"Don't be too optimistic yet, my friend. While the election here has certainly gone as we hoped, and while our efforts at disruption in other areas were mildly successful, you can bet that there are Iraqi armed forces gathering to move against us as we speak."

"And I'll tell you what I think. Though we may be prepared to take on the revamped Iraqi military forces, I am concerned about the much more ma.s.sive forces of the Greater Islamic Republic. We need to be prepared for them. They will certainly only look at the overall voting totals which will indicate that the Iraqi people have chosen, by a significant margin, to unify with Sayeed."

Jabal considered this a.n.a.lysis. What Will said was true: the GIR would certainly try to get the UN to recognize the overall results of the voting only. Furthermore, even though, thanks to the Americans, there were substantial weapons caches and significant intelligence, reconnaissance and planning a.s.sets at his disposal, Jabal was not as optimistic as his friend about standing up to the Iraqi armor. After all, they had tried several times in the past and failed.

But, with the continued attacks by his forces in the south diverting significant Iraqi a.s.sets in that direction, perhaps they could indeed hold off the Iraqi armed forces. But the combined forces of the Greater Islamic Republic would be a different matter altogether. The GIR's military capabilities were not something to be taken lightly. They represented a viable and committed military ent.i.ty the likes of which Jabal was not eager to reckon with, but he was fairly certain that the day of reckoning was not far off.

"What of your nation's commitment and help, Will? Will your President Weisskopf diplomatically support us? More importantly, if it requires it, will he militarily support us?"

From everything he had heard, Will had no doubts what President Weisskopf's inclination would be.

The question was, what would his party...what would the congress...what would the people in America allow Weisskopf to do?

"Jabal, if it goes that far, our intent is to do just that. We must protect your people's sovereignty and we must keep the growing Greater Islamic Republic contained with every means at our disposal."

"Let's review your defensive posture now, and see if we can be ready to repel those Iraqi columns should they head this way."

September 2, 2005, 14:18 Oval Office, The White House Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

Vice President Alan Reeves could appreciate his boss's special "feelings" that guided his policies and many of his major decisions. The Vice President was in fact having one himself regarding the current situation with the GIR.

"Who would have thought that in the s.p.a.ce of a few short months we would be looking at a unified Islamic Republic of this magnitude?" he thought.

"Mr. President, the Pakistani vote was overwhelming. Although only some 70% of the vote is counted, the decision to unite with the Greater Islamic Republic is enjoying an astounding 94% plurality."

"In Iraq the vote is somewhat less impressive, with only about a 68% unification vote, with 62% of the vote reporting. These results are not without incident either. We have at least half a dozen reports, at least two of them confirmed, of violence at voting places."

"The Kurds in the north have voted overwhelmingly to establish their own Kurdish homeland, inviting Kurds from Turkey and Iran to join in. They utilized ballots covertly supplied to them in place of the UN-supplied ballots. Those "new" ballots looked very official, but added the choice to create a Kurdish homeland, Kurdistan. That choice, or option, is pa.s.sing in those northern areas by 84%."

"Kurds from both Turkey and Iran are streaming into northern Iraq and they are preparing defensive positions against any attempt by the Iraqi army to intervene. In this regard, the Kurdish ruling council, which has been in place since their vote for autonomy in the 1990's after the Gulf War, and which continued into the new regime after Hussein's fall in 2003, is already making official inquiries to us and other nations regarding recognition and a.s.sistance. Yesterday, they officially declared their independence."

President Weisskopf carefully considered this information. Things were going as they had hoped in the North, but the election overall had not been disrupted and the results were convincing. Recognition of Kurdistan would be a very risky business and most probably a somewhat isolated position. England, Australia and Israel would possibly join in such a recognition, and it was hoped that Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who had covertly been a part of the "help" given the Kurds, would also join in. But the real question was what the reaction of the GIR would be.

"How has the GIR officially reacted, and what are we seeing regarding any troop movements?"

Vice President Reeves turned to the Secretary of State, Fred Reissinger.

"I'll let Fred address the GIR reaction, Mr. President."

"Mr. President, the GIR, as you can imagine, has officially applauded the current results. They have indicated that there would be an official announcement by Hasan Sayeed himself once the figures are final. We expect the final results will be in by tomorrow or the next day at the latest."

"To date, they have been silent on the issue of the Kurds in the north, although the provisional Iraqi government is loudly condemning the vote, and publicly indicating that no attempt to split the traditional Iraqi nation will be tolerated."

