A Thousand Cuts

It is 11 September 2001 and al Qa'eda's spectacular attack has left the United States traumatised and vengeful. Islam and the west balance dangerously on the precipice. The attack also unleashes dark forces inside America - the Guardians - whose self-appointed purpose is to protect America's democracy in ways the Constitution cannot, and whose private interests will be served by America launching its 'war on terror'. But Dr. Richard Hawking, an adviser to the Secretary of State, warns that this is not just a terrorist attack, but the beginning of al Qa'eda's calculated, long-term military strategy designed to bring about America's downfall. A suspenseful struggle ensues within the administration to influence the President's response. The lies and manipulation reach a climax with the President's State of the Union address on 29 January 2002 - a climax which imperils the lives not only of Dr Hawking and his wife, Amelia, but of the President.