Choices Can Kill – (A Work in Progress, Feb. 12, 2018)

 

1. Retta Riordan’s Rising Star

Retta Riordan considered herself one of the lucky ones. She was popular in her Hoboken public school and was selected to give the valedictory address at her high school graduation. Her inspirational challenge to the students to excel was breathtaking.  The young girl became a Teaching Fellow at New York University. Briefly, she had a boyfriend, named Ralph, but his obsession with football and her, intense interest in studying, doomed the relationship.  Graduation led to a scholarship at Harvard, where she majored in political science, and minored in mid-East History and languages. Retta was fluent in 5 languages. She immersed herself in her studies and earned a doctorate in just four years.

Her friendly smile masked her intellect and stunning looks; long dark red hair that glistened, with sparks of yellow and orange, in the summer sun. She was friendly and approachable and made friends, easily. At 32 years old, Retta was hired by the Rand Corporation and learned how to address issues, such as relating to national security and foreign relations. A succession of jobs, at Rand, with increasing responsibility, plus published papers, and press interviews, broadcasted that she was the go-to person for insights into what was behind the actions of countries in the mid-East.

Her career changed dramatically, again, when she accepted a job offer as an intelligence officer, at the State Department, dealing with the impact of international developments on the United States. This included tracking activities arising from international politics and institutions, diplomacy and foreign policy. Retta was excited by her career and could not expect that a telephone call, one Sunday morning, would change her life forever.

She was having coffee and reading the N.Y. Times, when he called. “Hello, Retta”, she heard a pleasant voice, “I am the Assistant to the President of the United States. The President would like to talk to you about a position on our team!” “This has to be a joke”, she declared, stammering her reply. “No”, he laughed, “Go to your window. See the long, black limo. Check the Presidential Seal on the license plate, on your way out, introduce yourself to Harvey, your driver. He added, with a laugh, that he instructed Harvey, “Wait for one hour. I hope that it would be enough time for her to get her wits together and freshen up!”

2. Oval Office Overview

Exactly, one hour later, Retta was standing outside the apartment. She looked at the Presidential shield on the license plate on the black Limo, and shook her head in disbelief. She said hello to Harvey, who smiled, as he held the limo’s door open for her. The young woman sat comfortably and quietly in the back seat and watched people walking on the quiet streets. Suddenly, her heart jumped, as the White House came into view. After identifying herself to the officer, in the booth, she was escorted into the building. She then found herself ushered into a room that, from its appearance, was the Oval Office! “Hello, Retta. Welcome to the White House,” President Thomas greeted her with a friendly smile. He was in his mid 50’s, she guessed. He was a tall, muscular, handsome man, with brown hair, with a touch of grey. President Thomas smiled warmly and motioned for her to sit down.

He chatted for a few minutes about the White House and its beautiful views, to make her feel relaxed, in the presence of a new friend, and then jumped into his agenda: “We studied your career and accomplishments and have a very important job to offer you. I would like you to act as a cultural attaché for the mid-East nations.” He added, “You may think that your duties are modest but, in fact, this is a cover. I want you to establish close relationships with certain people and report directly to me on important secrets that you may uncover, on subjects of strategic interest to the U.S.A.”

He continued, “Your guests will know your areas of expertise and it will be natural for them to want to pick your brains. Be careful what you say! I hope that the conversations will lead to learning about plans of interest to us. If you accept this position, we will immediately start briefing you with secrets, for your background only, and, also, on information we would like you to share with your guests.”

“Are you prepared to risk your life for your country? Are you prepared to serve the President and the United States of America? Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The words spun in Retta’s mind, for a few seconds, which seemed like an hour. Her words finally coalesced on her lips: “I would be honored to serve the President in this endeavor.”

The young woman was in the clouds, as she walked home, to clear her head. The grey and white clouds twisted and turned against the bright blue skies, as if they were excited at her decision.  Retta felt that she had come home in a flash and treated herself to leftover Chianti wine, to steady her nerves. “What just happened? How does someone, wake up in the morning, and become a special assistant to the President, in one day.” She took a quick snack, a hot shower, and tried to fall asleep!

   3. Working at the White House

Tuesday turned up like a tornado. Retta Filled out forms, got identification cards, introductions to other staffers, appointment dates for briefings, and an assignment to a small office in the West Wing. Weeks passed, as Retta digested worldwide information that, it was hoped, would help her become an important asset sometime in the future.

Retta was invited to join her new staff friends at Friday meetings at the Old Ebbitt Grill on Friday evenings to unwind after a long week. It was there that Retta spent relaxing time with her colleagues Gabe Letizia, Jane Gervais, Courtney Jones, Earl Hearst, Jen Bartels, and Steve Lanes. These were the “regulars,” but others came and went, to her delight. It was a lot more fun than the Monday staff meetings with the President! There, I have to listen to long, boring reports and dissect tough questions from President Thomas. Of course, I did not feel that way about my reports!

Gabe and Jen were her favorites, because they were good storytellers, and seemed to know what was going in behind the scenes. Gabe was a handsome young man with hypnotizing greenish-hazel cat eyes and blond hair, who could have been a male model.  Jen was a young entrepreneur from the cosmetic industry, whose thirst for excitement, led her to the White House. Most of the staff felt the same about their jobs.

They did especially interesting international work. Steve covered Russia and the Ukraine. Courtney was an expert on the trouble spots in Africa. Jen followed activities in Europe and Earl covered domestic issues, including studying threats of terrorism. Gabe was a generalist the fast-moving issues regarding Israel, but was a generalist, following all the staff’s activities. No matter who showed up, there was a lot of interesting conversation and fun. Of course, they were all trained and very careful not to reveal state secrets in a bar! Occasionally, Gabe and Retta took long walks and exchanged thoughts on the issues of the day.

