Support Department Chief Calvin replied, "I agree with Erin's analysis. The direct cost and potential risks of military intervention are immeasurable. Moreover, there's an even more challenging issue: The factions we are currently supporting among the opposition armed forces in Silia are numerous and complex. Organizations like 'Victory Front' (Al-Nusra), although they are indeed fighting against the government army on the battlefield, their extremist background and connection with Al-Qaeda are like lice on a bald head—obvious."
"If we now, due to Omar's death, feel they are leaderless and decide to support them, even if it's just providing weapons, funds or intelligence, once exposed... Trust me, in a place like this, there are no walls that don't leak wind—the diplomatic and moral disaster we face will be catastrophic. European allies will strongly oppose it, and the domestic public will not understand why we are supporting a group tagged as terrorists. It's simply like holding a political bomb in our hand."
Jackson frowned tightly, clearly unconvinced, "So should we do nothing? Just watch as Song Heping, this guy flaunting our official 'KB Member' title, is there basking in glory, receiving medals, helping Damascus stabilize the situation, and continually weakening the forces we support? Are we supposed to swallow our pride like this? The 'Victory Front' is now leaderless, and internal disorder is inevitable; this is precisely the opportunity for us to infiltrate, exert influence, and even indirectly guide them to continue bleeding Damascus dry! Even if we can't support them publicly, can't we provide limited, deniable support through a third party, under multiple covers?"
At this moment, the head of the Technology Department, a somewhat silent, thin-haired technocrat, adjusted his glasses and interjected in his unemotional tone, "From a purely technical analysis, implementing accurate physical removal (decapitation) on Song Heping poses significant difficulties. Current intelligence shows he is located within the core control area of the Silia Government Army, likely in Damascus or nearby. The area is equipped with the most advanced Russian Army S-300 and even S-400 air defense systems, along with numerous electronic warfare units."
"The success rate of penetrating with drones is low, and they are extremely likely to be shot down or have signals captured. If the wreckage falls into the hands of Russia, the consequences would be unimaginable. Sending Special Forces teams to infiltrate would require breaking through numerous defenses; the operation risk is extremely high, and the chance of personnel being captured is very large. Any situation would lead to an unresolvable diplomatic disaster and personnel loss."
Another intelligence deputy chief responsible for Middle East affairs promptly added, "Even if we take a huge step back and assume the action is successful, greatly weakening the Damascus regime, or even coincidentally taking down Hafez, then who would benefit most from this? Behind organizations like 'Victory Front' are Jordan, Turkey's Shadow, and they even have ambiguous connections with Organization 1515."
"If these more extreme organizations seize power in Silia, we would face a regime even more extreme, more anti-American, more unpredictable than the current Damascus government, and it might completely align with Ankara or Doha. This would be akin to making wedding clothes for others, completely incompatible with our national strategic interests, and might create a monster more troublesome than now."
The meeting descended into intense debate, with viewpoints fiercely clashing, and pros and cons repeatedly weighed and debated.
Simon remained leaning forward, showing a pose of serious listening, his fingers unconsciously tapping gently on the smooth tabletop.
His inner thoughts were far more complex than they appeared.
The subordinates were debating national interests, strategic balance, diplomatic gains and losses, these grand and cold topics.
But the core of his thoughts was tightly entangled with a deadly, burning personal shackle—Song Heping held the evidence that could instantly ruin him, leaving him in ruin.
Song Heping being alive was an absolute survival prerequisite for Simon personally.
Once Song Heping died, the evidence would spread like a virus across all mainstream media and competitor intelligence agencies' desks.
As acting director, forget about becoming official; he might end up spending the rest of his life in prison, or possibly being "suicided."
He needed to skillfully guide the meeting towards a direction that outwardly maintained U.S. interests—at least it sounded plausible—while ensuring the real safety of Song Heping.
But he absolutely couldn't state it directly; he had to make it appear as if this idea emerged from the "professional recommendations" of his subordinates.
When the debate subsided momentarily, and a brief silence fell in the conference room, Simon precisely focused his gaze on the always silent, contemplative Action Department deputy chief Jackson.
Choosing him was because he was practically brainless, fond of military actions.
Only by letting him suffer frustration can Simon find better excuses and reasons for seeking new cooperation paths.
"Jackson."
His voice carried encouragement and consultation, "Everyone has presented many valuable points and concerns. The risk of public opinion backlash and direct military intervention is indeed high; indirect support for the opposition potentially backfires, making geopolitical consequences unpredictable. As the frontline executors, does your Action Department have any more specific, more precise, more... secretive ways to tackle this 'problem'?"