"William W Johnstone - Ashes 32 - Destiny in the Ashes (txt)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Johnstone William W)

their plans for the attack on Claire Osterman when they heard a loud
cheer and much raucous laughing from the room next door. Kareem excused
himself and went to investigate. He returned a few moments later and
smiled. "How like children the men are. They sent out for doughnuts and
are fascinated over them, chewing and rolling their eyes as if Allah
himself had sent them the food."

"We must let them have their fun while they can," Farrar said, his eyes
clouded. "I fear they will be sorely tested in the next few weeks, and
assuredly many of them will be called home to sit at Allah's side."

After taking out a thin, black cigar and lighting it, he continued. "It
is strange how this country which provides so much bounty for the body
provides so little sustenance for the spirit. The Americans seem to feel
that their wealth is their due and that no price will be exacted in
order for them to keep it. Even the present time of few resources seems
to sap their will to try and regain their old strength."

"I agree with you, brother," said Kareem, "but it would be dangerous to
forget the lesson of the great war. The Americans will fight, and fight
fiercely, if they feel their way of life is threatened."

"You're right, Kareem, but the other side of the coin is that the
citizens are divided into many sub-groups. Unless all of the sub-groups
are threatened equally, it is extremely hard for the American
politicians to get a consensus of opinion for any meaningful action. It
therefore behooves us to pick our targets with extreme care." He went to
stand before the window, looking out with his hands in his pockets. "As

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long as our actions are seen to threaten only the rich and powerful, and
not the average citizen, we are virtually assured that the response will
be weak and uncoordinated."

"So, that is why you have decided to attack the American president when
she is speaking before an audience of the upper echelon of their
citizens?" asked Kareem.

He turned. "Yes, we are going to hit the most influential woman in
America while she is with the richest of the rich. That way, the
ordinary citizens will not feel threatened and rise up against us."
"At least, not until our forces that are on their way here arrive on
their shores," Kareem said.

"By that time, it will be too late for the Americans," Farrar said. "Our
army will sweep across the country like a whirlwind, destroying
everything and everyone before it."