The Road to Afghanistan - George Washington University

him only one thing: everything he says—to a ‘t’—will be relayed to the highest Sovietleadership. Don’t tell anybody except Boris Semyonovich about this meeting. Deal with thelogistics of the meeting yourself. With your experience working in Kabul, you won’t haveany difficulties arranging it. It would be best if you bring Gulabzoi home. Try to get him tolike you—be confident and magnanimous at the same time. Make him trust you. By theway, he is four years younger than you. If everything goes well, try to make arrangementsregarding future confidential contacts, which we would be able to initiate. I think you willdo a good job.”Having finished, Osadchiy took out French cognac, two glasses, and a wooden, ivoryencrustedPakistani bowl filled with dried apricots, raisins, and nuts from the bar.“Vilior Gavrilovich, why do you think Gulabzoi is looking for an unofficial contactwith us?” Starostin asked what seemed like a very appropriate question.“I think I know, but I cannot tell you. Please do not be offended. I just don’t want topredetermine the theme of the conversation with Gulabzoi. I think that not only the wordsthat will be said at your meeting, but also your spontaneous reaction to what you will hearwill be important. Try to feel the mood of the minister, his state of emotions. Now, Valery,let’s drink to our success. High-quality cognac improves complexion and promotes bloodcirculation, digestion, and longevity.”They drank. Then they ate raisins and nuts. Starostin, having refused coffee, walkedtowards the door. When he pulled the door handle, Osadchiy said with sadness,“Sometimes it seems to me that we are getting our heads into a noose.”“Thanks. This sounds really encouraging,” replied Valery, glancing back at theresident.469