03x06 - Truth and Dignity

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Tyrant...

I don't trust myself.

Sammy: Someone has to watch her 24/7.

I need to go get better.

How long will you be gone?

Molly: I don't know.

You are Bassam's son.

He doesn't know.

Promise me you won't tell him, Ahmed.

Where were you this morning? I couldn't find you.

Sammy: You're sleeping with me 'cause I'm the president's son?

Don't you read my blog?

You're criticizing him.

Halima: Are you sleeping with him?

Everything we care about is too important!

I don't want to have to tell your father.

We just got a warning about more bombings.

Some people are talking about leaving, crossing the border into Abuddin.

We can make a better life for you here, brother.

You really think that four months from now, when Fauzi is president and you are nothing, that he will still be interested in you?

Are you going to leave me?

I'm never leaving you again.

k*ll the infidel in the street.

(g*nsh*t)

Cogswell: These guys are real pros.

The thing's working, too.

Conservative Islamist students radicalized by this sh*t.

Mahdiya?

(g*nsh*t)

k*ll them all.

One by one.

What do we know about Daliyah Al-Yazbek?

Aziz: They seem close.

Bassam...

ID, please.

(horn honks)

Do you know Bruno Mars?

What?

He is my favorite singer.

(chuckles) I'm from Akron, Ohio.

Bruno Mars doesn't hang out there much.

Oh.

Will you take a selfie with me?

Yeah, but do it quick, before my C.O. notices.

(shouts in Arabic)

Oh!

(choking)

(people shouting, screaming)

(soldier groaning)

May I?

Help yourself.

Sammy still sleeping?

I don't know.

He, um... he doesn't come down to breakfast much these days.

How are you, Ahmed?

I'm okay.

I know that I haven't exactly been, uh... available to you.

Or Sammy or... anyone, really.

No one blames you.

You have more than enough on your plate.

I was thinking that... maybe it's time we should bury Nusrat with the rest of the family.

If you'd like that.

You know I would, but my mother, she...

We have a private plot; it would be a private ceremony.

Thank you.

Sorry to interrupt, Mr. President.

You're needed in the w*r room.

Cogswell: Well, I'm afraid that this is the new normal.

Constant, low-level v*olence.

I agree.

That's ten separate att*cks in the last two weeks, starting with the assassination of Sheik Taymullah.

They are still using it as a rallying cry.

Take a look.

Leila: Wait. Go back.

Who's that?

Maloof: Professor Haitham El-Amin.

Teaches political philosophy at the university.

He's part of a new generation of anti-government bloggers.

There's dozens of them, but this guy's the most influential.

The Caliphate reprints him every chance they get.

I wonder if he knows how much damage he's doing.

There has been some chatter about something bigger planned, but we don't know where and we don't know when.

At least not yet.

I need better than that, General.

Yup.

So does Europe.

So does the United States.

You are our most important recruits.

Because you're native Abuddinians.

And when we march back into Abuddin, you will march in the front with me.

You.

How can you serve the Caliphate?

I give everything I have.

I give my life to serve Sheik Abdullah in the fight for Islam.

Hmm.

And you?

How can you serve the Caliphate?

I give everything I have.

I give my life to serve Sheik Abdullah in the fight for Islam.

Really?

You don't want a family?

A rich husband who takes you on shopping trips to Dubai, Paris?

I give everything.

Good.

Sammy: Your kids made these?

My wife.

She's not very talented.

My sons.

Do you love your wife?

You've had sex with her twice.

At least.

I do love her.

The sex... not so much.

She know?

About you? No.

About you.

I hide all the time.

All of us do, in this culture.

We live in here one way, and we say something else.

Or nothing at all.

You're the first man I have ever met who doesn't have shame.

You have no idea how exciting that is.

How sexy that is.

Barry: This is from the, uh...

Raid in the camp.

I really have to go.

Mmm.

Five more minutes.

What can I do in five minutes?

(laughs): Don't answer that.

(sighs)

I picture you like this... during the day, sometimes.

I close my eyes, and I see you here in this room.

This is the only place where the world just... stops for me.

♪ ♪

Five minutes.

Hey.

Hey.

I didn't... Were you waiting for me?

I-I had a break in my schedule, so...

