#17
View attachment 421977
October 25, 1981
Mohamed Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazala has left instructions that Dr. Sidrak’s call is always to be put through to him instantly, no matter the time of day or night. The phone rings and Ghazala finds himself speaking to the doctor.
“Well then, he’s dead?”
“No sir.”
“Then why are you calling me, dammit, it’s the middle of the night.”
“He’s awake, sir.”
“What!”
“He was awake, sir. He’s gone back to sleep now.”
“Lucid?”
“Confused. Very confused. But we made him understand.”
“What exactly does he understand?”
“He’s been in a coma for nearly three weeks. He’s safe, but has a lot of recovering to do. There wasn’t time for much else. He spoke to his wife, then went back to sleep.”
“Back to sleep? I don’t suppose there’s any chance- that is to say, any danger of his going back into a coma?”
“He should be fine in that regard, sir. But his body has a lot more healing to do. His other injuries were extensive, as you know.”
“Yes. Quite. Well...here’s what I want you to do for now: you must keep the president focused on his recovery. It will be difficult, I imagine. He may want to jump up and take up the reigns again before he’s ready.”
“As a doctor I cannot recommend that at this time. We’re looking at a long recovery process.”
“Yes! Exactly! And...how long exactly do you think it will be?”
“We’ll have a lot of work to do over the next few days, but I would guess he won’t be ready to resume his post for at least three months, if not six. We will of course do all we can to speed the process as much as-”
“Doctor, I don’t want you taking any risks with the president’s life! If I find out you have attempted to rush the president in any way that might endanger his health, you will regret it. Do I make myself clear?”
“...Perfectly clear, sir.”
----
The Egyptian Gazette
Headline: SADAT WAKENS!
Subhead: President emerges from coma. No comment from doctors on when he may resume duties.