"John, what are we seeing regarding GIR troop movements?"

John Bowers had checked with the NRO and with the Pentagon before the meeting regarding this very issue.

"The GIR has had military advisors in increasing numbers in both Pakistan and Iraq since the announcements of the referenda. They have stationed one entire Army Group and fairly large numbers of aircraft near their border with each country. As of this morning, no movement has been noticed from those Army units, although there can be no doubt that they are logistically preparing to move."

Well, there could be no doubt as to how the GIR would react. Hasan Sayeed had made a mission out of uniting the Islamic world. Incredibly, he had succeeded beyond anyone's wildest imaginings...and now there would probably be h.e.l.l to pay. Norm Weisskopf knew that now was the time to make clear America's resolve in the area, rather than to simply allow all of Islam to be consolidated under Sayeed.

"OK, Fred, let's start moving towards an initial diplomatic relations.h.i.+p with Kurdistan. Other nations, outside of Israel, are going to await our lead. I'd like a diplomatic mission established in Irbil and an announcement that we are sending a diplomatic team over there to discuss Kurdistan's future amongst the family of nation. Perhaps this kind of pre-emptive diplomacy will forestall the Iraqis and the GIR for a short time."

September 4, 2005, 15:00 local time Islamic Republic Government offices Tehran, The Greater Islamic Republic "We are pleased to announce the overwhelming results of the referenda in both Pakistan and Iraq regarding the people's choice in those two countries to unite with our Greater Islamic Republic. The voting in Pakistan resulted in an astounding 94.6% of the voters choosing the path of unification."

"In Iraq 72.3% of the people chose to join in our efforts to unite our Islamic brothers and sisters everywhere. Sadly, the voting was marked by some violence and the results would have been higher had extremists and terrorists not attempted to thwart the will of the people. Such interference will not be tolerated and will be ruthlessly put down."

"Nonetheless, the results are clear: the former nations of Pakistan and Iraq have voted, by overwhelming super majorities, to become a part of the Greater Islamic Republic. We will move quickly to consolidate these regions and peoples into our peaceful and prosperous Republic."

"To this end, I have two important announcements to make."

"First, after serious and in-depth negotiations over the last several weeks, we announce today that the Greater Islamic Republic is officially joining the Coalition of Asian States. I must thank our Foreign Minister, the Ayatollah Ol Asam Sadiq s.h.i.+raziha, for his unceasing efforts in this regard. We proudly join with India and the People's Republic of China in the tacit recognition of the "Three Wisdoms." Here in the Greater Islamic Republic, they shall be phrased as follows: 1. "All men and woman are created equal in their distinct roles in society."

2. "All share equally in a working and industrious society."

3. "One goal, one thought, one people for World peace."

"This economic and social coalition is sweeping the world and we invite all to join with us in our commitment to social equity for all people."

"Second, with respect to attempts to break apart the traditional nation of Iraq which has voted to join with the Greater Islamic Republic, we announce our unwavering commitment to the integrity of our borders and our people. Outside interference will not be tolerated. I have ordered elements of our national defense forces to prepare to put down any attempt to split off a portion of our nation and thereby thwart the will of the people."

"To the Kurdish people we say, join with your countrymen in our quest for social equity. This is not the old regime in Iraq, which I, too, fought against. This is a new day for all Islam-a day we should mark by living in peace with one another and moving forward in the spirit of Shaheda and Sarum in our Islamic faith. For those who would attempt to subvert our nation and the will of the people, the answer will be the Jihad. There is no independent Kurdish state."

"In this spirit, we announce a moratorium on action in this regard until November 1st. We will work with the autonomous Kurdish region to negotiate a peaceful unification with our Republic up until that date.

We will be prepared to enforce the will of the people after that time. We warn foreigners seeking to influence events to their own advantage to not meddle in the internal affairs of our nation. Outside influence and moves toward diplomatic recognition of a break-away state will not be tolerated."

September 8, 2005, 10:25 UN General a.s.sembly New York City, USA "The resolution pa.s.ses by a vote of 95 in favor and 12 against."

