FOREWORD

I had the good fortune of meeting this remarkable man on just the second day of his visit to the United States. At the time, I was representing the Ministry of Energy with my colleagues. Our presentation—let’s just say it was of the highest caliber—sparked more than a few lively debates and revealed some surprising points of alignment between our countries.

In fact, it was at that very moment that the first idea of a pipeline surfaced. Less than a month later, an agreement was signed. A coincidence? Perhaps. But I prefer to see it as recognition—by the President, and by the public—that our work mattered.

Now, regarding the episodes described in this book, I can offer only one clarification:

— This is fiction. Entirely. Nothing like this ever occurred. Or if it did, it unfolded in some other way, with other people entirely. Names that match are sheer accident. And as for all that talk of blackmail and shadow negotiations—well, those are simply conspiracy theories, and you know how entertaining those can be.

Did I personally know what he was doing during most of that month? Absolutely not. The rumors ran wild. Some said he was being trained as a spy. Others claimed that his “training” ended in disaster. There were even articles suggesting he had overheard too much and turned against us out of spite. All colorful, none verifiable.

But forgive me—I stray. For me, he remains above all a man of rare sensitivity. A person who, quite unexpectedly, offered me a second chance, almost a second career. And yes, I will say it again: grants are a wonderful thing. Believe me on this one.

Chair of the Commission