This new nation will assume its rightful place in the community of nations as the true representative of the Islamic faith and Arab world. We intend to work politically and faithfully to achieve that aim as we build an Islamic empire.”
The four deputies behind Mintab applauded, bringing additional shouts and cheers from the majority of the Third World countries that made up the General Assembly. The roar drowned out Mintab’s words, forcing him to stop until it tapered off.
“We will establish a government much like the United States, but with necessary modifications to reflect the Islam religion. The Lower House to be determined much like the Lower House of Congress in the United States. This should make the people of America happy.”
A few chuckles, followed by applause, came from the gallery. Mintab nodded toward the American delegation, who sat expressionless with their arms folded.
“Population will determine the number of representatives. The difference will be in the Upper House of our Congress. The Upper House will consist of Islamic holy men from throughout the Barbary nation.
They will provide judgment on the government to ensure that the new nation adheres to the true religion. In this Dar Al Hikma — House of Wisdom-these senior religious leaders will elect one hundred religious senators to interpret and approve the laws proposed by the Lower House.
“We see a moral country growing from this small seed. A country where religion guides the day-to-day lives of its people as they enjoy the fruits of their freedom.”
Mintab stopped, opened his mouth to say more, and then decided against it. The next step was up to Walid. If he accomplished his part, then the new country had a chance.
He bowed to the audience. “My fellow ambassadors, that concludes my remarks. Thank you for the honor to address the General Assembly.”
He stepped down from the lectern as a multitude of indecipherable conversations and discussions erupted on the floor of the chamber.
A runner handed a note to Ambassador Mintab, who read it. He hurried back to the lectern. He tapped the microphone, and when some semblance of order returned, spoke. “My apologies, my fellow ambassadors. But I would like to take this quick moment to say thanks to the People’s Republic of China.” He held aloft the slip of paper. “Which has become the first country to formally recognize the Islamic Republic of North Africa and Barbary.”
He stepped down once again. Mintab and his deputies hugged and kissed each other on the cheeks before he led them to the Libyan table. There, Mintab removed the sign with “Libya” on it, and from beneath the table, brought out a bright bronze plaque bearing the name of the new country engraved in Arabic, English, and French in deep, black script against a green enameled background.
President Crawford turned to Franco. “What does this mean?”
“I’ll tell you what it means, Mr. President,” General PA glefield replied angrily. “It means that, if this new country survives its genesis, it’ll have a stranglehold on the economy of Europe. It’ll be in a position to control the Mediterranean.”
“Go ahead, General, tell me your concerns in a nutshell. Heaven knows I can use it.”
“Well, Mr. President, history shows that the nation that controls the Mediterranean controls the economy of the world.
Militarily, this new country will be in position to contest the control of the maritime choke points of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. If they bring Sudan into the fold, this new country will control the coastline from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. If they take Somalia, nearly fifty percent of the African coast will be theirs.”
“The general is right, Mr. President,” Franco added. “If they are able to meld those North African Arab countries into this new nation, then that country is going to be a direct threat to the United States and its allies. Our economy and quality of life depend on free access to the Mediterranean. We fought the Barbary Coast wars in the late eighteenth century-against the forefather of this new nation. If it succeeds in its founding against the myriad of tribal and ethnic conflicts in this region, then our influence will pale in the remainder of the Arab world compared to theirs. And on top of that, Europe is going to be influenced politically and economically by them. That will in turn affect our politics and world influence.” He shook his head.
“No, Mr. President, we have a big problem here. Even bigger, if this new Islamic country ends up like Iran and Egypt.”
The red phone blinked. President Crawford picked it up. “Go ahead, Alex.”
“Mr. President, the People’s Republic of China has been the first to recognize the new Islamic Republic of North Africa and Barbary. What do you want me to do? Should we take the bull by the horns and become the second?”
“Nothing, Alex. I don’t want you to do anything until we have had time to sort out our position. Let Bob handle any recognition that we decide. What I do want you to do is to walk over to the Israeli delegation — be visible about it — and speak with them. I don’t care what you say, but I want the members of that assembly to see that America remains firmly behind Israel. Your presence at the Israeli desk will help send that message. If we think this will affect our politics, then you can bet your bottom dollar that the Israelis will see this as a threat to their survival.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. President. I’ll have a summary of the reactions here on your desk in the next couple of hours.”
“Alex, let us discuss the issues here and determine how we want to play this new hand that has been dealt.”
“And the evacuation operation?”
Franco leaned over. “Mr. President, Ambassador Mintab said that the Algerians would escort our citizens to the harbor for pickup, and that they should be doing it now.”
General Eaglefield spoke up from behind the president. “Mr. President, I propose a flash message to Admiral Cameron, identifying some options, depending on the situation there. He is the on-scene commander, and I am sure that they saw the CNN broadcast of this speech. They will be waiting for directions.”
“Roger, take care of that,” the president ordered.
President Crawford stood. The television showed various members of the General Assembly leaving their desks to mill about in small groups.
Already future politics were being decided at the United Nations level, and here he was without a clear idea on how this was going to affect the United States. Why didn’t he have any foreknowledge of this? Whatever happened, it would affect America, and it was not going to be to America’s advantage. Most of the Third World representatives from Africa and the Middle East were shaking hands with Mintab and the new deputies.
President Crawford looked away from the screen. “Bob, I want a worst-case assessment of what this means to America, our economy, and how this new political entity will influence our foreign policy. Got it?”
Franco hurriedly scratched notes on a three-by-five card from several that he carried in his shirt pocket.
“Also, I want a series of options and recommendations on what our reaction should be depending on what scenarios unfold, and I want it tonight.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. President.”
“Give me the book, Franco, and I want to know what the new polls say about this as soon as possible. I want to compare it with what’s in there now.”
He reached over, took the black three-ring binder from Franco, and opened it as he left the small theater. Head down, he scanned the poll results from last night. He passed a military courier hurrying into the theater, who stopped, snapped to attention, and rendered a snappy salute.
“Oh, hi,” the president mumbled without looking up.
As soon as the leader of the Free World passed, the courier walked briskly over to General Eaglefield.