Amba.s.sador Wong Yingfong sat back with pride and satisfaction. The issue had never really been in doubt, but to have won such a lopsided victory was all the more gratifying. When introduced to the general a.s.sembly the day before yesterday, it had taken favors and promises to get the resolution to the floor so quickly, but Wong had been a diplomat for many years and knew the ways of the United Nations. Now, the resolution has pa.s.sed. A Resolution recognizing the pa.s.sage of popular referenda in the former nations of Pakistan and Iraq uniting both with the Greater Islamic Republic." An article of that resolution specifically condemned efforts by any portions of the nationalities to ignore the will of the people and break away from their former nations. The Article did not describe specific action that would be taken in response to de-unifying efforts, and there were no binding commitments. It was more of a "sense of the General a.s.sembly."

But, the United States, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain, Australia, j.a.pan, Canada, Israel, Brazil, South Korea, Thailand and Egypt had voted against the resolution. The United States, Turkey, Great Britain, Canada and Australia had already made diplomatic contact with the leaders of what they were calling Kurdistan, though this contact had stopped well short of official recognition to date.

With The People's Republic of China, India, Russia and the Greater Islamic Republic voting for the resolution, the growing economic and ideological influence of those combined ent.i.ties had swayed many nations. Others had been content to remain on the sidelines with Germany, France, Greece, Italy and twenty other nations abstaining.

As he made his way out of the general a.s.sembly hall, Wong saw that his counterparts from India, the GIR and Russia were waiting for him. Shaking hands with the Amba.s.sador from the GIR, Amba.s.sador Wong addressed the others.

"Greetings, my friends! Let's now retire to the conference room in my mission where we can discuss developing some method to give this resolution some teeth."

September 11, 2005, 19:25 The Oval Office, The White House Was.h.i.+ngton, D.C.

"Imam, I understand that the resolution has pa.s.sed, and I understand your offer which expires at 12 a.m.

on November 2nd. My point is simply that the Kurdish people are already autonomous and that they have voted to not unite with the GIR. The issue here is an intrinsic change in the nation of Iraq and its people. The people in the "Kurdistan" area have chosen to make their autonomy permanent."

President Weisskopf had agreed to this call at the insistence of his Secretary of State. Normal communications and contacts were not producing any results and time was short. But Hasan Sayeed felt he was holding all the cards and he was communicating accordingly.

"President Weisskopf, with all due respect, there is no Kurdistan. Neither was there any provision for independence for the autonomous regions of which you speak. What there is, is a commitment by the GIR to keep things as they were, with the existing autonomy conceded by the former Iraq. This is all we are willing to agree to, and it is what the UN General a.s.sembly has voted to support."

The President had to suppress his growing ire. Sayeed was determined to have all of Iraq and with the help of Red China, India and Russia he felt he was in a position to force the issue.

"Imam, first of all, as you know, the UN resolution is non-binding. Second, referring to the former Iraq, I am speaking of the Iraq prior to the 2003 war which brought that regime down, and its "concessions"

does not impress the United States. Quite frankly, as you know, Saddam Hussein was a tyrant. The fact is this: the people of that region have spoken anew; they have declared their independence. I want you to understand our commitment and firmness in this regard. We, along with several of our allies, intend to recognize Kurdistan as an independent nation."

Now it was Hasan Sayeed's turn to restrain his growing ire. Wasn't it just like these infidels to go against the prevailing feelings of the world and attempt to force their will on entire nations?

"Mr. President, from your time as a youth, you are familiar with the people of my nation. You know that, for the most part, we are committed to our faith and to the people of our faith, as well as to the people of our nation. Iraq is now a part of our nation-all of it. If we are allowed, if we are not interfered with, we are certain that the people in northern Iraq will recognize our commitment and embrace it. It is the interference of other nations, including your own, which has led to the current conditions.

"I do not intend to debate this with you. We are convinced from our own intelligence sources that the irregular ballots in the north, and much of the violence in other areas, was instigated by your CIA and the operatives of other nations. We have said nothing of this publicly, but we insist at this time that such interference cease.

"With respect to your commitments and firmness on the matter, I a.s.sure you, Mr. President, we are equally committed and firm. If the Kurdish population persist in their efforts to divide Iraq beyond November 1st, our response will be swift, devastating and decisive. Good day, Mr. President."

Click.

Everyone in the room was surprised at the abruptness with which the call was terminated. Fred Reissinger had hoped that a direct exchange between the two leaders could produce some opening, some chance to avoid confrontation. That hope was now all but gone.

"He's serious. First of all, the CAS is hurting us economically, even more so our allies in Western Europe. The Chinese, the Indians and now the GIR are exclusively exploiting Russia's Siberian resources. American and European efforts in the region have been shut down, contracts have been reneged upon, and hundreds of millions, if not billions, have been lost. Now, we are being faced with an ultimatum regarding the Kurds and Sayeed feels he has the international support and military power to stand us down."

