Chain of Reaction

Washington, D.C. – The White House

In the Oval Office, President Dwight D. Eisenhower was handed a briefing on the unfolding crisis in Egypt.

His Chief of Staff, Sherman Adams, was already at his side, flipping through a similar report with a furrowed brow.

Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal posed a direct threat to Western interests, especially those of Britain and France, and Eisenhower knew this was more than a regional issue; it was a global flashpoint.

"Nationalized the Suez Canal…," Eisenhower muttered, barely containing his irritation.

Adams nodded, his voice tense. "It's a bold move, sir. He's clearly challenging the West. British and French interests will be furious. Nearly two-thirds of Europe's oil supply flows through that canal."

Eisenhower took a deep breath. "We can't ignore it, but a military response? After Korea, the American people won't stomach another conflict far from home."