‘I believe that Rusty and I should take this to the president at our briefing tomorrow morning. He is a realist, and will certainly hear the arguments for the Game from all sides before making any firm decision.’ Rusty, if he had reservations on what George had just said, kept them to himself.
Ernest enjoyed being on his feet making presentations, and he was certainly enjoying this. There would be a few beers, probably more than he should tonight. He would certainly be in the mood. ‘Let us assume that the Iranian eastern corridor is available down to Port Chabahar, and we are able to get to Delaram on the Herat to Kandahar highway. There may be some concern about the road to Delaram holding up due to the heavy loads and heavy traffic from Chabahar, but we will assume that it is suitable for the first few months. Delaram is on the ring road that encircles Afghanistan. It is sealed, but we would be wrong to assume that this is a dual lane highway as we would expect to see in the West.
‘From Delaram, we can go north to Herat; a distance of just over three hundred kilometres in five to six hours, the condition of the road is good. Heading south from Delaram, we will reach Kandahar, two hundred and fifty kilometres away in about four to five hours. I have not studied the road conditions down into Helmand province in detail. They will, I assume, be mostly unsealed, but, as this is where America and its allies have been focussing their efforts in the battle against the insurgents, then the roads and access should be good.
‘Kandahar to Kabul is five hundred kilometres, about eight hours on a sealed road, and then north to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz, another five to six hours. This will also take us close to the Haji-Gak iron deposits.’
It was the end of a long day. They would reconvene tomorrow at the White House. It had been intended to be a one-day meeting, but it looked like heading for three, possibly four.
Most would be going to their hotels for a meal and then to bed. Ernest would be off for a drink. Fred would usually have relished a good feed, but the last two weeks of going easy on the pasta, walking the dog and some exercise, had left him feeling better. It was, therefore, a sensible salad and off to bed for him as well. Ernest’s regular drinking companion would not be available.
Fred had noticed the credibility of Nick and agreed that while he was younger than him, he certainly cut a dashing figure with his expensive suit, silk tie and handmade leather shoes. Nick certainly gained attention for it, even if – in Fred’s estimation – he was a devious sycophant.
***
George and Rusty arrived late the next day. It was almost midday before they entered the room. They had been with the president, and it was his opinion and support that everyone wanted to hear. ‘Could we outline our discussions that we had with the president later in the day?’ Rusty asked. ‘They are favourable, but George and I would prefer that we continue with the presentations for now.’
‘Okay, can we go with Oliver’s presentation?’ Fred endeavoured to ensure that Nick did not take control of the meeting.
‘The Taliban arose in the early 1990s from their base in Kandahar with a smattering of supporters,’ Oliver commenced. ‘Their numbers rapidly swelled into the thousands with large numbers coming over from the religious schools in Pakistan. In a handful of years, they had taken Kabul, with military support from Pakistan and installed their own fundamentalist version of an Islamic government. Their power base in decimated today, and they are to be found hiding out in the tribal areas of Waziristan in Northern Pakistan, and over the border from Kandahar in the area of Quetta in Baluchistan.
‘They are a group of people, mostly uneducated and capable of the most barbaric savagery. What we have heard in the West about their stoning of women, amputating of limbs, and flaying alive by their predecessors, of Russian soldiers are unfortunately true. The Taliban must be quelled or moderated before any attempt to enter territories under their control. ‘They killed thousands in the north at one stage purely because they were Shia’s.’
James Howland, a Texan, could not hide his concern. ‘Do you seriously want me to send my guys in there?’ It was not a rhetorical sentence. It was a statement of serious concern.
Fred was alarmed that Oliver had raised the subject of the barbarous violence of the Taliban. ‘We are acutely aware of the need to defuse the Taliban.’ Fred attempted to minimise the impact of Oliver’s statements. ‘There are moderate elements that would be agreeable to what we are proposing. It is for us to ensure that they are in control at the earliest opportunity.’
Oliver needed a course in diplomacy, thought Fred. This was not the place or the time to throw a spanner in the works with some passionate statement of fact.
‘Until the violence has been abated, I will not commit my people to a venture that runs a high risk of their being killed.’ James Howland, as large as his business empire was, still saw it as a family concern, proudly regarding everyone who worked for the company as an integral member of that family. He saw that these guys in Afghanistan were seriously frightening. They were, but the think tank had not concluded their analysis of the situation.
Margaret Hausen was visibly concerned. ‘How can I send in countless millions of dollars’ worth of equipment? What if it is all lost? Who will pay for it?’ It was evident as to how she had become the successful business leader that was feted on the public stage and in the media. She was ruthless, although on the television, attractive, polite and charming. The reality of the true person was carefully kept hidden from public view, but here it was, open for all in attendance to see.
Fred felt the need to further explain. ‘We do have a solution to deal with the violence in the country. It is complex and challenging. It is fully understood that until the situation is acceptable, we cannot enter the country with people and machinery. However, it is imperative that we prepare. If we leave a stable and calm Afghanistan for more than a few months, other nations will quickly fill the vacuum we have created.’