Interjecting at this point, Russell Gage, the Secretary of the Treasury, and leader of the National Economic Council (NEC), whose princ.i.p.al function was overseeing the Administration's domestic and international economic policy-making process, spoke up.

"Mr. President, as we discussed when the CAS first announced its objectives, we are seeing significant weakening in our petroleum, precious metals and natural gas industries. This undercutting is due to the adverse effects that most of the large players in these markets are experiencing as a result of CAS actions and policies."

"As Fred has said, they have simply reneged on contracts already in place, forcing our firms to eat huge capital investments. This is beginning to have a very real impact on the stock markets in those sectors of the economy, and has every potential of impacting other sectors as well. With the vast petroleum reserves and resources of the GIR being added to this scenario, economic prospects are not good. In a very real sense, we will be vulnerable to economic warfare every bit as serious as the military kind."

Secretary of Defense Tim Hattering considered the Secretary of State's and the Secretary of the Treasury's p.r.o.nouncements. He agreed with both, but wanted to ensure that the meeting stayed on track in focusing on addressing the immediate Kurd situation.

"Excuse me, Russ, but, Mr. President, I agree with the warnings and comments of both Fred and Russ and have to add to it my own with respect to the immediate issue of the Kurds. Over the last several days, we have tracked several Iraqi divisions taking up "jump off positions" at critical junctures leading into "Kurdistan." It is apparent they are staging supplies and aircraft to support a quick and overwhelming strike toward Irbil and then Kirkuk, and another towards the west along the Turkish frontier."

"What's of even greater concern is that the GIR is moving two entire Army groups and their air support towards the former border with Iran. We believe one of them will support the Iraqi units to the north in their plan for keeping Kurdistan in line, while the other will secure their border with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia."

The President took this in.

"What strength are we talking about here?"

Tim consulted his notes.

"Mr. President, I do not have precise numbers, but right now Iraq is ama.s.sing fifty to sixty thousand combat troops, two to three hundred tanks, more APC's and about a hundred combat aircraft.

Following behind that are perhaps one hundred thousand GIR combat troops in each Army group supported by six to eight hundred tanks and three to four hundred combat aircraft...that is, that many aircraft for each group."

They are serious indeed, thought the President. Such numbers are more than enough to handle the Kurds in the north, and far more than enough to secure their borders with Saudi and Kuwait, unless of course they are a.s.suming we are going to contest this militarily, or...

"OK, I want everyone to listen very carefully. I'm afraid that there is a very real possibility that the GIR is not just planning to secure their borders with Kuwait and Saudi. They have a.s.sembled a force that would be capable of crossing those borders. I want us to start looking at that possibility right now."

Turning to the grouping of chairs where the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of State sat, the President continued.

"Tim, work with General Stone, the Joint Chiefs, John, and Mike to start a.n.a.lyzing and planning from that perspective. General Stone, you'd best look at very inconspicuously calling up the reserve units a.s.sociated with Central Command and the 24thMechanized Division to augment the MEU we have already sent over there to train with the Kuwaitis. Get the ready brigade of the 82ndAirborne prepared to airlift over to Kuwait on my order. Jeremy, make sure General Horton of Central Command understands our need to field a force capable of defending Kuwait and Saudi and have him start the planning. I know exactly what he's going through and will give him the full support of this Presidency.

Make sure he understands that."

"Fred, begin working with Kuwait, Saudi and Bahrain and get the necessary agreements in place to activate our pre-positioned equipment and allow for the manning of that equipment. In addition, prepare an official diplomatic recognition of Kurdistan and coordinate it with Great Britain, Canada, Australia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia."

"Also, work with Russ and the NEC to a.n.a.lyze the numbers and consequences in antic.i.p.ation of a possible revocation of Normal Trade Relation Status for all of the CAS, including Russia. I know this can be a potential bombsh.e.l.l to the economy and the markets, but we may have to experience such difficulties to extract ourselves from a very compromising position. We have simply allowed ourselves to become too dependent on a potential adversary. Review this a.n.a.lysis with Alan and brief me on how best to communicate it to our friends and allies. I will make an announcement to the nation regarding all of this on Friday evening, September 15t, and I want to ensure that we coordinate it with whatever similar announcements and actions our allies can take in concert with us."

