Executive orders - Tom Clancy [402]
Thank you for receiving me on such short notice, Adler said, taking his seat.
You have come far. Your journey was a good one? Daryaei inquired pleasantly. The entire ritual would be pleasant, or at least the beginning of it.
It was uneventful, Adler allowed. He struggled not to yawn or show fatigue. Three cups of strong European coffee helped, though they made his stomach a little jumpy. Diplomats in serious meetings were supposed to act like surgeons in an operating room, and he had long practice in showing none of his emotions, jumpy stomach or not.
I regret that we cannot show you more of our city. There is so much history and beauty here. Both men waited for the words to be translated. The translator was thirtyish, male, intense, and, Adler saw afraid of Daryaei? he wondered. He was probably a ministry official, dressed in a suit that needed a little pressing, but the Ayatollah was in robes, emphasizing his national and clerical identity. Mahmoud Haji was grave, but not hostile in demeanor-and, strangely, he seemed totally lacking in curiosity.
Perhaps the next time I visit.
A friendly nod. Yes. This was said in English, which reminded Adler that the man understood his visitor's language. Nothing all that unusual in form, SecState noted.
It has been a long time since there were direct contacts between your country and mine, certainly at this level.
This is true, but we welcome such contacts. How may I be of service to you, Secretary Adler?
If you do not object, I would like to discuss stability in this region.
Stability? Daryaei asked innocently. What do you mean?
The establishment of the United Islamic Republic has created the largest country in the region. This is a matter of concern to some.
I would say that we have improved stability. Was not the Iraqi regime the destabilizing influence? Did not Iraq start two aggressive wars? We certainly did no such thing.
This is true, Adler agreed.
Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, Daryaei went on, speaking as the teacher he'd been for years. Probably a tough one, Adler thought to himself, with steel under the gentle voice.
That is also true, but in the world of men the rules of religion are not always followed by those who call themselves religious, the American pointed out.
Other countries do not accept the rule of God as we do. Only in the recognition of that rule can men hope to find peace and justice. That means more than saying the words. One must also live the words.
And thank you for the Sunday school lesson, Adler thought, with a respectful nod. Then why the hell do you support Hezbollah?
My country wishes no more than peace in this region-throughout the world, for that matter.
As is indeed the wish of Allah, as revealed to us through the Prophet.
He was sticking to the script, Adler saw. Once upon a time, President Jimmy Carter had dispatched an emissary to visit this man's boss, Khomeini, at his exile home in France. The Shah had been in deep political trouble then, and the opposition had been sounded out, just to hedge America's bets. The emissary had come home after the meeting to tell his President that Khomeini was a saint. Carter had accepted the report at face value, and brought about the removal of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, allowing the saint to supplant him.
Oops.
The next administration had dealt with the same man and gotten nothing more for it than a scandal and world ridicule.
Ouch.
Those were mistakes Adler was determined not to repeat.
It is also one of my country's principles that international borders are to be honored. Respect for territorial integrity is the sine qua non of regional and global stability.
Secretary Adler, all men are brothers, this is the will of Allah. Brothers may quarrel from time to time, but to make war is hateful to God. In any case, I find the substance of your remarks somewhat unsettling. You seem to suggest that we have unfriendly intentions to our neighbors. Why do you say such a thing?
Excuse me, I think you misunderstand. I make no