I've been so busy the last couple of weeks, I haven't seen you.

I-I left you a couple of messages.

I know. I'm sorry.

I've been so busy, too.

Was there something you wanted to talk about?

Uh... h-how's Ghani?

Oh, he's-he's all right.

Actually, I think he's having a little bit of a hard time at school right now.

You know how children are at this age.

They can be so cruel sometimes.

And part of me wants to do something about it, part of me thinks that, you know what, life can be cruel sometimes, too, and maybe he should just learn to...

Marry me.

Sorry?

I-I want you to marry me.

I know it's a crazy thing to ask, and this is not the right place or time, but there's never really a right time or place for anything these days.

(laughs)

I...

I don't know what to...

Daliyah... you're a widow in a culture that's not very good to widows.

You have a son who could use a father.

And I'm tired of being lonely.

Listen.

I don't really know how I feel about being president.

I've never really wanted to be in charge.

But if you were my first lady...

I know it sounds a little impractical.

And, well, obviously I can't speak for you, but for myself...

I have no doubt I'm falling in love.

You think I'm crazy.

I was someone's second wife, Fauzi.

I was nobody.

And now, God knows how, I'm a substantial person.

Because of my work.

You would be my equal partner.

And the most important woman in the country.

Daliyah, for all the good you can do here, we could do so much more good together.

Just think about it.

(indistinct chatter)

Promise me you'll think about it.

(indistinct chatter)

(exhales)

So thank you all for joining us...

(clears throat)

(over speakers): Thank you all for joining us today.

We've added a dozen testimonies for this session, so we will be going a little bit later tonight.

Our first testimony is from Mr. Nizar Kassem.

Mr. Kassem is a music teacher from Asima who spent seven years in prison under the regime of Jamal and Khaled Al Fayeed.

(a*t*matic g*nf*re, people screaming)

(g*nf*re continues)

(people crying, screaming)

(g*nf*re continues)

Woman: I beg of you, I beg of you!

Man: Please, please, please!

(g*nsh*t)

(man grunts)

(g*n cocks)

(men speaking Arabic)

♪ ♪

Daliyah (recorded): This is Daliyah Al...

(line ringing)

This is Daliyah Al-Yazbek. Please...

(line ringing)

(quiet chatter)

I need a list of the victims.

We're still gathering information.

We've confirmed 19 casualties so far...

I need names!

Sir, this has only just happened. Many of...

Tell me who you've got on the ground, and I'll call them myself!

Maloof: I'll get you a status report the moment it's available.

In the meantime, I need you to authorize an operation in Ma'an.

What operation?

The general wants to arrest half the population.

I want to preempt any further att*cks.

(phone ringing)

We'd only be arresting people on the watch list.

Yes?

Daliyah: Bassam.

(sighs) Daliyah.

I wanted to call you sooner, but they said we couldn't.

(sniffling)

Ziyad is dead.

They were f*ring their g*ns and... he covered me with his body.

Okay. Listen, I'll be down as soon as I can get there, okay?

Daliyah?

I'm here.

I'll be there as soon as I can.

They're taking me to the hospital.

Are you hurt?

No, just a cut.

Okay. I'll meet you at the hospital.

No. You should be at the Palace.

I'll be fine.

I'll see you soon.

Daliyah...

Daliyah?

Daliyah.

(sighs) Thank God.

What... I don't know what else to say.

I'm all right.

It's not my blood.

Paramedic: The transport's ready.

All right, I'm not... It's not my blood.

Daliyah...

Hey.

(sniffles) They want to take me to the hospital.

It's okay. It's okay. I'll come with you.

This cowardly att*ck on the Truth and Dignity Commission threatens all of us.

As interim president, I am determined that the people of Abuddin will never again be held hostage by fear.

And therefore, I've authorized our security forces to arrest anyone and everyone (soldiers shouting) who has collaborated with t*rrorists.

We cannot allow this country that we've worked so hard to build to be undermined by the actions of a violent, misguided minority.

Know that I will do everything in my power to protect you from these enemies of peace inside our borders.

It's happening.

Just like I said it would.

How soon before they come for you and me?

Before they turn the gas on us again?

They were m*rder*d...

