Trail of Blood

by Uzi Eilam

  ***

  The hospitality suite maintained by the Foreign Relations Department was a cutting-edge example of Feng Shui-based design. The living room contained comfortable leather recliners, stationed next to a low mahogany table, while an entire wall was used to host a rich scientific library comprised of books in English, Russian, Chinese and Korean. Indirect LED lighting in a yellow-orange shade imbued the room with a relaxed, peaceful ambiance. The giant window looked out on the wealthy, well-tended, lovely part of the capital city of Pyongyang.

  “This was an impressive, important day,” Nimer said as he dropped with a sigh into the pampering recliner.

  “I agree, it really was an achievement for our country, and the scientists, led by General Dr. Lee, deserve all the praise. Tomorrow you’ll hear all the details of the test from him, and you can personally congratulate him,” Soon Mei said as she placed a tray with an array of vegetarian sandwiches and two glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice on the coffee table.

  “I’m sure you know that I’ve met the general several times in the past, including here at the lovely Koryo Hotel, where I’ve stayed quite a few times.”

  “Yes, I know that you were a welcome guest here, and that our people from the Foreign Relations Department took care of you. I’ve heard only good things from the General about your contributions in developing strategic missiles.”

  “Sure, I was happy to agree to the request of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to help an allied country develop a defense system directed against our common enemies. What can you tell me in preparation for meeting the general?”

  “My understanding was that it’s related to a malfunction revealed in the last test of the long-range missile launched over Japan. The general asked you to go over the data collected while the launch was being monitored, and give us your opinion on the separation of the third stage of the missile. He thinks that something that happened there that affected the next part of the missile’s route, causing it to nearly land on Japanese soil.”

  “I understand,” Dr. Nuri replied. “I believe we’ll have to dedicate some time to the subject after we hear from the general about the results of the nuclear test, and after my colleagues bring up the requests that our brothers from the Revolutionary Guard asked us to bring up with you. In the meantime, I suggest we raise a glass to today’s success, and to those that will be realized in the future.”

  “I’ll second the congratulations, and add my wish for more and more success. We might, Dr. Nuri, know only about a small part of your exploits, which go beyond the development of our missiles, but even that small iota impresses me greatly.”

  The delicious sandwiches and the cold orange juice achieved their desired effect, and Dr. Nuri felt calm and relaxed. He wanted to ask the pretty, intelligent young woman more personal questions, as well as tell her about the gesture she shared with his late wife. Apparently, I need to be more careful not to expose my true identity unnecessarily. He rose and thanked Soon Mei for the interesting day and its pleasant conclusion, for which she was responsible. The young woman walked him to the door, where she clung to him in a surprising hug. Nimer found himself embarrassed, yet reacted with a hug and a kiss on her smooth white neck. Soon Mei was responsive, reciprocating with a soft kiss on his lips before the two disengaged.

  In his hotel room, two doors away from Soon Mei’s suite, Dr. Nuri decided to take a shower and freshen up, mostly to cool down from the proximity to the young woman who had caused his blood to heat up within him. I must calm down, he commanded himself, preparing to think about and sum up the event filled day. The water, first hot to the point of boiling and then freezing cold, did exactly what he had hoped for. He wrapped himself up in the colorful silk robe, took a bottle of Coke from the well-equipped fridge, and sat down across from the panoramic window. The city, its nighttime illumination coming on gradually as the darkness advanced, was a breathtaking sight.

  ***

  Here, in the strange, alien city of Pyongyang, alone at last, Dr. Nuri allowed himself to once again become Nimer Al-Khaldi from the village of Al Khalad, from which his family had been exiled to a refugee camp near the city of Jenin during the war in the year 1947.

  Nimer had been born after the consecutive births of four sisters had almost caused his father to marry another wife who would bear him a son. Everyone pampered him, while also being aware of his special traits. Nimer was a very clever and independent child. He knew how to fit in with the society of children his own age, but refused to surrender to their restrictions. Nimer’s ability to look ahead and predict what was about to take place positioned him as the gang’s natural leader.

