by Jerry Bruce
“That would be unfortunate. It would force us to go ahead with a strike. I’m hopeful that they will realize the futility of trying to escalate this. So, are we in agreement, gentlemen?” The president didn’t want anyone leaving this room with one iota of doubt. “General?”
“I concur.”
“Director Thornton?”
“I support you one-hundred percent, Mr. President.”
“Stephen?”
“Let’s proceed.”
“Adam, I value your opinion, so what’s it going to be?”
“I like the plan, sir.”
“Very well, we are unanimous as to the action we will take. Now I suggest we have some dinner.”
* * *
There was little discussion through most of dinner. It seemed to Richard that no one wanted to reopen the topic of the Israelis. Richard, over dessert and coffee, decided to begin a discussion centered on the reactions that they could expect from the Arab nations.
“Gentlemen, I realize this is short notice and you haven’t had any time to think about it, but I would like to have your thoughts on a few things.
“General, I’m interested in hearing your opinion, from a military point of view, on the manner in which the Arab nations might react.”
“Well, sir, I don’t think we can stress enough that should they try to capitalize on the situation, they would be opening themselves up to retaliation. Militarily, once the Israelis have disarmed, the Arab countries would have sufficient firepower to overrun Israeli territory. The Israelis would be powerless. I’m sure they would come to this realization and consider making such an attack, once we have gone public with our demands for the disarmament of Israel.”
“Then we will have to make sure that they don’t entertain any thoughts of attacking Israel. Stephen, it is imperative that the Arabs know, in no uncertain terms, that any action on their part will result in war with the United States.
“Director, would you care to offer an opinion as to how your agency would be affected?”
“I think we have no choice but to gear up for increased terrorist activity, Mr. President. No matter how strongly we impress upon the Middle East that the harboring of terrorists will not be tolerated, it will still take time for them to neutralize terrorist cells. Once these radicals hear about the threats to Arab nations, they will see it as an opportunity to attack Israeli and American targets. Of course, I’ll make sure my agents step up monitoring the activities of known cells. General, I think you should have your elite units on standby should my agents feel a preemptive strike is warranted.”
“That goes without saying, Charles. I intend to go to full alert status, worldwide, the minute we make the announcement.”
“That you, gentlemen, I appreciate your candor. I have complete confidence that you will both perform at the highest level. Now if you will excuse us, I would like to go over some of the political aspects with the vice president and my chief of staff. Stephen, Adam, let’s go into my office.”
* * *
“Okay, what have you got for me to look over?”
“Here is a copy of my speech, Mr. President.” Stephen handed the two pages to Richard, who took a minute to read them.
“I like this, Stephen. Do you have any comments, Adam?”
“I agree with you, Mr. President. I think it’s a forceful speech and will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind where we stand. With that in mind, here is what I prepared as a statement to be given to the media.” Adam gave his one page address to the president.
“Very good work, Adam. I want you to go over this with Christine, but I want you to deliver the speech to the media. You can say your piece and then leave the briefing. Christine can field any questions after that. We can meet with her to fill her in on what we plan.
“I have been putting together an address to the nation. Once it is finalized I’ll give each of you a copy. I think it’s imperative that the nation see my face and the resolve behind it.”
“I agree, Mr. President. Your speaking to the people will unify the nation.”
“I hope so, Stephen.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Richard placed a call to Prime Minister Schmier first thing in the morning, catching the prime minister at two p.m. Israeli time. Richard requested a videoconference with Schmier, who at first was hesitant, but then relented. They decided on a link at seven p.m. Israeli time. That would give Richard time to get back to the White House and have the conference take place with Adam, Stephen, General Wilson and Director Thornton present.
In the meantime, Adam and Stephen scheduled a conference for two days hence in London, having decided on a neutral location for security reasons. In London, Stephen would address representatives of those Middle Eastern countries that opted to send a delegate. The vice president send communiqués stressing the seriousness of the situation regarding the embassy, making it very clear to them that their future relationship with the United States could depend on their willingness to participate in the conference. The British were included out of respect for their long-standing friendship to the United States. They also agreed to host the conference, making travel easier for all parties. Richard knew that the other NATO nations would be affronted at not being included, but he wanted to make a statement that couldn’t be misunderstood. He would see that they received a tape of the conference. Stephen would fly to London immediately after the videoconference with Schmier.
* * *
Everyone was assembled a few minutes before noon, awaiting the call from Schmier. At precisely twelve p.m. the prime minister called. Richard introduced Adam, Stephen, Wilson and Thornton after Schmier introduced his advisors.
Richard began the conversation. “Mister Prime Minister, it has been a difficult time for us of late. We have an unknown number of casualties and hostages at our embassy in Cairo, the result of a vicious attack.”
