excuse the metaphor. Iraq is…well I think we’re all pretty clear that Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11.
(She looks up from her notes to see his reaction. He is stone faced.)
Afghanistan is a little more tricky. At first the Taliban gave refuge to al-Qaida operatives, but their alliance is becoming strained.
GENERAL:
Lieutenant.
CLARK:
Yes, sir?
GENERAL:
Do you understand the term ‘summary’?
CLARK:
Yes, sir.
(she speeds up) In short, al-Qaida have all but abandoned Afghanistan and are now embedded in Pakistan. Furthermore, if current political trends continue it looks like we’ll be forming an alliance with the Taliban or at least leaving them to rule most of Afghanistan.
GENERAL:
(cuts her off) Lieutenant.
CLARK:
Sir?
72