  Those were days of comparative calm in regard to the confrontations with the Jews in the nearby settlements. Connections with the children of the adjacent kibbutz were formed during soccer competitions that were conducted on the relatively flat hill between the village and the kibbutz. A joint operation to clear rocks from this surface was managed by Nimer, leading the group of Arab kids, and Gideon, leading the children of the kibbutz. Gideon and Nimer determined the rules of the game and handled any disputes that came up. The connection between the two blossomed into an unconventional friendship that seemed natural to Nimer and Gideon. Nimer was impressed with Gideon’s organized mind and his opinions on various matters that belied wisdom that far transcended his years. Gideon, in turn, admired Nimer’s technical ability and the immense knowledge he had acquired about the hill’s flora and fauna. . Gideon was proud of his ability to climb trees and high poles and told Nimer about his birds’ eggs collection.

  Nimer recalled many hours they spent on the hill exposing its secrets. The porcupine burrows, the caves providing shelter for the shepherds’ cattle and livestock herds, the places where the pheasants hid and the gazelles’ drinking holes; Nimer revealed all these to Gideon, whose curiosity knew no bounds. Neither Nimer nor Gideon could guess what the future would bring for them and what would happen on the hill in the days to come.

  Nimer quickly learned the Hebrew language and Gideon had no problem acquiring Arabic. The boys’ meetings were conducted in a mix of the two languages, which came naturally to them and became their own special language. Nimer’s parents knew about the boys’ special relationship and did not stand in their way.

  Nimer clearly remembered the period of escalation in the conflicts between Arabs and Jews. All the residents of Nimer’s village packed their possessions and moved to Jenin.

  “Maybe you’re doing the right thing getting out now and not risking any casualties because of the riots,” Gideon added just before Nimer’s family left. “You will see, everything will go back to being the way it used to be.”

  “I’m not sure at all of that.” Nimer was skeptical. “Dad says a big war is going to break out, and it’s unclear what’s going to happen. I don’t know a thing about Jenin, and I don’t know how we can keep in touch.”

  “I’m not giving up on our friendship, and I’m sure we’ll find a way to keep it going. I promise you that, Nimer,” Gideon declared.

  “I won’t give up either. We will find ways.”

  The longer the war his father had predicted went on – along with their stay in the refugee camp near the city of Jenin – the less confident Nimer felt about the ability to keep the solemn promise he had made. He did not like life in the refugee camp; he dealt with his distress by excelling at his studies. Nimer’s parents encouraged him, and he found himself fascinated to understand the complex world that we inhabit. Even while still in high school, he knew the next stage would be academic studies at a university. Attending the University of Beirut, where several young family members were already studying, was considered an unmissable opportunity.

  ***

  The wakeup call at the guests’ hotel in Pyongyang tore Nimer-Samir Nuri from his dreams about the rocky hill where his childhood village had been located, and of a friendship cut short. He immediate
ly returned to reality, remembering the Iranian delegation’s meeting with General Dr. Lee, scheduled for that morning.

  Nimer went down to the Koryo Hotel’s gym, which included all the typical amenities offered by five-star hotels. He was unwilling to relinquish half an hour of exercise every day, wherever on Earth he found himself. His two associates and their escort Dr. Soon Mei were already sitting at the table. Nimer decided to make do with a slice of toast with strawberry jam, as well as a cup of coffee, thinking how most residents of this country could not afford even such a meager breakfast.

  “Good morning, Dr. Nuri,” Soon Mei greeted him. “Did you sleep well? You look all freshened up.”

  “Thank you, and good morning to you, Soon Mei, and to my colleagues. I did sleep well,” Nimer replied, not mentioning, of course, the kiss from last night and the series of dreams of childhood that had flooded him all through the night. “An interesting, important morning awaits us. When do we leave?” he asked Soon Mei as she poured him another cup of coffee.