The Prime Minister started to interrupt, “Mr. President, Israel wishes to extend our condolences and … .”
“Stop right there, Mr. Prime Minister. Your best wishes and condolences are inappropriate. I’ll get straight to the point. We have irrefutable evidence that Israeli forces, specifically the Sayeret Matkal, are responsible for this attack. What we are here to discuss now are the terms by which we may secure our embassy and see to the welfare of our citizens therein.”
“Mr. President, I assure you that we are not responsible for this unfortunate situation.”
“Enough, Mr. Prime Minister. I am in no mood to hear any denials of what I already know to be fact. As I was saying, we are here to discuss terms. As I’m sure you are aware, your nation’s actions could result in a declaration of war between our two countries. All I have to do is address our Congress, which I am positive would result in such a declaration. With that in mind, I would prefer to reach a peaceful solution to this dilemma, as I am sure you would.”
“Of course, Mr. President. We welcome all discussions between our two friendly nations.” Still no outright admission of guilt from the prime minister was forthcoming.
Richard, irritated at the prime minister’s stance, didn’t mince words. “I would like to make one thing perfectly clear, Mr. Prime Minister. Israel took a course that cannot be reversed. You forfeited your status as ‘friend’ to the United States when your forces overran our embassy. The best status you can hope to attain now is that of noncombatant. My proposed solution is this: Israel will immediately vacate our embassy without further harm to our citizens. After that, Israel will totally disarm and allow United Nations arbitrators free access to confirm that you are in compliance. Also, Israel will withdraw from all defensive positions, including the West Bank.”
The prime minister averted the gaze of his staff, realizing that he was now on his own.
“Mr. President, Israel will gladly return your embassy and your personnel unharmed. However, we cannot possibly agree to the other terms you propose.”
Finally he’s owning up to involvement, Richard thought, r
elieved at the admission from Schmier.
“You don’t seem to understand, Mr. Prime Minister. You have no choice. You will comply or you will find yourselves at war with the United States. Just to be sure you understand the impact of what I am saying, let me iterate that we will not waste our time or resources with an invasion. We will simply annihilate your country with nuclear weapons. We will leave nothing except devastation in our wake. Israel will cease to exist and we will take no action to prevent annexation of your territories by outsiders.” Richard was staring into the eyes of Schmier the whole time he was talking and saw fear behind the staunch posture. He also noted Schmier’s advisors looking back and forth at each other in amazement.
“Mr. President, in light of these developments, I would like to confer with my colleagues. May we reconvene in one hour?”
“Yes, we can do that, Mr. Prime Minister. One hour.”
After the video and audio were turned off, there was a great sigh of relief in the room. While all present knew the game was still afoot, at least they had the Israelis on the run.
“I would like everyone’s opinion while we have some time to discuss things. Let’s start with you, Stephen.”
“Well, Mr. President, I think you did an effective job of impressing upon them our resolve. They would be foolish to oppose us. I am confident they will back down.”
“General?”
“Sir, I feel the same way as the vice president. They know they would be committing suicide if they decide to fight us.”
“Director?”
“If I know the Israelis, they will back down, but they won’t like it, and they will start planning some kind of retaliation to keep some dignity. In other words, we may be creating another significant terrorist organization.”
“I think they’ve already made themselves a nation of terrorists,” Adam interjected.
“Okay, Adam, what is your opinion?”
“I feel we took the only action available to us. If anything, we are putting a terrorist out of business. The only thing the Israelis can do, assuming they meet our demands, is play to the audience of public opinion. They would cry on the shoulder of the United Nations with the hope of getting back some military capability.”
“Then we will have to impress upon the U.N. that once disarmed, Israel will remain that way, no matter what.” Richard was satisfied with the responses he received. He was especially pleased with Adam’s assessment, showing that he was thinking beyond the current crisis.
Stephen offered an additional comment. “I’m surprised at their reaction at having to give up their defensive positions. Namely, there wasn’t one. Could be we came on so strong that they were thrown off balance. They will surely want to discuss that when we continue the talks.”
“I was thinking the same thing, Stephen. They didn’t give me the opportunity to mention your meeting. I suspect we’ll get around to that shortly. Without that assurance, I would expect them to be belligerent.”
They discussed details of Israel’s disarmament a little further and how the United Nations might weigh in on the matter.
Richard looked at the clock. “Time for act two.”
As soon as the video and audio were back up, the Israeli Prime Minister began speaking.
“Mr. President, we have considered your terms and have a question regarding the preservation of sovereignty for the State of Israel. What guarantee would Israel have that our borders would be protected against aggression?”
