Re: first page condensed

Some say that feelings can be read on the face. If true, I was either a very good actor (not possible according to those who worked closely with me) or those standing in front of olive green cabin at camp David needed eye glasses. It was said I looked Defeated, distressed or depressed. Not the case at all. I was of course disappointed. There was a historic lack of results over the previous 14 days. This would be a blow to me personally as prime minister but much more importantly would have serious consequences to Israel.

I had been a politician all of 5 years. Most of my life had been in uniform. From inception as a small slightly built fresh faced teen I had selected to be part of the beginning of a new Israeli Unit, sayeret Makal. The current day equivalent of the special forces ie Delta Force (U.S) or the SAS (U.K). My disposition was genetically contemplative but it was hardened and burnished into the characteristics needed to command such a group.

The rules. there was no such thing as over planning. Thoughts and strategies were important but actions and their results drove the next decision. These decisions needed to be evaluated with a cool stand offish attitude. Coldly assessing the next steps.

This military approach, led to the frustration of many around in the political circles surrounding me as Prime Minister. At my very first Meeting with President Clinton a year before the conclusion of talks. I had laid out in great detail the action steps that would have to be taken in order to achieve the peace that Israel wanted needed and hoped for.

I would start the book with page 61. and=fill in the space. with the history afterward L)