  “In ten minutes, Dr. Nuri. There’s no pressure, and the roads in the city, as you probably noticed, are not particularly busy. I checked in with General Lee’s office, and they’re already waiting for us.”

  ***

  General Dr. Lee Hong Jik, a tall, athletic man, greeted his guests with a warm expression and a booming voice. The smiles on the faces of the general and his two assistants clearly indicated that they had good news to convey. The general embraced Nimer with the bone-crushing hug he remembered from their previous meetings.

  “Good morning to you, and welcome to our glorious army’s Technological Division. I’m particularly happy to meet you again, Dr. Nuri. North Korea does not forget its friends,” the general continued, his gaze scanning the three guests and focusing on Nuri. “Your help in developing our new strategic missile’s precision apparatus opened the door for us to attain the sort of advanced weapons system we’ve never had before. Our exalted leader has instructed me to bestow honorary citizenship upon you, and nothing would make me happier.”

  General Lee’s assistant passed him an elegant envelope, and the general himself pinned a badge of commendation to Nuri’s chest. Dr. Soon Mei and the general’s two assistants applauded.

  “I’m glad to inform you, my friends, that an analysis of the data registered by the tracking devices showed that the test has achieved all its goals. It provides proof of our scientific capabilities, as well as adding another layer to the Republic’s defense system. The Supreme Leader congratulated the scientific teams, which have proved once again that we possess our own scientific and technological knowledge without having to ask for any favors from foreign scientists. Our leader has also authorized me to discuss your requests and see how we can help.”

  The general paused and looked at the guests, expecting questions. In the silence that ensued, the three guests exchanged glances. Finally, Nimer took the lead.

  “From the data we received yesterday, thanks to the generous help of Dr. Soon Mei, I understand that the explosion in the underground tunnel involved a nuclear device weighing over two tons. So far, we’ve discussed developing warheads that could fit into missiles whose warheads weigh no more than a few hundred kilograms.”

  “That’s the greatest challenge our research teams currently face. The Supreme Leader knows you’re here, and is highly pleased with your extraordinary scientific capabilities. As I’ve already mentioned, he authorized me to discuss possible ways of cooperating with you.”

  The meeting continued, with Nimer and his two Iranian associates asking numerous questions. The general and his assistants replied fully to these queries, and the atmosphere was relaxed, as the recent success bolstered the North Koreans’ self-confidence, which led to a relaxed attitude. The meeting ended with the general asking Dr. Nuri to stay behind for a one-on-one conference.

  What is the general intending to bring up? Why only with me? Moreover, what will I tell my Iranian colleagues later? They’re not stupid, and will have questions… Nimer thought, looking at the general and trying to guess where the conversation was heading.

  “We’ve had a consultation regarding the idea of cooperating on developing nuclear weapons,” General Lee Hong Jik began. “I don’t need to explain to you, Dr. Nuri, how sensitive this topic is. We have no hesitations about telling the entire world that we’re developing nuclear weapons intended to protect our country and our leadership.” The general paused briefly, gazing at Nimer’s face and continuing only once he saw his guest was nodding in understanding and agreement. “The topic is being brought up with the Supreme Leader, whose decision will bind us all.”

  “We’re grateful to you, General, for looking into the request. It goes without saying how important this topic is for Iran, as well as for the Hezbollah Organization, which Iran supports tirelessly. We’ll accept any decision the Leader reaches.”

  “It’s important to emphasize, Dr. Nuri, that due to the sensitivity of the subject, we’ve decided that this information will only be shared with you.”

  “I appreciate the faith you have placed in me, and will treat it with a solemn sense of responsibility. Don’t worry; I can keep a secret.”

  “In the meantime,” the general continued, “our scientists have come up with the idea of offering you a device developed in our nuclear labs. It is a system capable of spreading radioactive materials over large areas, based on a smart detonation of powerful explosives.”

