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Mar 10 2003 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/page.cfm?objectid=12718043&method=full&siteid=50143http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/page.cfm?objectid=12718043&method=full&siteid=50143 BUSH ALONE AS WAR LOOMS >From Richard Wallace in New York GEORGE Bush has cancelled all public engagements and many of his regular ceremonial duties in the build up to war. Aides revealed yesterday that he is spending an increasing amount of time alone in the Oval Office. He frequently asks for private time and orders even closest staff from his West Wing quarters. His main confidantes as the Iraq crisis moves into its final stages are his ex-president father and Tony Blair. Insiders say his biggest fear is a new September 11-style atrocity. "He's worried about another attack every morning that he walks into the Oval Office," said Chief of Staff Andrew Card. Others say Mr Bush is on a mission - a personal crusade that could forever write his name in history. "This is his moment. This is his Omaha Beach," said Craig Stapleton, a close friend who is ambassador to the Czech Republic. "He knows exactly what to do." To switch off from the daily pressures Bush eats his lunch - normally chicken salad and an apple - on a tray in front of the TV sports channel ESPN. And he reads every inch of the newspaper sports pages. He insists on an hour off every afternoon to exercise in the White House gym, whatever the crisis. Officials say he is attempting to stick to his normal routine - a healthy diet, no alcohol, prayers and bed by 10.30pm. But he realises that the ultimate decision to go to war is down to him and him alone. He phoned the heads of state of all 14 other members of the UN Security Council last week and also had a lengthy chat with his father. George Bush Senior said his son had told him not to be concerned - that it was his job to do the worrying. But the former US leader added: "It is the toughest decision a president has to make, to send the sons and daughters of Americans into harm's way." He recalled that before he sent these "wonderful young" troops into battle in Panama, the anxiety was overwhelming. "The night before I could not move my neck or arms," he said. "The tension had taken hold, the responsibility for those lives, even though I had been in combat myself." The President has set aside much of the time he spends consulting with others for Mr Blair. The leaders had two earnest conversations last week, each lasting around 20 minutes. And White House officials confirmed last night that they are likely to speak every day this week as the countdown continues. _______________________ http://www.mirror.co.uk ===== LMNOP http://lmno4p.org "No War for Oil!" __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online http://webhosting.yahoo.com --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bdn7KI.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html ==^================================================================