“I’m glad you asked that Mr. Prime Minister. We already have considered this and have, in fact, scheduled a meeting for two days from now, in London, with all the Middle East countries sending representatives. We intend to inform them of the action we have taken regarding Israel and will impress upon them that we will not tolerate any aggression on their part, whether it be against the United States or Israel. It will be made clear to them, in no uncertain terms, that any act of aggression on their part will result in a declaration of war against them. They also will be assured that Israel will no longer pose a threat to them. So, you can see that in spite of your despicable act, we are still willing to protect your sovereignty. While you may have been attempting to escalate conflict with your attack on our embassy, what you really accomplished was to bring greater stability to the Middle East. So, what’s it going to be, Mr. Prime Minister?”
“Since you have addressed the issue of our protection against aggression satisfactorily, we agree to your terms. We will order our forces at the embassy to see to the welfare of your citizens until your troops arrive to take over. We will inform the General Assembly of the United Nations, informing them that we welcome their assistance in our disarmament and that we will cooperate fully. Is there anything else that we need to discuss, Mr. President?”
“No, Ariel, I believe we have concluded our discussions.”
After the call ended, a collective sigh filled the room.
“Looks like you pulled it off, Mr. President.” Adam was clearly relieved.
“Yes, Mr. President, you have accomplished something of tremendous significance. I’ll admit I was afraid that we might have bitten off more than we could chew.” Stephen flashed a broad smile.
“We’ll have to give it some time before we pat ourselves on the back. What they say and what they do could turn out to be two different things. I hope the worst is behind us.” Richard didn’t show the same degree of relief as the others.
* * *
Veronica and Randall were watching the televised White House press briefing that followed the president’s conference with the Israeli Prime Minister. First they had listened attentively to Adam Brokerick’s briefing and were now watching Christine Morrison field questions from the floor. Richard had hinted to Veronica that he had an important meeting but he didn’t go into any detail. She was astonished that he could keep something this important to himself and not confide in her. It was too heavy a burden to ask one man to bear alone.
“What’s sovereignty Mom? I’ve heard both Mr. Broderick and Miss Morrison use that term several times.”
“They were referring to the United States making sure that Israel maintains its ability to govern itself free from outside interference.”
“In other words, the United States is promising Israel that we will make sure no other country messes with them?”
“Yes, that’s about it.” Veronica looked at Randall, who had his eyes glued to the TV screen. She wondered how he had managed to grow up so much without her realizing it. This was the first opportunity they had to spend time together, not as mother and son, but as observers to history. She was amazed at Randall’s ability to grasp what was occurring. She felt extremely proud of her son. She was also saddened by the thought that one day, all too soon, her little boy would be a man and off on his own, without need of a mother’s care. At least I’ll have Jennifer around a few years longer, she thought to herself.
“I’m going to get a snack before Dad’s address.”
“Okay, but don’t eat too much. I’m sure your father will be back here in time for dinner and I want all of us to sit down together. Your father will need our support.”
* * *
The president, appearing calmer than the situation might have warranted, addressed the nation from the Oval Office. He felt it imperative that he present an image of complete confidence. He knew that he had done the right thing; now he had to convince the nation. Adam and Christine had given the press the facts without conveying any of the severity of the event as it concerned the Arab world. Now Richard would have to talk to the people to put their minds at ease.
The president spoke of the events surrounding the assault on the embassy and the actions he had taken to get the hostages released and the embassy returned to the control of the United States. He did not reveal who was behind the assault or the terms. He told the nation, that since events were still unfolding in the Middle East, that he would give a follow-up address from Camp David in several days.
Richar
d realized it was too early in the game to give the nation much more than a brief overview of the situation; still he wanted to speak out to show everyone, and especially the media, that they could rest assured that the matter would be handled by a president who was focused and confident.
* * *
Richard and Adam watched a few minutes of the post-address media coverage to get an idea as to how well his speech was received. Richard was pleased that, for the most part, he was receiving the support he was hoping to foster. They watched with interest as Senator Heath Vallins was interviewed and gave his full support to the president.
“Wow, that’s huge, Mr. President.” Adam was right. Having one of the top opposition party leaders openly commend you was an endorsement to be taken very seriously and would surely be the topic of conversation between both parties for many days to come. “I guess hiring his daughter proved to be a good move. I’d be willing to bet that she was in his face.”
“I think you may be on to something, Adam. Vallins wouldn’t openly support us unless he truly believed in what we were doing. Sarah must have been lobbying for us. I’m glad I let you convince me to take her on.” Only Richard knew the real reason for Vallins’ support and wondered if he would have that support if word of his threat to use nuclear force were to leak out. It was only a matter of time before the Hill got the word.
Without further delay, Richard boarded Marine One and flew back to Camp David to be with his family.
* * *
Richard was glad to be able to have dinner with the family. The last several days had been taxing and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones meant a great deal.
“I watched all the TV coverage today, Dad.” Randall said proudly. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.”