Turkey and trimmings alone weren't enough of a draw, and neither, concluded the American brass in Baghdad, was the prospect of listening to a speech by Paul Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority. But wartime requires extreme measures, and so, to attract soldiers to a Thanksgiving dinner in a makeshift U.S. Army post at Baghdad International Airport, top offi-cials resorted to celebrity disinforma-tion. They fanned rumors that country star Shania Twain would be at the event, accompanied by the actor Nicolas Cage. When even that did not generate buzz in the barracks, Bremer told aides "we may make news," and asked them to urge the press to attend. Word was, some administration higher-up, maybe Vice President Dick Cheney, was the real attraction. Only Bremer and the tightest circle of insiders knew what was up: George W. Bush, flying aboard Air Force One in the heaviest of cloak-and-dagger secrecy, was the guest of honor. "Welcome to Free Iraq, Mr. President," said Bremer, greeting the president backstage before the meal was served. Bush responded with a joyous bearhug.
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