During the next six months, the new White House hire learned a lot about the mid-East and other hot international spots. Retta was introduced to Vice-President Susan Crawford. She was a pleasant looking woman, in the late fifties, with short, blond hair, with wisps of grey coming through. She was all energy when she briefed Retta on the political background for the different views of Democrats and Republicans on many issues. She learned that President Thomas, as a Democrat, has been the subject of very harsh criticism from the Republicans, because of his stand on important issues. Recently, the criticism has become more personal and nasty, but the Vice-President said that the President seemed to be ignoring it.

Retta attended meetings of the Foreign Relations Committee and its subcommittees, as well as the Intelligence committees of the Senate and House. In private sessions with Chair and Ranking members, she gathered even more insights, and had soon gained the trust, of the people, in her areas of expertise. Most important, she earned the trust and respect of the President. In private, she called him, “Jerry,” at his own request. They tried to speak daily, and Retta, even helped review his positions and speeches. They became very close, personally, as well as professionally, but it was always in a business-like manner. She enjoyed the work and the interaction with the government leaders, and dreamed that this challenging, but fun job would last forever.

4. Counting on Qatar

That dream died suddenly, when Pres. Thomas called and said, “There is a crisis in Qatar and I want you to sit in right now on a special meeting of the Joint-Chiefs of Staff, on this new development.” Retta gathered her notebook, freshened up, and walked in on the meeting, already, just starting. Eyes turned toward her, as she tried to find a seat in the back. President Thomas stood up and announced: “I want to introduce you to my chief advisor for mid-east affairs, Dr. Retta Riordan.” Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Danford nodded and quickly returned to the agenda.

“Here is where we are,” Declared Gen. Danford, “It is a complex situation for us. Qatar, as you know, is the home of a strategically vital U.S. Military Base. It is unfortunate that Qatar also has relations with Iran, which angers Saudi Arabia, Israel and us, among others. To make matters worse, HAMAS is subsidized by Qatar, and claims to be bombing ISIS, but apparently is also bombing innocent people”. “The worst news, he continued, is that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, just announced imposition of a complete blockade of Qatar!” He concluded: “Undemocratic nations, like Qatar, are ruled by extremists, who are capable of unleashing much trouble, in the mid-East. We need to get a close handle on developments there, immediately”. There was a spirited discussion of possible alternatives, and the meeting adjourned.

President Thomas caught Retta’s eye and motioned her to follow him to his office. Before she could sit down, The President said that she should pack her bags for a trip to Qatar. He declared that: “Unless the emir, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv backs down, there is a good chance of a regional war”. He slammed his fist on the desk and said, “I will never allow that to happen as long as I am in office”. President Thomas also advised her not to ever reveal her expertise in speaking and understanding Arabic.

Then, he came very close to Retta and whispered to her that he has a terrible secret that he must share with her, at this time, which cannot be shared with anyone, without destroying his presidency. When she agreed to keep this secret, Pres. Thomas continued whispering his story: “When I was vetted to run for President, I was asked by a congressional committee, whether I had any previous contact with the leaders of any governments. I replied that I did not. This was a lie. I had business dealings and a personal relationship with the emir, Sheikh al-Thani. If the truth were known, I could be subject to imprisonment for committing perjury.

President Thomas said that he would communicate to Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv that Retta is a cultural attaché, who he wants to be educated about Arab customs and beliefs. He told her that al-Thani would know her true mission and he expected a response in a day or so. He added that, in the meantime, she should do a lot of studying and packing.

5. Calling on Qatar

Two days later, Retta Riordan was on her way to Qatar. Her trip was a long, but quiet one. Some dignitaries, including Sheikh al-Thani’s two adult sons, greeted her. She spoke only English and feigned not to understand the conversations around her. It was amazing what young men could say about a woman’s body, when she can’t understand what she is saying! Retta then saw the incredibly large white walls, with their Islamic designs, before she was ushered into her posh room, at the Palace. She was told that she would meet the Sheikh the next morning and was asked if she wanted to freshen up and take a tour of some of the highlights of Qatar. Retta, excitedly agreed and said that she would appreciate this opportunity.

Retta was treated to first seeing the Katara Mosque, with its magnificent predominantly blue tower and high walls.  She was then given a glance at the largest aircraft in the world, outside its white hanger. She also was taken for a look at the endless Doha desert and the impressive al-Zubarah fortress.

The still indecipherable petroglyphs at the Al Jassaiya Rock Carvings were fascinating, as were the stunning views of the water from the Museum of Islamic Art. After the tour, Retta thanked everyone for sharing the beauty of Qatar’s country and its extraordinary technological advances. She said that she was very awe-struck by their country. Retta said goodbye, so that she could go to bed. She could not resist trying on the richly embroidered bathrobe and admiring the detailed Islamic decorations.

The next morning, Retta Riordan dressed conservatively, wearing a hijab (head scarf). She was led into the luxurious gold Throne Room of the Palace. This is where the emir conducted his business and met guests. He introduced her to individuals that help him govern Qatar. The Sheikh was very warm and fluent in English. He presented Retta with a gift that she was told to open in private. Retta presented Sheikh al-Thani with a gift, selected by President Thomas that he knew would be of interest. It was an ancient stone, with a rare translation of Arabic into Greek. Sheikh al-Thani asked Retta, “Are President Thomas and his family well and was he enjoying his job?” Retta smiled, broadly, and replied, “All is well with the President and his family and, with this gift, he extends is warmest wishes to you”.

