Wed, Jul 13, 2016
As President, Barry making the decision not to run in whenever the first free elections has profound effects. Barry is unaware that there are certain factions that see him solely as another Al-Fayeed whose words are hollow, and that real change in Abuddin can only be accomplished through revolution in deposing any Al-Fayeed. Barry welcomes Molly's offer to spread the word of the free elections as First Lady by making public appearances, the first scheduled for Ma'an with Rami leading the security detail. Emma also wants to get involved to be more immersed in the family's new political life. Little do they know that Ihab Rashid, from his outpost in the Caliphate territory in Syria, has a singular mission, which he will try to implement on first opportunity: kill Molly in an eye for an eye. Barry's childhood best friend Fauzi Nadal returns to Abuddin, and wants to reconnect with Barry. Barry has to decide if he will tell Fauzi of his role in the death of Fauzi's daughter, Samira - Ihab's girlfriend - who nonetheless was a rebel working with Ihab and the Caliphate. Barry's decision on the matter may take into account the fact that he has ordered a Truth and Reconciliation commission. Another person who has returned to Abuddin after a long absence is US Army General William Cogswell, who does not know that his transfer out of the country was on Leila's urging when Jamal was still President. Now as Foreign Secretary, Leila will enter into negotiations with Cogswell, whose offer is to provide military support for a permanent base in the country. Cogswell's own personal problems affects the negotiations. And Sammy, on Halima's suggestion, decides to take a class to learn more about the politics of Abuddin. What starts off as purely an academic exercise for his own benefit turns into something a little more.
Wed, Jul 27, 2016
Barry and Molly are reeling over Emma's murder. Molly, in particular, is not functioning well, as she can't get over the fact that Emma's last words were to call out "Mommy". As such, she can only think of retaining whatever memories she has of Emma, those memories which require as much physical evidence as possible, and seeing Ihab dead in an eye for an eye. Barry too wants to see Ihab dead, but has to take a measured response which is seen as being Presidential, even in light of the personal tragedy. Barry in particular has to decide how much conclusive evidence he will need from Cogswell and Maloof as to Ihab's whereabouts and potential collateral damage before pulling the trigger. Unable to turn to his parents, Sammy continues to turn to Professor El-Amin, who in turn wants to lay a groundwork of a relationship that is more than just sex. Jamal's death leads to turning points for both Leila and Ahmed, the latter who still cannot get over the fact of being the offspring of a man who did such terrible things. News from Leila may be able to alleviate some of Ahmed's apprehensions about his life and legacy. With the incident with Emma and Jamal's death, more people officially announce their candidacy for President, wanting to see a specific vision for the country in light of the recent violence. Leila reaches out to someone from her past for support, which includes finding a political consultant to oversee her campaign. Through it all, Barry is unaware that his response to Emma's death will have profound effects on the rhetoric of the candidates and the future of the country.
Wed, Aug 24, 2016
Molly returns to Abuddin with a hardened resolve to pursue her daughter's killer. Mahdiya is entrusted with a critical job. Leila and Cogswell relish in a brief escape from the world -- only to find that escape is impossible. Barry is thrown by Molly's cold determination and haunted by images of the daughter he failed.