Part 4, Chapter 9 Summary

Only seventy-six days after combat begin on October 7, the country of Afghanistan is 'liberated' and Afghan troops are closing in on what is left of the enemy. Franks believes only 10,000 American troops will be needed to maintain stability. The mood in the country is festive.

Franks and his wife take a truck to Bagram, because it is considered unsafe to fly. Within five days, they visit three countries, seven military bases, and eight Navy ships, spending Christmas aboard a ship.

Franks has to turn his attention to building a new plan in case of war against Iraq. On December 7, a teleconference meeting takes place between him, Rumsfeld, General Pete Pace, and Under Secretary of Defense Doug Feith. Franks says he assumes the objectives of the war will be to remove Hussein, and to leave Iraq without capacity to threaten its neighbors...