‘I feel that I must mention the Northern Alliance, ‘Oliver seizing the opportunity to continue with his presentation. ‘At the height of the Taliban influence, an alliance of Warlords and ethnic groupings formed the alliance to push them back. That alliance is no longer in place, but it does represent people who are not fuelled by an extreme religious ideology. A reforming of that group would be advantageous to allow us to implement the plan. Their support is ensured by providing them with enough money.’
And plenty of facilitation, thought Ernest Carruthers. That wonderful word used by all multinational companies. Call it what you like – facilitation, easing the way, greasing the palm, under the table, currying favour. Ultimately, it was a bribe.
George and Rusty had been in high spirits that morning when they had returned from their early morning meeting with the president. Oliver had concluded and it was time for them to report. ‘Guys…’ They both spoke at the same time. After that, Rusty led off.
‘The president sees merit it what you are evaluating. It is clear here in the White House, that Afghanistan will collapse. The timing is uncertain, but the collapse is. The USA cannot go in guns blazing, the cost is prohibitive, and the results less than satisfactory. Sorry, I sound like a politician. When I say, less than satisfactory, I mean humiliating.
‘Afghanistan is unique in world history. From what academics, historians, military analysts, and any interested person can observe, it appears that no one can control the country. Any other country that has been subjected to so many conquering armies, military invasions, and alien cultures would have eventually assimilated, changed, adapted. We see a country that is impervious to such forces. Of course, we see some adaption, but not a lot.
‘There are the Russians with all their might, the USA and its allies with their immense numbers of personnel and money. Yet, ten years and twelve years respectively, we leave with our tails between our legs.
‘The proposal that you are putting forward, and you still haven’t answered a hundred questions that both George and I have, has put forward a unique approach. This is not
only a potential model for Afghanistan but a model that can be adopted by other countries. The president wishes to expand the think tank from hypothesising to implementation.’
‘I realise from a purely altruistic and noble ideal, it had been hoped not to involve any military personnel. George and I would certainly agree with that tenet. We firmly agree that we should not have the military anywhere near this venture. But, let’s be honest, you still need their advice and surveillance to allow an unimpeded move into the country.
‘George and I will reconvene with you in the next week. Oscar and Ruth will also be involved here at the White House as their other responsibilities permit.
‘All those here should consider themselves part of the Action Plan. Other members of your team not here today will be brought in as well. Suitable offices, with the very latest information, mapping, financial modelling equipment and personnel will be made available.
‘We have the very best business persons available for costing and logistics. Unfortunately, there will be a team of governance experts who will be monitoring us against Key Performance Indicators, and subjecting the Game to auditing.
‘Information in reference to roads, transportation, and docking facilities at Chabahar will be available. In fact, Ernie and his people will be staggered at the detail. The aim is to keep the military away. They have had enough of wars without results. They would at the most senior level prefer to work undercover, out of the limelight, at least, until credibility and pride are restored again. George and I are here because we are close to the very highest in the military. We can go to them, and we can be ensured of their discretion.
‘James and Margaret, if you would prefer not to be involved on a day to day basis, please nominate suitable people to substitute. Grace is here for James, of course. They will all be subject to the highest level of security clearance available, and any not obtaining full clearance will be excluded.’ Rusty finished and waited for any questions.
The team were not sure what to say. Were they excited, dismayed, shocked? They were stunned into silence. The meeting would reconvene the next day.
Fred decided he might fall off the waggon that night and join Ernest for a beer. Grace and Oliver joined for a little while. Chris came accompanied by Sally, the minutes’ taker from Dubai. Fred tried the beer, but as stunned as he was by the day’s events, his heart was not in it. He was serious about his new regime of exercise and sensible eating.
Some discussion ensued amongst the group. On the one hand, they were excited that their hypothesising was to translate into reality. On the other hand, there was concern that control was being wrested from them.
As it turned out, their fears were not totally without foundation. Their highest ideals would be maintained and ultimately implemented, but actions would need to be taken in the country that would cause most of them some serious concerns. The military would be there, but not in the field of action. Intelligence on the ground would be at unprecedented levels. There was to be knowledge of where all the key players were, whether they were militant or otherwise, fundamentalist or pragmatic politician – and, of course, Pakistani or Afghani. There would be a network of covert operatives, the like that had never been seen before. Steve, now in Kabul would be heavily involved.
The current president of the United States mandate was until the end of 2016. It would be unlikely if the initial move into Afghanistan would occur before that time, but other factors may well precipitate action. Factors that could determine the date were still fluid. As Afghanistan destabilised, coupled with the impending descent into chaos and anarchy, there could be an earlier date of commencement. It was critical that the plan was sufficiently well-engineered to hold the chaos and anarchy and to be able to reverse.