  “Do you mean a ‘dirty bomb’?” Nimer asked the general.

  “Our labs possess a perfect working model of the bomb,” the general went on without acknowledging his guest’s impressive knowledgeability. “It’s a compact device that can fit into a fairly small suitcase.”

  “That is a very interesting idea, General Lee, and I think our leaders will like it. I will find a way to bring it up with them, with all the necessary caution.”

  “We will raise the request for final approval with the Supreme Leader once we hear that you truly need the device.”

  The ferocious handshake that almost detached Nimer’s hand signaled the end of the conversation.

  I have lots of food for thought, Nimer told himself. The general’s unmitigated faith in him, along with the responsibility and the importance of finding a way not to expose the prospect raised, all left him with mixed emotions.

  Chapter 6

  An unusual amount of activity was evident at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the capital of Austria. The structure was an opulent relic from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a replica of the Palace of Versailles near Paris. Police cruisers were parked in front of the palace, and police officers blocked the entrances to the palace. The reason for the irregular activity was a meeting of the senior team in charge of monitoring the execution of the nuclear agreement with Iran. The room allocated for the discussion had been secured in advance by the Austrian security agency, in order to prevent any possibility of information leaking from the team’s discussions.

  The team’s designated chairman, the American Dr. Johnston, had convened an urgent meeting in light of North Korea’s latest nuclear test. Johnston, a well-known nuclear scientist from the University of California, Berkeley, had taken part in the supervisory activity conducted in Iraq in the nineties by UNSCOM, the United Nations Special Commission. That commission, headed by Carl Rolf Ekeus of Sweden, had taken successful action to curb further development of weapons of mass destruction.

  “What does a test, that North Korea may have conducted, have to do with our role of monitoring adherence to the rules of the agreement the six superpowers signed with Iran?” the Chinese representative called out. “At this point, it’s still unclear whether it was even a nuclear explosion…”

  “Let’s hear the briefing prepared by IAEA, the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Johnston responded, “and get a better understanding of what’s going on in this area, to see whether Ira
n really is taking care to comply with the agreement. I will ask the director general of IAEA to update us.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Johnston,” the director general replied. “I want to preface this by saying that the agreement with Iran has been maintained as far activity related to nuclear materials. However, as we do not have clear information about nuclear research activity, we have no choice but to accept the Iranians’ claim that all research being conducted at their research institutes is intended for peaceful purposes. The head of our Supervision Division recently returned from a comprehensive tour of Iran, and can present his findings.”

  “Mr. Chairman,” the Russian representative interjected, “why wasn’t the Iranian representative invited to the meeting? According to the agreement, Iran must take part in all monitoring meetings…”

  “This is an irregular meeting,” Dr. Johnston tried to calm him down, “and we are not violating the terms of the agreement or the monitoring meant to enforce it. After we clarify recent events in this forum, I promise to conduct a meeting in which the Iranian representative will take part as well.”

  “As you heard from the director general, Iran is taking care not to violate the terms of the agreement. Their need for foreign investments and the financial welfare facilitated by the cancellation of the sanctions make this a necessity for them. Their remaining supply of 3.6%-level Uranium-235 is at an amount that won’t allow them to manufacture even a single nuclear bomb…”

  “So where’s the problem here?” the French representative chimed in. “If everything is being conducted according to the rules, what is worrying you?”

  “I’ve visited all the supervised facilities in Teheran and heard updates from our permanent supervision crews. Prominent scientists in the nuclear field were ‘unavailable,’ according to Revolutionary Guard spokespeople when we asked to talk to them. We all remember that the centrifuge plant in the underground tunnel near Qom was discovered thanks to intelligence efforts, and that we learned about the large uranium enrichment facility in Natanz only once it was already active. Moreover, one more important consideration concerns troubling information we’ve received recently…”