Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4 introduces a false story that Bush will use to sell his war plans and another key figure in the ongoing drama. When British intelligence informs the U.S. about covert efforts to prevent Pakistani nuclear technology from getting in terrorist hands, and the CIA finds indications al-Qaeda wants a crude "dirty bomb" as a "deterrent," Bush sends Tenet to demand the Pakistanis eliminate the threat, but as Tenet flies home, foreign intelligence services buzz with rumors of fissible materials on the loose. Meanwhile, a dignified man with the improbable nickname, "Scooter," works to advance Cheney's agenda. With access to NSC and principals meetings, Libby has a unique big-picture perspective, but is uncomfortable seeing his name in the papers. He confronts Armitage about the Times leak and reads in Bush's body language - even before Cheney does - that he has...