The Caliphate by André Gallo (books to read for 13 year olds .TXT) 📕

***

Al Khalil was in front of a TV in what had become his headquarters, the office with the large window overlooking the computer room with the wall map of the Middle East. The TV was reporting on the reactions to his ultimatum.

     The CNN reader said, “Arab governments are speaking out against the Jihadist who allegedly captured the Israeli space laser weapon that caused casualties in both Algiers and Tehran. Tariq al Khalil, through his spokesman in Cairo, has threatened non-compliant countries with devastation from the laser unless they submit to Sharia law. The threatened governments are calling for all-out war against Israel, the source of the death ray. Other Islamists claim that the Israelis are using al Khalil’s name as a blind, as cover to attack its Arab neighbors, that al Khalil is not in Israel and that he has been seen in Yemen.

     “Saudi Arabia has condemned the loss of life, without criticizing al Khalil directly. The Wahhabist leaders of the kingdom are supporting al Khalil’s fervor and, according to reports, are in negotiations with the royal family to take over several ministries to strengthen the enforcement of Sharia law and to allocate more funds to spread the faith globally. Secular countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and Syria are the most strident in their demands for the Arab League, for the United Nations and for the United States to take action against Israel, whom they call the real culprit. A more militant message is dominating the unofficial media, chat rooms, blogs, and YouTube. Tariq al Khalil’s prior speeches and presentations are being quoted. ‘It is time,’ he is quoted as saying, ‘for the Muslim world to go back to its roots.’

     “Local radical Muslim groups have been emboldened by al Khalil’s words and actions. They are attacking police stations and more symbolic, but undefended, representatives of secular power such as ministry buildings. Imams and mullahs have taken over churches and other non-Muslim religious edifices. The Secretary General of the United Nations has expressed his hope for more dialogue.”

     Al Khalil sat back. This was the Western media that he knew to be prejudiced. The real situation must be worse for the Arab powers than he had just heard. CNN was, after all, another arm of the American government. He searched for Al Jazeera’s channel.

***

In Cairo, Salim, prohibited from holding another news conference, called correspondents.

     “Tariq al Khalil has shortened his deadline. You have seen what defying him means. As of this moment, any government in the Middle East that refuses to hand over power to the Muslim Brothers or to Salafist groups will suffer a much more serious fate than Tehran or Algiers. This ultimatum is effective immediately.”

***

Jack Horton sat in the acoustic conference room with Ambassador Hastings.

     “Any news about your daughter?” he asked.

     “No. I asked al Khalil for a photo, which he could easily have sent by email, but I have had no contacts with him since then. I don’t even know if Kella is alive. What is the CIA reporting on this situation?”

     “Since the second release to the press by al Khalil’s spokesman, fighting broke out in Damascus and Jakarta. In Cairo itself, the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood activated their penetrations of the army and security services. Several Egyptian army units have made statements in support of an Islamic government. Muslim Brotherhood members are claiming majority power in the Egyptian parliament. Under free elections, they claim, they would have a democratic majority.

     “I need to ask you a question—what is your plan in terms of getting our dependents out of here? It’s only a matter of time before al Khalil hits Tel Aviv with that laser.”

     “We can’t evacuate our people; it would show a lack of faith, a lack of support for the Israeli government during a crisis.”

     Horton’s voice rose.

     “You’re talking about perceptions; I’m talking about the lives of our families.”

     Hastings sat more erect.

     “I’m not approving an evacuation. I don’t want to send the signal that the U.S. thinks the Israeli government can’t handle this situation. Just think of the implications about the bigger issues.”

     “Well, with all due respect, sir, I’m going to tell my people that those who want to send their families out can. We’ll figure out whether they’re reimbursed later.”

     “It may already be too late for Kella,” Hastings said. “I’m going to call the prime minister and tell him to start talking with the terrorists. We still don’t know what the hell they want. I wonder if their plan went any further than the capture of this laser gun.”

     “Probably not. As long as they own it, they rule the world.”

     Hastings hastily got up to leave the ACR, “That’s it! The Israelis have to find a way to destroy the gun. I’m calling the prime minister; you contact Israeli intelligence.”

    Horton left the ACR to inform his staff to evacuate their families in view of the looming threat of a laser attack. Before they assembled in his office, he was thinking perhaps the more timely survival action would be to leave Tel Aviv—there might not be time to get on a flight out of the country.

15:49

In the Israeli Laser Center, Habib was getting ready to fire the laser for the second strike.

     Al Khalil walked past the well-armed squad of men that he had posted at the entrance of the Laser Center following Steve and Kella’s escape. He took a quick look at the tubes, wires, and machinery that populated the large underground room.

     “I was afraid you didn’t have power,” he said. “We lost all our power on the other side. That devil dog Church destroyed the circuit breakers!”

     He glanced around.

     Habib pointed toward a corner of the well-lit space.