Was War Dogs a True Story?
The 2017 film "War Dogs" tells the story of two young men, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who become arms dealers and smugglers during the Iraq War. The film is based on a true story, but how accurate is it? In this article, we’ll explore the facts behind the film and separate fact from fiction.
The True Story
David Packouz, a former massage therapist, and Efraim Diveroli, a former Army Ranger, met in the early 2000s in Miami. They started a small arms-dealing business, providing weapons to the US military and other government agencies. As their business grew, they began to smuggle weapons to foreign countries, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Film’s Accuracy
The film "War Dogs" takes creative liberties with the true story, but it’s based on the real-life experiences of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. Here are some of the key differences between the film and reality:
- The film’s portrayal of the characters: In the film, David Packouz is portrayed as a naive and idealistic young man, while Efraim Diveroli is shown as a ruthless and cunning businessman. In reality, Packouz has said that he was more involved in the business side of things, while Diveroli was more focused on the military side.
- The film’s depiction of the arms deals: The film shows the two men making large-scale arms deals with the US military and other government agencies. In reality, their deals were much smaller and more local.
- The film’s portrayal of the CIA’s involvement: The film suggests that the CIA was heavily involved in the arms deals, but Packouz has said that the agency was not as involved as the film suggests.
The Real-Life Consequences
The true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved in the arms trade. In 2007, the two men were arrested and charged with arms trafficking and conspiracy. They were sentenced to prison time, with Packouz serving 27 months and Diveroli serving 32 months.
The Legal Consequences
The film "War Dogs" doesn’t delve into the legal consequences of the characters’ actions, but it’s worth noting that the real-life David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli faced serious legal charges. Here are some of the key legal consequences:
- Arms trafficking: Packouz and Diveroli were charged with arms trafficking, which is a serious crime that carries significant penalties.
- Conspiracy: The two men were also charged with conspiracy, which is a crime that involves plotting and planning to commit a crime.
- Prison time: Packouz and Diveroli were sentenced to prison time, with Packouz serving 27 months and Diveroli serving 32 months.
The Moral Consequences
The true story of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli raises important moral questions about the arms trade and the consequences of getting involved in it. Here are some of the key moral consequences:
- The ethics of the arms trade: The arms trade is a complex and controversial issue, and the true story of Packouz and Diveroli raises important ethical questions about the morality of profiting from war.
- The consequences of arms trafficking: Arms trafficking is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences, including the loss of innocent lives and the destabilization of entire regions.
- The importance of accountability: The true story of Packouz and Diveroli highlights the importance of accountability in the arms trade, and the need for governments and individuals to be held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The film "War Dogs" is based on a true story, but it takes creative liberties with the facts. The real-life David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli faced serious legal and moral consequences for their actions, and their story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved in the arms trade.