Everything was going very well. Retta Riordan shared information on the U.S. Economy and views about President Thomas’ hope that an even more cordial relationship can be developed, where the U.S, could share some of its newest technologies, in return for resources, such as oil. Everyone was smiling and nodding.

She thanked everyone for the promising discussion and asked if it were possible to share a few private words from President Thomas, with the Sheikh. Suddenly, everyone was silent and grim looking. Inviting oneself into his private office was something that a young woman does not do in Qatar! Retta innocently challenged tradition and clearly upset some people. The Sheikhs’ solution to her embarrassment was a courteous invitation to the embarrassed young lady to join him in his office, for a private meeting.

Once in his office, Retta carefully and softly approached the issues the President wanted her to discuss. She reminded the Sheikh that, in the not so distant past, Qatar had an open relation with Israel, on emerging business interests. She said, “Qatar even hosted Israel, in its tennis Tournaments, and said that Israel would be welcome at the World Cup in the near future. She continued that, “The U.S. was grateful for Qatar’s friendship with the United States, including allowing a U.S. military base to be built in Qatar.”

She then spoke to the Sheikh about very sensitive subjects and said, “In contrast to his long, personal friendship with you, President Thomas was troubled by your alliance with Iran, who threatens Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel, and that you also fund and provides arms to HAMAS, a sworn enemy of Israel.” She concluded by saying, “The President would like to help you with your present problems with your Arab neighbors. In return, for a weakening or ending such relationships, The United States would strongly support breaking the blockage of Qatar”. The emir interrupted Retta and screamed: “No, No, No! No one will dictate to me how to run my country! This meeting is adjourned. Good Day, Ms. Riordan!”

6. Palace Plot

Retta was shaken and embarrassed when she realized that she violated protocol again, because an Arab woman would never so forcefully tell the powerful Sheikh what to do. She arrived at her room and sent an encrypted summary of the unwelcome results to President Thomas. There was no reply. Concluding that she needed to try to restore relations with the Sheikh, Retta felt that it would be polite to request a brief meeting, the next morning, to thank the Sheikh for his gift of an 18-ct. gold necklace, picturing a map of Qatar, and for his generous hospitality. She felt sure that it would be worth an attempt to regain a warmer relationship with the Sheikh. She called the Sheikhs’ office and suggested a good-bye meeting. The request was granted.

A car picked Retta, for the drive up to the palace, for her to say good-bye to Sheikh al-Thani. When she arrived, she walked into the hall of the Palace. She was surprised to see the Sheikh’s two sons walking behind her, and in an animated conversation. It was, of course, no surprise that they were conversing in Arabic. She noted the excited way they spoke to one another and listened more closely. She heard one say: “Victory is near! We will soon be the ruling emirs of Qatar! Pres. Thomas is arranging for al-Thani’s assassination”. Both were laughing, in delight. Suddenly, they looked up at Retta, as they got closer to her. One of the brothers said something to her in Arabic. Retta feigned confusion and said “English – no Arabic.” The brothers smiled and kept talking about the plot.

Retta was shocked to learn that the President had made arrangements with the CIA to supply a bomb that would explode in a flare that was to initiate the fireworks that the Sheikh would set off, to mark the beginning of the World Cup. She needed to think about recent events and the options available to her. She went to the lady’s room and sat in the booth and tried to arrive at her options.

Her reasoning went like this:

·      “If I remain silent, the Sheikh will be murdered.

·      If I tell the Sheikh of the plot, the president could be arrested and the Sheikhs’ sons could be put to death.

·      If the Sheikh is killed, will the next one be better or worse? Will the blockade be withdrawn? Will his evil sons take over? No one can predict the future and its relative risks.

·      If the president resigns, Retta’s reputation would be damaged, her job lost, and her relationship with the President destroyed.”

Retta concluded that not stopping a murder was against her ethics.  If their father killed his two sons, that sin is on his head, and she is free of blame. If the President lost his job, he would still be alive and would get justice for his crime. That was up to Congress to decide, not her. As for Retta’s role and future, if she followed her beliefs, she was sorry to throw President Thomas under the bus, but knew she was doing the right thing. Retta, with a wry smile, thought: “Oh well, “I’m sure I could always get a job at CNN or Fox News”.

7. Sharing a Secret

Retta Riordan reached the Palace and was quickly brought in to see the emir. He was alone in his gold encrusted office, which was dominated by a graceful mahogany colored three-layer desk. Each of six sections of the desk had semicircle openings, as you would see in a mosque. They were all decorated in ivory edges and inlayed precious stones. Retta could not take her eyes off it!

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv saw Retta studying the desk and smiled, warmly. He was proud to deliver a ten-minute lecture on the history of this ancient desk. She was captivated by his lecture and grateful for the information. After the Sheikh ended his talk, he turned to her, still smiling, and raised his finger, and said, “This is your meeting and I hope it is not as insulting as the first”!

Retta softly apologized for overstepping the boundaries of Arab customs and asked him to forgive her inexperience. She thanked the Sheikh for his warm hospitality, during her stay. She said that expressing this sentiment was the original purpose for this meeting.  In a grim voice, she added, “I never expected that there would be a development that just occurred on the way to your office that could have such dire implications.” It was still a shock to Sheikh al-Thani, when she said, “I need to share information with you that could put many people at risk, including you, me, and your family”. The Sheikh’s mood also turned quiet and troubled, as his eyes probed her face, while he listened intently to every word.

