Chapter 34 Summary and Analysis

In Washington on March 17, Rice politely declines India's offer to mediate while Bush concentrates on heading off a counter-resolution that could gum up the works. He asks Aznar to push Lagos to reconsider, because maintaining the stalemate in the Security Council is critical now. Aznar in return asks Bush to call the popular King Juan Carlos I. Bush phones Blair, who is more optimistic about surviving the parliamentary vote. When, at the NSC meeting, Powell reports the French will not budge, Bush tells Franks Op. Plan 1003 V should be ready to go in 72 hours -- although this is not yet the go order. Bush orders Press Secretary Fleischer to announce the resolution is withdrawn, and when he does, the press corps stampedes to report. Bush calls the Spanish King, and the Bulgarian Prime Minister Gotha, who is concerned about appearing on...