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124 JEFF EDWARDS
“Yes, Prime Minister. I am quite familiar with my country’s dealings
in your region during the latter half of the twentieth century. But these are
extraordinary circumstances; we believe they justify an exception to
ordinary policy.”
“I do not believe that I can agree,” Amman said. “Not unless you can
provide me with some compelling evidence of hostility on the part of the
Federal Republic of Germany.”
Elizabeth grimaced; she had hoped to avoid the path this conversation
was taking. “There have been hostilities,” she said. “The day before
yesterday, two British warships were attacked by a squadron of German
fighter jets in the Strait of Gibraltar. One of the ships, HMS York, went
down with a loss of nearly all hands. The other ship, HMS Chatham, was
severely damaged. At least four of the fighters were shot down.”
“Why would the Germans do such a thing?” Amman asked. “Are they
not allied with the United Kingdom? Or, at the very least, peaceful
neighbors?”
“The British ships were attempting to blockade the strait, to prevent the
submarines from entering the Mediterranean Sea.”
“Ah,” said the prime minister. “Then it would be safe to assume that
the German government did not consider the blockade a friendly act.”
“Apparently not.”
Amman said, “I am not certain that I can blame them. I would not take
well to having the Strait of Gibraltar blocked to the military vessels of
Egypt’s navy either. I do not believe that it would be proper for my
government to impose restrictions on other nations that we would not like
to have imposed upon ourselves.”
“I understand your reasoning,” Elizabeth said. “But, if those
submarines do reach Siraj, the repercussions could destabilize the Gulf
region for years to come.”
“If that is so,” Amman said, “then this matter would best be decided by
the United Nations. If there is an international ruling on the matter, my
country will certainly abide by it.”
Elizabeth fought to keep the frustration out of her voice. “Those
submarines are moving now. By the time we petition the UN for a ruling,
the subs will be through the canal and gone.”
“Inshallah, Madam Secretary,” said the prime minister, and he hung up
the phone.
Elizabeth hung up the phone and looked at Roger. Inshallah …
Roughly translated, it meant: If such is the will of Allah.