Chapter 32 Summary and Analysis

On March 13, Bush discusses the American backlash against France with Irish Prime Minister Ahern, and then tells his advisers he wants a summit with Blair, who fears ouster like Margaret Thatcher in 1980 and does not want a Bush ultimatum. On March 14, Bush announces agreement on a "road map" for Middle Eastern peace, another concession to Blair, and the White House says Bush will fly to the Azores to meet Blair and Aznar. Hadley gives Gerson bullet points for an ultimatum speech, influenced by Rumsfeld, and Bandar tells Bush the "U.N. dancing" is worse than war and attempts to rescue Blair are hurting friends, particularly Jordan's King Abdullah. Bandar wears an unkempt beard, which he vows not to shave until war starts. He hopes it comes soon, because he dislikes resembling bin Laden. Bush bristles at the taunt, and refuses to...