Tyrant

The government army and the Red Hand brigade have taken back Ma'an from the Caliphate, with Abu Omar having escaped probably out of Abuddin and Ihab Rashid captured. This situation leads to a new reality for all involved compared to before the Ma'an conflict with the Caliphate. Barry, Molly and Sammy, reunited as a family, are all different people, with Barry having to make a difficult goodbye to Daliyah. Although they plan to head back to the US soon, they all now have an emotionally greater stake in the future of Abuddin. Despite Jamal's triumphant official televised address, Barry is unofficially seen as the savior of the Abuddin populace, which may make it more difficult for him to leave. That view is unofficially more official as seen by the return to Abuddin of Lea Exley. Based partly on Leila's manoeuvrings, Ahmed reconsiders leaving Abuddin, hoping that Nusrat will stay by his side. The one person seemingly oblivious to the air of change is Jamal, who has factions working against him to get him to step down. If that does happen, others may be caught as collateral casualties.

To save Barry from certain slaughter, Molly decides to tell Jamal that the man known as Khalil is really Barry. The question becomes whether Jamal will believe her and if he does what he will do about it. As Leila was unable to go through with murdering Jamal, Molly may have an ally in her in her own want for what is best for the rest of her family's future. Even if Molly's message about Rami and his troops not coming makes it to Barry, it may be too late for Barry and the Red Hands. One of their remaining hopes may be to play off the internal struggles of Ihab, who has come far from the idealistic young man he once was to one seemingly only seeking revenge for Samira's death seemingly at any cost.

Jamal's leadership is in question. Meanwhile Barry and Sammie prepare for the caliphate.