May 28, 1998, Ankara, Turkish Presidential Palace.
Suleyman Demirel had been waiting in this office for three days.
Three days ago, when the news that tanks on the streets of Damascus had turned back to their barracks reached Ankara, he was discussing the expansion plan of the Northern Syria "Safe Zone" with the Minister of Defense.
The news reported that Assad was not dead, not overthrown, not fled, but stood at the gate of the Presidential Palace counting aloud to the soldiers ten times, and the 4th Armored Division obediently laid down their arms.
He pushed the planning document regarding the Safe Zone aside.
"This Assad, hesitates when he should step down, suddenly softens when he should be tough, leaving the whole world guessing what he wants to do." he said to the Minister of Defense, taking a drag on his cigarette, "Since he's indecisive, we'll make the decision for him."
Minister of Defense Akar stood in front of him, holding a freshly delivered intelligence report.
