"Their time was short, so Morrell spoke quickly. "It is the stated policy of the United States government never to negotiate with terrorists. We all know it's the nation's first and most important commandment in the war on terror -- Thou shalt not negotiate with terrorists." Harvath was well aware of the commandment. "But somebody broke it," he guessed as he thought about the five prisoners released from Guantanamo. Morrell nodded. "There is an exception to every rule." "Was the president directly involved in the prisoner release?"