A Thousand Nights and a Night…?!?

An assumption not long ago, but now it's turned out to be the very truth, spread all over the daily papers.

This short story was written and completed on the fifteenth of February 2008, three days after the assassination of the main figure in this short story took place in Damscus;  in the belief that he “was annihilated by the hand that fed him”. I’m quoting his wife’s words. It’s well known now that the Syrians themselves were behind it �" the details are quite different from what I describe in this short story, but the main idea is right: no western intelligence organization was involved but the head of the Syrian intelligence service that hated the deceased and was his enemy.

I think that it should be pointed out that too many in the west, and in my own country too, do not know in the least the other side’s basic mentality, and whom we’re facing, while they claim they’re fighting terror!

 

A Thousand Nights and a Night…?!?

 

At the same night when one of humanity’s most infamous and bitter foes left a certain house of ill repute, in the capital’s red quarter; a meeting took place in quite another quarter, to which he was bound. Its participants were the heads of the state three intelligence services plus the president’s representative. The issue of that limited and clandestine meeting, was the fate of that certain man.

The alleged reason to that meeting was in fact some suggestions, which were brought up by that certain person, in a direct discussion with one the intelligence branches head; concerning various operations, which that person intended to carry out, under the auspices of his host’s organization.

Despite the fact that his guest served another state, his suggestion did not seem puzzling to his host. Although his guest was deposed of his office and his power was considerably cut down; still this man who was sitting opposite him was a living legend, and was craving to ride the storm again. His guest’s suggestions were in fact a hidden plea for help, intended to get his organization support in his guest’s struggle against his ex superior. These were the host thoughts and conclusions, as his guest’s superior had ousted him in the first opportunity that fell into his hands.

The dispute details were known to the host, and to the limited circle of those few who dealt with this sophisticated domain. He knew his guest well enough, he used to meet him time and again in the previous years; and was glad to be in touch with that famous man, and glad to be his friend before he himself reached his elated status.

But now things have changed, his guest was ousted and was left without any power, while his turning to him was a hopeless gamble in fact �" derived out of desperation.

The distinguished host did not express his views, but let his guest bring on his arguments, and when the latter has done with it, an oppressive silence ensued.

While brooding indecisively he watched his guest’s features in quite another light. He had to make an effort to hide the relish at his guest’s misfortunes. For despite their friendship he envied that ex nobody who came out of the gutter and rose up like a comet; while he in spite of his noble descent, his education, and current office never reached so much fame as this uneducated Fellach (farmer). Thus he calmed his guest with a few words of praise and encouragement, and promised to examine his guest’s request and update him in a few days’ time. Meanwhile he suggested to him to enjoy his days, and never doubt the loyalty, and the efforts of his true friends on his behalf.

 

When the living legend was driving his car on his way to his lodgings, where the headquarters of the various intelligence organizations were located; that clandestine meeting that discussed his fate took place, in that same quarter not far off from his lodgings. Several more were involved indirectly, including his ex boss, who still feared his ex second in command; knowing very well that the latter was staying some weeks already in the next state’s capital, as a guest of that state intelligence organizations and was expecting their support.

After some preliminary small talk his host brought up the living legend’s suggestions and reported in detail his own impressions �" and asked the others to express one after the other their opinions. It was quite obvious to him that his guest had nothing more to contribute, and that his suggestions were a round about way to gain their support; or to find some solution that will put him back in his office, whether by restoring his relationship with his boss �" or simply forcing his boss to accept him back, whether he likes it or not. As his friendly relationship with his guest were very well known, he thought he had better keep his conclusions to himself, and let the others do his job.

None of the rest liked the man, and though they never declared it openly �" now that he was down and out they could loosen their tongues. One after the other they have disassociated themselves of their ex hero, and in just a bit different phrasing have suggested to let him live in exile, in oblivion as his sole protection. There is no need anymore in his services, each one of them declared conceitedly and pompously so typical to their multitude.

The last to speak and to end up their long discussion was the president’s representative. His declaration was an utter surprise to the lot of them.

‘That’s very clear indeed, we don’t need his services…’ He opened up but made a short pause, till the rest would be so kind as to listen attentively to what he, the president’s spokesman had to say. As far as they were concerned, he was not equal to their elated status.

‘…but in the existing circumstances he may contribute us his last service…’

The sort of service which their ex hero could contribute was quite obvious to each one of them, but their shock was tremendous. The president preferred his close consultants advice on their opinion, in that complex and sensitive domain �" their exclusive domain.

‘But to what purpose?’ The ex friend, the internal intelligence service head, wondered aloud.

‘Well, in ten days a memorial ceremony would take place in our neighbor state capital, with quite a crowd no doubt. The president decided to time our case last service with our rivals ceremony; and thus our case funeral would blunt the international publicity, which that memorial is supposed to evoke. We would blame our southern enemy with that cowardice crime of course.’

‘So be it.’ The ex friend muttered. That unpleasant and embarrassing case is closed. Allah be praised. 

 

© Haim Kadman 2007 �" all rights reserved