Then, the young woman described what she overheard in the hall of the Palace, from his two sons. Taking a stand, she said, “with due respect, you must verify any plot, study carefully your options, and not make decisions in anger”.  She also addressed President Thomas’ alleged role and said, “I have not heard from the President and, therefore, cannot verify that your son’s comments are accurate.” She softly reminded him that, when she tried to explain the President’s concerns, the Sheikh’s response was angry and not helpful. Retta concluded by saying, “I urge you to review the global situation, with respect to your role, and try to step back from policies that can result in violence”.

Sheikh al-Thani replied, in a whisper, “I know that your purpose in risking this visit was to save my life and that of my sons, as well as urging me not to take any steps that would worsen the international situation.” He apologized for losing his temper, took her hand and said she had done all that could be done, for now, to lessen risks of violence. He promised that he would never reveal her role in preventing any possible plot against him and, further, promised to verify what she heard. With a formal bow, the Sheikh wished Retta a safe journey home.

The very next day, the two brothers were picked up by the Sheikh’s Security Forces and imprisoned for questioning. At first, the brothers vehemently denied the plot but as the interrogation intensified, they revealed some information. Upon their release, the Sheikh invited his sons for a fabulous dinner and told them that what they did is in the past and forgotten. With the Sheikh’s forgiveness, the relieved brothers were free and went to their homes.

Three weeks later, the World Cup was to be held in Qatar. The fireworks were ready to be initiated by a flare. Instead of the Sheikh, preforming this ritual, as was the custom, he gave the honor to his two sons. They climbed the ladder to the pinnacle together, and clicked on the flare that initiated the fireworks. Seconds later there was an explosion on the pinnacle, killing his two sons. No cause could be determined.

8. Deep Debriefing

Retta Riordan arrived home, not knowing about the brothers’ fate, and looking forward to a planned debriefing session with the President the following day.

Retta spent some time going over what she expected to occur at the briefing the next morning. She was not the worrying type and had considerable experience briefing bosses. This time was different. She did not know whether President Thomas knew the Shiekh’s two sons. Did he involve them in a plot to kill their father? What did the President know about the Sheikh’s angry reaction to her discussion of the Sheikh’s dangerous foreign policy?

She was worried about how to present what had happened. This was unusual for Retta. She was an only child, whose parents showered her with love and confidence that she could do anything. Her father was a success in business and her mother was a Principal in a public school. He made his daughter laugh by performing magic tricks and playing practical jokes. That was the origin of her sense of humor. From her mother, she learned the importance of becoming the best at what she did, whether it was playing soccer, or studying in school.

When her father lowered her into the pool for the first time, she fearlessly laughed and splashed. She was an early swimmer and went on to compete for her school, often winning medals. Nothing could stop that girl! Her hand was always up in class, with answers to the teacher’s questions. She was popular in school, with a smile for everyone she met. She seemed to just pick up foreign languages in school. Her parents put her into a Spanish Immersion class, where the only language spoken was Spanish. Although she was the only non-Spanish person in the class, she finished the class with the highest grade.

Now, she faced her first real test. She arrived at the White House on time, passed through Security, and was ushered into the conference room. It seemed to her that the President had chosen an exceptionally formal setting to debrief her alone. That made her even more nervous. The President entered the conference room, welcomed Retta back to the White House, and said, “Let’s begin with the briefing. I want to know everything in chronological order.”

Retta started to tell the President about her tour of Qatar the day before her meeting and he said, impatiently, “No, from the moment you met Sheikh al-Thani!” She replied that she met him and his entourage the next morning. She was then interrupted by the President, who asked, “Did he ask about me? Retta smiled and told him, “The Sheikh certainly did ask about you and your family and will treasure the gift that you gave him.” She added, sweetly, “Oh, Jerry, he also gave me this necklace and I will turn it in, if it is improper to keep it.” The President told her quickly, “It’s yours. It falls below the required limit. Now, please let us get on with the briefing!”

Retta explained how she had presented the President’s offer to support ending the blockade of his country in return for ending Qatar’s relationship with Iran and Hamas.  Then came the hard part. Retta told the President that Sheikh al-Thani screamed at her when she presented the President’s advice, and the Sheikh abruptly ended the meeting in anger. President Thomas looked perturbed at this news and said, “What happened next? Retta replied, “I immediately wrote a confidential dispatch to you, about which you never responded. She quickly added, “I decided that the best course of action is to plan a meeting to say “goodbye and to try to mend relations with him. President Thomas looked relieved, but Retta knew his mood was going to become far worse.

She continued, and described the conversation she overheard between the two brothers. She said that she had to make a decision as to put the Sheikh at risk of death or tell him about his sons’ conversation and let him decide what to do. Sheikh al-Thani was, of course, very upset, she said. She said that she suggested that he verify what she heard and consider stepping back from polices that reduce the stability of the region. She quoted the Sheikh as follows, “I know that your purpose in risking this visit was to save my life and that of my sons, as well as not to take any steps that would cause worsening of the international situation.” Retta concluded her de-briefing by saying that she left for the United States early the next morning.

President Thomas congratulated he for her success in this difficult assignment. Retta Riordan then threw caution to the wind, I asked him, “Can you tell me whether or not you contacted the Sheikh’s two sons about a plot? The President looked at her, waved his finger at her in anger, and then responded, “I am answering you directly for a critical reason. Before I tell you what that reason is, I want you to know I am disappointed and hurt that you could believe that I was responsible for a plot against Sheikh al-Thani. He is a friend of mine!”

Then he began his explanation, “I want you to know that I am not a duplicitous person by nature. I have always been straight with you. My one terrible mistake in politics was to lie to a Congressional Committee. That was inexcusable. I regret it every day and pray to God for forgiveness. I have structured my life about enriching our country, not myself.”

