Chapter 61
Ivan arrives at the Tartus naval base in the early afternoon. Formations of sailors line the road leading to the harbor and stand at attention. The Commander of the fleet greets him with a salute and then leads him to the new destroyer. The two walk through the ship and talk about the next day’s ceremony. After the briefing, Ivan asks if they could go to a quiet place to speak freely. The Commander takes him to the deck off the control center.
As he looks out over the Mediterranean Sea and breathes deeply of the warm ocean breeze, Ivan talks about Operation Amira. The Commander listens intently, asks only a few questions, and then responds.
“Mr. President, I’ve long hoped for a resolution to the Syrian crisis. The people are the victims, and they deserve better. You’ve given
