Chapter 29 Summary and Analysis

On February 5, Rice briefs 20 key congressional leaders on Powell's message. He is also grilled on Saddam's direct threat to the U.S., global policy on terrorism and WMD, and whether or not war is the best approach. Rice's bottom line is war is the active option. She cannot predict how long the U.S. will remain in Iraq or guarantee they will find a "smoking gun." Legislators argue among themselves about U.S. prestige if no WMD are found, but Rice is certain Saddam is hiding a lot and it will be found. Tenet believes Powell's case is ironclad and neither the President nor Powell can be hurt by what he says. Powell wants the CIA Director behind him at the U.N., visible to the cameras, backing up his words. Powell has audiovisuals and a teaspoon of simulated anthrax in...