Finally, turning to his right where his Vice President, Alan Reeves, was seated with his National Security Advisor, John Bowers, the President concluded.

"Alan, please work with Fred, particularly in preparing the way with our allies who abstained in the general a.s.sembly vote regarding Iraqi. I'd like to think that we could get at least Germany and Italy behind us on the recognition of Kurdistan. In addition, we want to make sure that j.a.pan, South Korea and the others who voted with us, but are not yet prepared to recognize Kurdistan, don't vacillate.

I also want frank discussions on the potential need to utilize our trade relations with all of the CAS and Russia as an incentive for them to ensure continued free trade with respect to the Siberian resources, and in particular the outstanding contracts and commitments that have been unilaterally terminated. We should probably also include in that discussion the CAS policy regarding the labor tariffs. If necessary, Alan, visit their heads of state personally to discuss these issues frankly, or arrange meetings between them and myself."

September 12, 2005, same time Presidential Offices Tehran, The Greater Islamic Republic "Instruct our 1stand 2ndArmy group forces to immediately initiate operation Mongoose and proceed beyond the borders of the former Iraq and take up staging positions. Make it clear that there are to be no accidents, no provocation. Just move to the staging areas and await further orders."

"Sadiq, arrange personal calls with President Zenim of the People's Republic of China and President Puten of the Russian Federation. I believe it is time we expend further funds on more weapons systems and supplies."

"Then, call for a meeting of the ruling Mujtahids and senior Mullahs within the next three or four days.

We must request the faith of our people in this and seek Allah's will in the measures that will be necessary to complete our task of uniting all of Islam. After that meeting, within one or two days, I would like to hold a meeting of the entire military council."

Hasan Sayeed watched his Foreign Minister and devoted subordinate leave to make the arrangements he had directed. The culmination of his primary mission, the unification of all of Islam, was within grasp.

But before that mission would be realized, Hasan knew a testing would have to be endured. The time for that testing would begin in earnest appeared to be close at hand.

September 13, 2005, 10:25 College of Engineering, Boise State University Boise, Idaho Both Billy and Leon had noticed him when he came in. He quietly took a seat in the back row of the lecture hall, took off his cap and sat quietly as the professor explained first order derivatives to the cla.s.s.

School had been in session for just a couple of weeks and Billy and Leon were in two cla.s.ses together, one of which was this Calculus cla.s.s that was required for Billy's Mechanical Engineering major and for Leon's Physics major. The two of them had become close friends and Billy enjoyed the opportunity for some home cooking as Leon invited him over to their apartment to eat three or four times a week.

They had talked about everything. From the inevitable talks about girls, to long discussions on cars, to their thoughts about politics and finally to their mutual desire to get into the military. Although Billy's father was in the U.S. Army, both Billy and Leon were more drawn to the Marines, Billy as a result of his studies of all the military service branches (he thought he would like infantry operations, s.h.i.+ps and helicopters and he could get all of them in the Marines). Leon was drawn there as a result of his experiences with Charlie Jenkins, the retired Marine husband of Nellie Jenkins, the librarian back in the Harold Was.h.i.+ngton Memorial Public Library in Chicago who had helped him so much.

The lecture went on. As they took notes and listened to the professor, both boys stole glances to the back of the amphitheater style lecture hall. He was still there. Dressed in what looked like a service "C"

Uniform, a Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps for some reason was sitting back there in their Calculus cla.s.s.

When the lecture ended and the professor dismissed cla.s.s, the Gunny moved to the double exit doors and simply stood there as the students left the lecture hall. As Billy and Leon approached the doors, the Marine looked straight at Leon and spoke while stretching is hand forward for a handshake.

"Leon Campbell? Hi, my name is Sergeant Ken Bennett. My friends either call me deadeye, or just Gunny "D." Sergeant Major Jenkins gave me a call a week or so ago and said I ought to look you up, so here I am."

As Leon shook the firm hand, he had to think a minute. Sergeant Major Jenkins?Oh! He must mean Charlie!

"You mean Charlie? Well that's great! Charlie taught me a lot about our country and what it is really all about...he also spoke a lot about the Marines."

"Oh! Excuse me Sergeant. This is my friend Billy. He's from Texas and his Dad flies the most advanced attack helicopter in the military."

Gunny "D" turned and shook Billy's hand.

"So your Dad is a Marine? He flies the AH-1Z Super Cobra?"

Billy had studied everything he could about every active attack helicopter in the world. He was very familiar with the debate.