Atdtda24: Sport/war, war/sport, 692

[Paul Nightingale]

For the Cohen, "the Gentleman B is not a simple terrorist but an angel ..."
etc. This "philosophical view" sounds a tad complacent, perhaps, but it does
set the tone for what follows. The Cohen attempts to introduce perspective,
to put the "simple terrorist" into some kind of context. The Big Picture.
Furthermore, "phosgene is not a guarantee of certain death". Given the
juxtaposition of the GB's somewhat modest efforts to mass slaughter, one can
perhaps recall here the cricket match referenced all too casually at the end
of 48.4. The side batting first "on a rather damp pitch" (691) must
anticipate the strong possibility, if not likelihood, of defeat.