“Let me refresh your memory about my background. I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, more than years before you were born. Our family was not rich. My dad had a successful auto parts business and my mom was a housewife. We went to church every Sunday and I was raised with a strong sense of what was right and wrong. We all felt a strong love for our country and its people.”

“I was lucky to get an athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan,” he continued. “I graduated with a degree in political science. A law degree followed from Harvard University. Soon after, I enlisted as a member of the Multinational Force, an international peacekeeping force that helped to end the conflict with the PLO and Israel in Lebanon. After military service, I fell in love with Betty Longhill and we had two children, a boy and a girl.  My son hopes to join the ministry and my daughter is majoring in English. He wants to become a writer. We are a close-knit, loving family. I could not be happier. I decided to go into politics, and, after three terms in the House, I was elected to this office. My goal is to fight for world peace and help reduce poverty and suffering.”

“Now,” he said, “let’s get to my reason for discussing why I need your help. First, except for sending White House New Year’s cards to the Sheikh and his family, we have had no more contact. I certainly had no conversations with his sons! That being the case,” he continued, “this raises the questions of who spoke, in my name, to the brothers? Who supplied the bomb that killed them?” Retta jumped in shock and interrupted, “What bomb? President Thomas responded, “I see you did not have a chance to hear or read today’s news. The Sheikh’s two sons died in an explosion, while lighting the fireworks to start the Word Cup.”

President Thomas added, “It is obvious that someone has been using my name to encourage a plot to assassinate their father and supply explosives. It also appears that this person is a member of my staff in the White House. Retta, I need your help to find that person and bring him or her to justice! Will you help me? I know I can trust you! Retta quickly accepted and apologized for asking such a disrespectful question.

9. Who Done It?

Retta’s excitement about the new project disappeared, after a fitful night’s sleep. She asked herself, “How can I find the culprits, without arousing suspicion? They could come from the White House, members of Congress, friends of the President, the Vice-President or many other groups. Where can I start,” she exclaimed! She said to herself, “I needed advice! It is logical to approach her friends in the White House staff, but there is a risk that one of them could be involved.” She told herself, “I guess that risk needs to be taken, and picked her new friend, Gabe Letizia. “But first, I will see him at our Friday get-togethers at the Old Ebbitt Grill and will look at his body language and listen carefully. I will do the same thing, later, at the Monday staff meetings with the President. There, perhaps, the President will help me by asking tough questions to the others.”

The Monday staff meeting came around and I was surprised that the President summarized my report, as the first item to be discussed. I blushed when he heaped praise on me, for a successful negotiation with Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv. There was considerable interest in my trip and what it accomplished and numerous questions were asked.

Jane Gervais asked the first question. Jane is about 25 years old. She has short brown hair and a Master’s degree in foreign languages. Europe is the area where she was assigned. She is personable and sweet and usually quiet at staff meetings, when not reporting on her activities. Her question was a surprise. She asked me whether I knew anything about the fate of the Sheikh’s two sons. The President stopped me, when I was about to respond, and said, “I will take that question! Retta was in the air at the time the Sheikh’s sons lost their lives and knows nothing about this incident.” He added that their deaths appeared to be an accident and no one else was hurt during the fireworks.

Jen Bartels asked the second question. Jen is a stunning looking, tall brunet with long hair. Her degree was in marketing and, at one time, started a cosmetic company. Apparently, she got the job on the basis of her bright personality and conversational skills. Since she traveled widely, when she was in business, she usually went along with another staffer, to warm up the groups so that the other staffer can get to the points of interest to the President. Jen asked Retta what was it like communicating with the Sheikh, in Arabic, and, also, asked what his sons were like. Retta replied, “The Sheikh was an interesting man with many interests. He was very articulate and did not hesitate to challenge me on issues. We spoke only in English, since he was fluent in that language, too. I was introduced to his two sons when I arrived but saw little of them during my visit.”

Steve Lanes asked the next question. He is about 40, with little hair, but a great mind. He has advanced degrees in engineering space science. He worked for NASA, assisting in the launch of space crafts. Fluent in Hebrew and Arabic, this made him ideal to work on issues in Israel and on its tense relations with the PLO and HAMAS. He also followed Issues in Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Steve was curious as to how the two brothers could be killed by holding an igniter to start the fireworks, when igniters have only a little propane, which is not explosive. Jane Gervais interjected, “Perhaps, this was an assassination attempt? Again, the President intervened and said, “We have no information about the circumstances of the explosion.”

Gabe Letizia wondered whether the Sheikh arranged for their demise or someone else in the Kingdom was responsible. Retta said that it was impossible for her to guess since it all happened while she was in route to the U.S.A.

Courtney Jones, an expert on African issues, asked what was the bottom line on the Arab blockade and the future of Qatar. Retta looked at the President and said, “We are hopeful that the U.S. and its allies can end the blockade soon.” She added, “The blockade is the result of actions taken by Qatar, which are a threat to its neighbors. I am hopeful that, as a result of our meeting, the Sheikh will soften his rhetoric and reduce his unhelpful policies. As long as he works with Iran to arm HAMAS, and infuriate his neighbors, Qatar’s future remains uncertain. He suggested that, in view of Qatar’s vulnerability, maybe we should be looking into Jane’s idea that this was an assassination. The president said that he would consider the suggestion.

