Describe symbolism in Separation of Power by Vince Flynn

In Chapter 18, President Hayes is attending a meeting when his adviser Michael enters and whispers something in his ear. The President makes his apologies and leaves to meet General Flood. Flood and his men have come up with a plan to destroy Saddam's weapons, while at the same time preventing the needless deaths of civilians. He tells the President that for security reasons Saddam has 20 palaces, and from these palaces, many white Mercedes leave each day and drive around the city of Baghdad. In the Iraqi's eyes, one of these cars contains either Saddam or one of his sons, so each car, even if it contains a lowly official, symbolizes fear. Their idea is use Saddam's strength against him. They want to put a Delta team inside a white Mercedes and drive it straight to the hospital. The General thinks no one will dare question them.