Chapter 35 Summary and Analysis

On March 19, Bush calls Blair in high spirits and talks about how people follow the "slipstreams" of true leaders. Even on secure phones, they talk in code. At the morning briefing, Tenet reveals the ROCKSTAR information, but Bush is preoccupied with the order he is about to issue. When the NSC has nothing more to say, a link is opened to Franks and nine senior commanders. All proclaim they are ready to go. Bush invokes God's blessing on Operation Iraqi Freedom, commencing with stealth operations at 9 AM ET/5 PM Iraqi. Tears well in Bush's eyes, and he leaves. He later recalls the emotion of the moment as he walks alone in the Rose Garden, praying for the troops and his own strength to do the Lord's will. He returns to phone coalition leaders to say, "We're launching!" Adrenaline rushing, Bush tells...