Earl Hearst was the last staffer at the staff meeting. Other staffers were on assignment. Earl was a heavyset fellow and a big round face and hairless head. He monitored terrorist threats, domestically. He was a quiet man, about 60 years old, who always has a worried look in his face. He had no questions. The President adjourned the Monday morning staff meeting. He asked Retta to stay on for a few minutes and asked he how she felt the staff meeting went. Retta said that it was a good way to examine their comments and determine whether there was an unusual interest expressed by any staff members in the death of the two brothers. “Well,” he said, “Were any of the comments unusual? Retta laughed and said, “I hope you do not expect results instantaneously! She presented her observations, so far:

·      Jane Gervais, who usually is quiet, was anxious to ask the first question, which was about the fate of the two sons.

·      Jen Bartels’ question was innocuous, but she did ask about the brothers.

·       Steve Lanes suspects someone added a bomb to the mechanism for lighting the fireworks. We need to talk to him.

·      Gabe Letizia asked whether the Sheikh or his staff could have done it.

·      Courtney Jones sided with Jane that we should look into a possible assassination of the two brothers. He also seems to know a lot about Qatar.

·      Earl Hearst never seems to talk. We should talk to him in private.

She told President Thomas that she would follow up with staff members, as appropriate and continue to do so, until it is no longer necessary. She gently hinted to the President that he does the same with the Congress and others that could be of interest, “because it could be anybody.”

10. Republican Revenge

President Thomas ensured that the Foreign Relations Committee and the appropriate subcommittees of the Intelligence committees of the Senate and House were briefed on Retta Riordan’s visit with Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv.  He informed them of the possible cooling of the Sheikh’s enthusiasm for HAMAS and Iran, and recommended pressuring the Arab countries to discontinue the blockade, once confirmation of the Sheikh’s positive actions is received. The Congressmen were also reminded of the importance of the U.S. military base, supported by the Sheikh.

Soon after the briefings, whispers started, with low-level rumors rising from leaks about the meeting. Next, came newspaper and CNN editorials, surmising about such a meeting and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Within a few days, all hell broke loose in the Republican-led Congress. Republican Speaker of the House, Ryan Paul, took the floor to denounce President Thomas for making deals, without prior Congressional approval and undermining U.S. foreign policy.

President Thomas held a press briefing in an attempt to calm the situation but the reverse occurred! Republican House members denounced the President for his soft, acquiescent foreign policy and demanded that the House impose sanctions, immediately on Qatar. The President’s plea for giving the plan time to work was shouted down in Congress by the Republicans, but supported by many Democrats. The rancor slowly faded, for now, as new news filled the pages and the airwaves. But, everyone knew it would rise again.

President Thomas was worried, on many fronts. This reckless exposure of the negotiations with the Sheikh, could undermine his government, destabilize the agreement on the U.S. Military, risk war with the other Arab States, affect relations with Arab countries, and influence the cost of oil. On a personal level, he worried that it could lead to investigations, that might raise questions about his relations with the Sheikh. This could undermine his presidency.

The President discussed the public issues with his staff. Most agreed that it was a reckless act by radical Republicans. While many agreed that the softer approach taken was a good first step, Gabe Letizia replied that the approach taken could backfire on the President’s reputation, if the Sheikh does not follow through on his “promises. The staff agreed that Retta should contact the Sheikh to express the President’s and her condolences on the deadly “accident” that killed his two sons.

Retta would then describe the uproar unleashed in Congress, and suggest that she and the President would appreciate hearing about any timetables developed for cooling down current heated relations with Iran and Hamas, and also restoring friendship with the other Arab countries.

Retta made that call to coincide with morning in Qatar. The Sheikh’s response was a shock! Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv already had a bad day before Retta Riordan called. Several Arab countries initiated a blockade around Qatar that threatens to severely threaten both ports and exports and devastate its economy. These Arab countries have been pressuring Qatar to stop supporting Iran and its support of terrorism, in order to stop the blockade.

He thought to himself, “Now, Retta Riordan is on the line. What does she want?” The Sheikh took the call on his private line. They expressed warm hellos and Retta expressed her condolences on the death of his two sons. The Sheikh cut to the chase and asked, “Retta, just tell me why you are really calling.” She briefed him on the Republican fight to add U.S. Sanctions for Qatar to the list of his problems and how hard President Thomas is working to prevent Congress from passing a bill to accomplish this. She pleaded with Sheikh al-Thani to give the President ammunition to fight back.

All his determination seemed to weaken and the Sheikh’s voice revealed his exhaustion. Sheikh al-Thani created a plan, on the spot, without briefing his staff and told it to Retta, as if it were in progress:

·      The U.S.A. will exert a very strong effort to break the Blockade organized by his Arab neighbors

·      Qatar will cease funding HAMAS

·      Qatar will renew its cordial relations and business dealings with the State of Israel

• I will chat with the current supreme leader of Iran, Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei and plead with him to lower the strength and frequency of his rhetoric, for now, to lower the temperature of Mideast politics.

With that statement, al-Thani gave his best regards the President Thomas and said goodbye. Retta was excited about this unexpected development and went, quickly, to tell the President that she believes that the Sheikh will follow through on his promises. President Thomas asked Retta to send to al-Thani her notes about what the Sheikh said and ask him to confirm it is writing, so that we can present his views accurately.

The President told Retta that this was exactly what he needed to nullify the Republican effort to impose sanctions on Qatar.

11. Sheikh’s Shake-Up

Sheikh al-Thani read and re-read Retta’s notes of his proposed action plan and asked himself how he got to this point, “The list may look good to the Americans and solve the President’s present problems but it spells disaster for Qatar. To the President, it looks like a dream come through.  To me, it would represent the nightmare of tearing down of all his defenses to aggressive action by his enemies.”