‘There will be new facilities available in thirty days,’ announced George, late in the day. ‘In fact, it will be in the same building where you currently are on Wall Street, top two floors. We’ll see you there.’
Chapter 10
Fred Bull had reservations about George Hampshire. He was supposedly a military advisor assigned by the president to the think tank, although his statements and actions indicated he wished to assume control. He felt he needed to raise the subject. ‘George, the team is worried that your presence and your directing of activities indicate a military takeover. It is clear that the military option will not work. It has not worked for the USA and its allies, and it certainly did not work for the Russians. We need a stable country, not a country secured and controlled by an occupying force. If the people in the country perceive us as invaders and conquerors, then we will never gain their support and cooperation.’
‘Please, you have no concerns on my part. I am a firm believer in what the team is proposing. There will be no military takeover of the think tank, there will be no hidden agenda, and if there is by others, then I will speak to the president. You are in charge of the think tank, I am purely assisting. Remember, that I am able to move freely around the White House and to make sure that whatever is required will be available.’
Fred had never been so naïve as to believe that military advice would not be needed at some stage. The team needed information on the country, the Taliban, the Warlords, and they needed assistance in how to control and subdue those elements.
Steve and André back in the country were relatively inactive, Abdul kept his ear to the ground. The three would occasionally meet. They always made it look as casual as possible. Communication and updates from New York were sparse and mostly uninformative.
‘I am still unclear as to what is planned for Afghanistan after the Western militaries pull out. I know something is happening behind the scenes. I also suspect that you and André are aware of what this is. I believe I am entitled to be updated.’ It was unusual for Abdul to be so direct. Steve realised that he was correct.
‘Give me ten minutes.’ It was time to call Fred; it was inappropriate to keep Abdul in the dark any longer.
Steve excused himself from the get together with André and Abdul at the coffee shop in the Serena Hotel, the cappuccinos were remarkably good. ‘Fred, I need your permission to bring Abdul up to speed.’
‘Agreed, please tell Abdul. Be a little circumspect in how you tell him.’
Steve rejoined Abdul and André. ‘André’s evaluation of some weeks ago, in reference to the New Great Game was correct. There is a team based in New York that has analysed the transforming of Afghanistan into a mining powerhouse. We are all aware of the resources that lie under the ground, and the fact that no single individual, company or government has been able to access those riches.
‘It is clear to this team that to successfully mine, extract and export to the world will require some radical and innovative solutions. They are formulating a plan to align and reach agreements with a moderate Taliban, the various Warlords around the country, and the politicians in central government here in Kabul. Logistics and how to mine and export are being dealt with, but unless Afghanistan is calm, then the hypothesis can never become a reality.
‘There is also an apparent reality, and this is agreed at the highest level in government, that a calm Afghanistan will not be achieved by military force.’
Abdul spoke, ‘I cannot believe in a moderate Taliban. The Warlords and the politicians can be half-trusted if you pay them enough. I would encourage the utilisation of the wealth of this country for its benefit, but they are naïve. It will need more than talking. The Taliban will need to be rendered ineffective, and the Warlords cowered into submission.’
Steve was surprised by Abdul’s response.
André and Abdul’s position in the events that were to unfold were still unclear. Steve, however, was to become an integral part. He was to become a hero, a silent hero whose role in the events to unfold would not be publicly revealed. His heroism was to be as a result of activities that he would not be proud of.
Megan, the aforementioned former girlfriend from Queensland, had made further contact with Steve. After th
e initial Xmas card, there had been an email which suggested that the romantic attachment remained.
In due course, Steve and Megan would meet up for the occasional week in Dubai, the Maldives and Thailand. Steve still had at least another year or two before his time in Afghanistan would come to an end.
The first time they met in Dubai, Steve had paid. Subsequently, Fred organised that the U.S. government paid. They stayed at some wonderful places courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer.
A few weeks after Steve had updated Abdul, he received a phone call from Fred. ‘I will need you over here in New York in the next two weeks, extensive training this time. We are entering a crucial phase in our planning, and your input will be invaluable.’ Phone conversations with Fred tended to be cryptic these days, and Steve sensed that significant developments were occurring.
André called Steve a few days later to update him. ‘It looks as though I will be pulling out within the next few months. The Belgium secondment to NATO is slated for withdrawal. There is still some flexibility, but unless representation is made for me to stay, then I cannot see myself being of much use to you in the future. I would have stayed to see how the Game plays out, but it will be good to be back with my family again.’
While Steve waited for his trip to New York, he continued to travel around the country as senior programme manager for Transcontinental. He had been down in Kandahar; it was now necessary to have strong security there, up to Herat, across to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz, and down to Jalalabad.
Driving down Kabul gorge to Jalalabad was one the most hair-raising, frightening experiences that could be imagined. You held on tight, took a deep breath and, if you were religious, say a prayer.
Prelude To War: World War 3 (Steve Case Thriller Book 1) Page 9