Chapters 27-29 Summary and Analysis

In a bit of foreshadowing, the author says that Wilson stays sober for eighteen months. In that time, he begins pursuing new weapons for Afghanistan. He wants the tinkerers at the Pentagon to develop new weapons for the program. Many prove to be successful, but one overzealous inventor blows up a gas station outside of DC in a freak accident while transporting his latest idea. The weapons inventors show Wilson appreciation for his support by naming their facilities, little more than a garage, after him.

At this time, a congressional aide to McCollum, Vaughn Forest, approaches Wilson with ideas for the war. One that proves beneficial is that of humanitarian flights. He points out the air force pilots spend countless hours in the air in empty planes, maintain their certifications. He proposes that, instead, they fly supplies to Pakistan...