The Sheikh continued his thoughts, “Doesn’t the President understand that we once had a mutually beneficial relationship with Israel. We acted has Israel’s host for its tennis tournaments and announced that if Israel wins the World Cup, he would personally welcome them to Qatar. Even Shimon Peres, when he was Deputy Prime Minister, had a well-publicized official visit to Qatar! Suddenly, we froze our relations with Israel! Why would I throw all of that good will down the drain? It is very simple. It is for the same reason that we are funding HAMAS. These guys are bad actors and we want them happy and far away from Qatar. If you think that HAMAS scares us, what do you think will happen If I stick my finger in the eye of Iran?”

For the several hours, the Sheikh pondered the situation he got himself into to help his old friend, President Thomas. Al-Thani did not yet know about the alleged role of the President in supplying the bomb, which killed his two sons. Unsure of his next steps, the Sheikh decided to convene his inner-most advisers.  They consisted of cousins and other trusted family members. The secret meeting was held the next morning in the Sheikh’s private quarters. Attending were Abdullah bin Ibraham Al Thani, prime minister, advisor to emir, Ahmad bin Ali bin Jassim bin Muhammed Al Thani, former emir, and Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, the former prime minister.

The Sheikh slowly and methodically explained his long close relationship with President Thomas. He said, “The present foreign policy of Qatar has brought Qatar a massive blockade by other Arab nations surrounding this small country.” He added, “This instability has damaged the Qatar economy and could bankrupt what was historically an oil-rich nation.”  “Furthermore”, he continued, “the policy of bribing HAMAS and isolating Israel to impress Iran is a disaster.” He pounded his fist on the table and asked, “What did we gain from all this? Our country is surrounded. Our Arab neighbors are choking off our resources. We lost access to Israel’s advance technologies, and now, have placed President Thomas in a precarious position of facing a Congress, angry, at his lack of a strong response to Qatar’s support of enemies of the United States. The Sheikh shook his fists and concluded, “Qatar was far better off, depending on The United States for protection, then swimming with sharks!”

The room erupted with angry shouting by his inner circle, at what they believed to be a risky proposal, with likely dangerous consequences from Iran and HAMAS.  His advisors stood up, in unison, and left the Sheikh alone in the room, licking his wounds from the harsh words. He struggled to find compromise that might satisfy his advisors, knowing that, even though he was the supreme leader of Qatar, angry advisors would be a force, with which, it would be difficult to satisfy.

Before, he could decide on a way forward, there was a knock on his door. He opened the door. It immediately filled with armed guards, who whisked him into the Palace prison. Seven days later, a press release was released, announcing the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv, from a heart attack.

An announcement followed that Abdullah bin Ibraham Al Thani was the new emir of Qatar. If that announcement did not create enough of a crisis, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibraham Al Thani promptly convened the parliament and asked Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for assistance in removing the blockade initiated by surrounding Arab countries. Sheikh Abdullah said, “Our great nation has witnessed a number of unfriendly incidents in the past and has comfortably dealt with them. This is nothing.” He reported that President Rouhani said, in a meeting yesterday with Iranian members of parliament, stated that they would support the destruction of the Arab blockade. President Rouhani warned these Arab nations: “Stand down, or risk war with Iran.”

12.  Qatar in Crisis

President Thomas was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Sheikh al-Thani and sent his condolences to the new emir. The President was even more concerned by the crisis initiated by the new emir. He called a staff meeting to review the week’s events and devise a plan for dealing with Sheikh Abdullah and responding to what promises to be a rough road, with the Republican-controlled Congress.

Retta was asked to brief the staff on the implications of this tragic turn of events. She opened her remarks by warning the participants” What just occurred is a potential disaster for U.S. interests, could result in a war between the Arab countries and Qatar, and easily spill over into Israel”.  She added: “Sheikh Abdullah is well known as a hot-head. Even though it may not make sense to us, I believe Abdullah would look forward to joining Iran in reducing influence of his Arab brothers in this area.”

Jen Bartels said that she could not understand why an Arab country, like Qatar, would side with a non-Arab country like Iran to attack Arab countries. Gabe Letizia responded to her in this way: “The Middle East is in the process of changes of power and alliances. Oil is no longer the key to a country’s wealth. Saudi Arabia’s young Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman, the son of King Salman, took power from his father and jailed relatives with claims on the Thrown.”

Gabe continued, Mohammad bin Salman initiated radical new steps to start a non-oil economy. He gave women the right to drive cars and is seeking to modernize its thinking in many ways. He even, quietly, opened relations with the State of Israel. Other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, are experimenting with similar ideas. In contrast, Qatar does not seem to understand that the blockade of its ports is to convince Qatar that it should act like other Arab nations and not form alliances with Iran, which is not an Arab country, and controlled by a radical Muslim Mullah, who encourages terrorist groups.” Gabe concluded, “Any attempt by Qatar to join Iran against the Arab countries will result in its destruction since Qatar’s destruction is a positive gain for Iran, since Iran would take Qatar’s assets and there would be one less Arab country to interfere in its ambitions!”

Jane Gervais asked, “What are the options for the U.S.A., given this situation.”

Steve Lanes replied: “A good start would be to impose sanctions on Qatar!” Courtney Jones reluctantly agreed, but said, “The blockade, itself, can be termed a sanction and bring Qatar closer to Iran!”  President Thomas interrupted the discussion and cautioned that the issue was far too complicated to resolve today and asked everyone to identify all options for the next meeting.

After everyone dispersed, President Thomas stopped by Retta’s office for a chat. He said, Sheikh Abdullah needs an education about there being a price for taking the side of Iran over the other Arab States.” He hinted, “Another international trip may be necessary,” but gave no hint of what he had in mind.

