Chapter 12 Summary and Analysis

On May 11, Bush dismisses Rove's concern about a New York Time story on Roe's growing involvement in foreign policy decisions. Powell has dared encroach on Rove's perquisites and questioned his assertion the war in Afghanistan should benefit Bush politically. Rumsfeld favors "hot preemption," which makes Powell nervous. Meanwhile, in Europe for meetings with German Chancellor Schroeder and French President Chirac, Bush claims he has no war plans on his desk. Franks tells the press, misleadingly, his boss has not asked for a war plan. Pentagon reporters know something is afoot and the New York Times headlines "U.S. Envisions Blueprint on Iraq Including Big Invasion Next Year. Staying below press radar, Franks gets Op. Plan 1003 to where it can be considered "official," while still juggling force levels.

On June 1, Gerson accompanies Bush to West Point for an important speech continuing the...