It was an intentional piece of media theater, a show carefully crafted for maximum effect. Before even setting foot inside the White House, Prince Abdullah had sent an open visual message, that despite the dire news coming from Saudi Arabia, the House of Saud was still in control. This was a time to display strength and confidence, and not whimper. He had received reports that some of the weaker princes were thinking of fleeing the country during this crisis. Where was their pride? To do so was to deny their heritage and their names. Shameful. Abdullah had determined that whoever left now would be called to a severe accounting for their actions later.
Chief of Staff Steve Hanson was waiting just beyond the entrance portal and formally welcomed Abdullah, then escorted him directly to the Oval Office. President Mark Tracy was waiting, ready with a diplomatic smile that masked the bitterness he felt inside. This was not going to be pleasant.
The prince showed an equally formal smile as he shook the hand of Tracy, who was an old friend, exchanged polite greetings with others, and bowed slightly toward former Senator Catherine Hart, the new U.S. secretary of state. “Congratulations on your appointment, Madame Secretary, although it is terrible that you have been called into the position due to the tragic death of Secretary Waring. Your experience in foreign affairs will serve us all well in this troubled time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ambassador. We are all happy that you were not seriously injured in that same, horrible terrorist attack.” Hart had been chairwoman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and when Waring was killed, President Tracy demanded an experienced hand at the reins over at Foggy Bottom. Hart would not miss a step in transferring her political power to the State Department, where career diplomats knew that her bite was worse than her bark. She was a stylish woman with short red hair and light blue eyes that expressed nothing she did not want them to show.
When everyone was seated, President Tracy began the conversation. “We have been monitoring the news reports, Mr. Ambassador. Perhaps you could advise us as to what is actually happening in your country. It appears quite serious.”
Abdullah knew that question would be asked and had chosen his response carefully. “There was already some unrest in a few places because of the proposed treaty with Israel. That was expected and being watched. The unexpected terrorist strike unleashed more disruption, but only in scattered areas. For the present, our security forces believe that the trouble is limited and that they have it under control. A handful of rogue conservative extremists stirring up trouble.”
“That seems quite contrary to many of the public reports,” said Secretary Hart. “The pictures on television show a situation that could only be described as rioting in some urban areas.”
“Television,” Abdullah said with a smooth smile. “The cameras will rush to a house fire and portray it as an entire city in flames. The TV people are using that broad brush approach because we have strict rules on censorship. Madame Secretary, Mr. President, I assure you both that we have it under control.”
“What about security in the oil fields?” President Tracy decided to get to the point.
“Nothing untoward is happening, thankfully. It seems quiet in those important places. We have forces stationed at all of the production facilities and they are on the highest alert.”
The president pushed casually back on the small sofa and let Secretary Hart roll out the next point. “And what is your conclusion on the assassination of the commander of the king’s private guard, and his family? Is there a loyalty problem within the Saudi military, Mr. Ambassador?”
Abdullah still remained unruffled. No questions that he had not anticipated. “The work of a solitary lunatic. Just as your intelligence people occasionally find a single spy in their own ranks, this zealot was swept up in the excitement. I can assure you that our troops remain committed to His Majesty and to the protection of the kingdom and its people.”
President Tracy looked across and met those powerful eyes. “Prince Abdullah, please be totally honest with us. We only want to help. Just ask for our support and we are here for you,” he said. “Whatever you want in supplies or materiel or manpower will be provided. Your government must not be overthrown. My planners tell me we could have boots on the ground in a matter of hours. I have spoken with other world leaders who are also willing to form an international coalition to protect those fields while your forces quell the uprising.”
Abdullah knew this was a turning point. “No. The kingdom appreciates your support, Mr. President, but a foreign military presence is the last thing we want or need. We are aware of your carrier battle group that has entered the Arabian Gulf and must insist that you keep your distance. This is an internal problem for our country. We are under assault by a gang of terrorists and we will deal with them appropriately. U.S. combat troops would only exacerbate the situation, not help resolve it.”
Cathy Hart spoke again, her voice firm. “Those oil fields need to be tightly guarded, Mr. Ambassador, and we cannot stand idly by if the fanatics somehow do gain the upper hand. Establishment of another theological government that is violently anti-American and anti-Western cannot be tolerated in the region.”
“Madame Secretary, you must learn to veil your threats better.” Abdullah laughed softly. “What you describe is a nightmare scenario that simply will not take place. Impossible. Your troops are not wanted. Do not make the mistake that was made in Iraq, when Muslims of various sects united in common cause against you as a foreign invader.”
There was a moment of silence as the development soaked into everyone present. The United States was thinking of committing forces. Saudi Arabia might deploy against the U.S. to increase its popular support. By changing the face of the enemy, the internal rebellion might be quelled.
“It may not be that easy any longer, Mr. Ambassador,” said President Tracy.
The president paused, then walked to his big desk and sat down to give one final read to the extraordinary document that was the main topic of the meeting, and one of which Abdullah was not aware.
“We have uncovered a very serious issue: your country possesses nuclear weapons, Mr. Ambassador.” The president removed some satellite photos of specific bases. Once the CIA and the other intelligence agencies knew what they were looking for, the locations were identified. “We demand that you get rid of them.”
Abdullah fought to keep a straight face and not appear stunned by this development. How did they find out? “We have no nuclear bombs,” he said, his eyebrows rising in protest. “How could you have gotten such an idea, Mr. President?”
“Do not bother to deny that they exist, my friend.” He tapped the satellite photographs. “And I did not say ‘bombs.’ I said ‘weapons.’ There are five nuclear-tipped missiles stashed around the country and they must be dismantled forthwith. The risk of a nuclear device falling under the control of the terrorists who are trying to take over your country is simply unacceptable to the international community. Those madmen would not hesitate to fire one and ignite a global holocaust.”
Abdullah fought to maintain his composure. “I will certainly have to consult with my government in Riyadh on this matter, Mr. President. The weapons were secretly emplaced only as defense weapons for the utmost emergency, one on each border.”
“Please convey to His Majesty that this administration, a long-time ally of your country, considers this a matter of paramount importance, Prince Abdullah. When I learned of it, I felt personally betrayed. So in the interest of world peace, I must spell out a terrible consequence. Dismantle those nuclear missiles and show us proof, or the United States will go to the United Nations to seek a resolution to both demand their removal and to have the oil fields placed under the protection of an international security force. After that, it won’t really matter who is in charge in Riyadh.”