Retta had a sleepless night, thinking of the suspicious death of Sheikh al-Thani and his two sons. She genuinely like the Sheikh and mourned his passing. She worried that Qatar might ignite a massive world war by encouraging Iran to attack the blockade, since the U.S.A. is committed to support both its Arab friends and the State of Israel.  She struggled to list all the available options and wondered again and again what President Thomas had in mind for her next trip.

Meanwhile, President Thomas was also not having a good night. The Middle East had become a powder keg. He asked himself, “How can Iran be stopped from initiating a war with its Arab neighbors? What will convince Qatar to stand down and sever its relations with Iran and HAMAS?” He concluded, “The burden of the Presidency has never been so heavy! The tragic loss of Sheikh al-Thani will be blamed on his administration and there could be endless hearings that could destroy his future effectiveness.” He could not help but fear disclosure of his secret relationship with the Sheikh. If that was not enough, he wondered what the Republican Majority was preparing for him. Whatever it was, he knew it will be brutal.

13. Republicans Retaliate

The President did not have long to wait. After just two days of closed hearings,

Republican Majority Whip, Mitch McCarthy, held a press conference to announce that a special counsel has been chosen to investigate whether the President had violated the rules of the Foreign Relations Committee by instructing Retta Riordan to negotiate with the late emir of Qatar. He noted that the vote was unanimous among the Republican House members and no Democrat voted for this action.

Before becoming special counsel, Byrne, served as a former FBI Director for 10 years.

He agreed to investigate the basis for President Thomas to authorize a meeting in Qatar with the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani Iv. In particular, the counsel would like to know more about the President’s reasons for authorizing a meeting with the emir, compared with other hot spots in the world. The Majority Whip continued, “The special counsel will be asked to shed light on what, specifically, Ms. Riordan, was prepared to negotiate with the Sheikh, and what she hoped to receive in return for the U.S.A. Equally important, the counsel shall investigate the effect of the negotiation on the Foreign Policy of Qatar and the U S.A. He continued, “The special counsel will want to know the nature of the input of the President, and his staff in arriving at these decisions, and the nature of any participation by any member of the U.S. Congress or the Senate that may have participated in this Qatar affair. The counsel will also be asked to confirm the security clearances of the President’s staff.”

The Republican Whip concluded, “The special counsel will also examine whether President Thomas broke any laws, including treason, by not informing or seeking advice from the Foreign Relations Committee, before scheduling his meeting with the emir of Qatar. The counsel is interested in what other discussions had taken place between President Thomas and any other White House staff with Qatar. The counsel would also like to know whether the mysterious death of the emir’s two sons, during their initiation of a flare to mark the opening of the World Cup.”

To say that President Thomas was angry and upset at this smear, promulgated by the Republican Congress, would not begin to describe his fury!   He contacted White House Counsel, John Millan, and asked for advice. Millan replied, “Lawyer up, Jerry. This is going to be a long tortuous year. The Majority whip just threw the book at you!” That did nothing to improve the President’s mood!

The President called a special staff meeting, that same afternoon, to review the situation. Vice-President Susan Crawford was also asked to attend. He then delineated the stated scope of the special counsel Richard Byrne’s investigation. After summarizing the nature of the inquiry, the staff stared, in shock, when president Thomas advised each of them to find an attorney to represent them.

The President reassured his staff that this is a “fishing expedition” in the hope of bringing down the President and added, “I have confidence that the result will be a monumental waste of time and money that will backfire on the Republican House members supporting this vote.” He emphasized that. “Each of them should examine all the his or her files, including meeting minutes, speeches, drafts, emails, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, videos at public appearances, conversations with the President, and anything else that comes to mind.”

He emphasized, “No effort should be made to erase, edit or delete files for the President’s or the staff person’s protection because not only is it not ethical, it is also a serious violation of Federal Law and can result in long jail sentences.  He urged the staff to get a good lawyer and trust him or her to know what to do for their benefit”.  President Thomas’ voice softened, he smiled and said, “Keep your sense of humor! In the days and months to come, the news media will flood the newspapers and TV news with unbelievable ‘Breaking News’ that, in fact, will be unbelievable because none of it is true. If we have been doing our work by working hard and trying our best for the good of our great country, we should not expect that the special counsel will find anything of significance that was done wrong. I have complete faith in you all and hope you have the same faith in me. With that summation, the president adjourned the staff meeting.

An hour later, Retta buzzed the President’s line and asked if he needed a friend. He said that he appreciated the thought but had to decline until his head was not swirling with ideas, worries, fears, possible plans. He asked her to monitor the news that should be starting in minutes. He said that he will do the same.

14. The Circus Starts

It didn’t take long! An unflattering picture of President Thomas flashed on the screen, under the title, “BREAKING NEWS!”, with the caption: “Questionable relationship of the death of the emir and his two sons, to the secret negotiations that took place in Qatar with White House staffer, Retta Riordan, and the emir of Qatar!” That was just the beginning. FOX NEWS, CNN, MSNBC and countless others speculated wildly, without a shred of information, having being released as yet. President Thomas could not help but smile, “Maybe former President Trump was right about ‘FAKE NEWS’, after all!”

The next day his picture was blazoned in all the newspapers, with captions like: “WILL THE PRESIDENT RESIGN” and “RUMORS OF IMPEACHMENT OPTION”. Still, the special prosecutor had not even begun to hire staff or interview anyone! The President was no longer smiling. His first step was to find an attorney skilled at these types of issues and the unstoppable irresponsible press.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^{Sorry about the bold face. It is not in the original and just pops up when I post it.} 

 

^© Norman Estrin, June 24, 2017, “Choices Can Kill”