“I can’t believe this. A country detonates the bomb in anger against one neighbour and then invades another neighbour… And you’re telling me there’s not a damn thing I can do about it?”
No one answered. They each shared the President’s feeling of military impotence, but similarly, each understood the incontrovertible logic that was being put before them. You could only answer fire with fire if you did it under internationally sanctioned rules of engagement.
One of the President’s secretaries entered the room carrying a clipboard and waited patiently until the President turned to face her.
“Yes, what is it?” he frowned.
“Just to remind you that you have a dinner function with the Governor and the local business community in fifteen minutes.”
The President smiled ruefully and nodded. He
