadership role here. We cannot win this thing alone.

  [the President shakes his head adamantly, captured by Glen's pep talk] 

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Without your active involvement, our presence here will never be anything more than a foreign occupation! This is *your war*.

  [the President nods] 

  Gen. Glen McMahon : For your country!

  [the President nods again] 

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Your people!

  [the President nods once more] 

  Gen. Glen McMahon : Again, I'm sorry sir, but you need to- behave like a leader.

  President Karzai : But I am behaving like a leader! I'm unavailable. I am as unavailable to you as is your own president. Hm?

  [Glen clears his throat uncomfortably] 

  President Karzai : You have my approval, General. We both know it was never really mine to give, but... I thank you for inviting me to participate in the *theater* of it all. And good luck. I wish you much success.

  [the President turns the TV back on] 

• Gen. Glen McMahon : Sir, My team and I are about to embark on a tour of the country, so that we may make an assessment to precisely understand what is required of us here. It could be an honor if you would consider joining me on the tour so that our project might be a unified endeavor. A sharing of our purpose.

  President Karzai : Thank you for your invitation, General. It's very generous. But I've seen the country.