"The one thing that is crazy to even think of is that the idea for Syriana came when Gaghan was researching Traffic, and while he is researching a film on the drug trade and their power of addiction he asked himself what was the largest addiction Americans have, and instead of drugs or cigarettes he comes up with oil. It might not be the first thing that jumps into your mind when you think of addiction, but it is an involuntary addiction. It is not a necessity in all cases; it is an addiction that feeds our appetite for control and freedom. It is a highly interesting topic, which is why Syriana is such an appealing film."