(TV clicks off)

I want to see Ihab.

Face-to-face.

You're finally waking up to the truth.

Just call him and tell him I want to see him.

These people are cowards who brought r*fles and b*ll*ts into a place of forgiveness.

But they will not succeed.

And we will not be made afraid.

The Truth and Dignity Commission will resume immediately, and when it does, I'll be on the stand as its first witness.

(crowd murmuring)

If anyone asks, I've gone to see my sister in Amman, okay?

Okay.

Don't be so nervous, habibi.

You're doing the right thing.

I don't know if I am.

We've known the bin Rashids for a very long time.

You were always meant to be allies, you and Ihab.

♪ ♪

(knocking on door)

(whispers): Bassam.

(crying softly)

I won't let them get away with this, I promise.

I'll k*ll them all if I have to.

(sniffles) What?

No, I don't...

No, no more talk about k*lling.

Don't k*ll anyone for me, please.

I'm so tired of all the k*lling.

Bassam...

Shh, shh, shh.

(sobs)

(sighs)

Latif Al-Qadi.

Why do you smile?

It's been a long wait.

My family appreciates everything you've provided for us, but a camp is a camp, and we're eager to join our relatives.

Application for refugee status has been denied.

Why?

Perhaps you heard about the m*ssacre at the Truth and Dignity Commission?

Yes, it's awful.

I'm not a supporter of the Caliphate.

We've been their victims, too, they're the reason we left Syria.

Maybe.

Your brother, the sheik, has given comfort to those who support him.

Doesn't sound like my brother.

But... I'm not a political person.

I'm a museum curator.

I'm just looking for a new home for my family.

Understand my problem.

Everyone looks the same.

A housewife stabs a soldier.

A medical student straps on a su1c1de b*mb and walks into a market.

Maybe a museum curator, too.

Al-Qadis are trouble for this country, I'm sending you back to Syria.

Well, you can't. The U.N. forbids sending refugees back into conflict regions.

You don't want to go back? Fine.

Welcome to your new permanent home.

Make yourself comfortable. Next.

Sheik Al-Qadi is missing.

I need to get back to the Palace.

Is there anything else we needed to discuss?

Your statement on the Truth and Dignity Commission played well.

That's not why I did it.

Nevertheless, this v*olence is taking its toll on Bassam's support.

Meaning what?

All this news is worse for Fauzi than it is for you.

He's Bassam's chosen man.

He rises and falls with the president.

You, on the other hand...

On the other hand, nothing.

I'm his foreign secretary.

Unless you resign.

Give yourself a chance to criticize the government.

And the Americans.

Unhook yourself from Bassam.

Mr. Kipfer, I'm an Abuddinian before I'm a candidate.

Safiya: Hey! Sit down!

Or no dessert tonight!

Sorry, Leila. They're monsters.

They're children. It's okay.

I'll just make sure it doesn't stain.

Here. Let me get that.

It's okay. It's okay.

(sighs)

Why did you say no to him?

Really? You don't understand?

I wonder.

Was it because you don't want to criticize Bassam, or because you don't want to criticize the Americans?

I'm not having this discussion with you again.

So you are still seeing him, aren't you?

You are wrong, Safiya.

We're in love with each other.

Great.

Much better.

Love wouldn't cloud your judgment.

Do you have any idea what happens to you, or this country or this election, if anyone finds out?

What do those who call Bassam an American call you, then?

Everything there is, Safiya.

Everything.

People die without warning.

sh*t to hell on a random day by people they don't know, and for no reason.

That's the world we live in.

I'm in love for the first time in 25 years.

It's a risk I'm willing to take.

Excuse me, sir. Can I talk to you?

I'm Kamilah Al-Qadi.

Can we talk in private, please?

It's important. I know it is.

My father took it from the National Archaeological Museum when we left Damascus.

I thought maybe you would reconsider your decision.

Please.

You can't keep us here forever.

It's-it's terrible here.

Go home to your family.

You're going to let us out?

No.

We don't allow smugglers into this country.

Thank you for this.

I'll see that it's taken care of.

No, please, you can't do that.

My father will k*ll me.

Please, give it back to me.

I'm begging you!

Go home to your family.

Wait!

Wait!

What... what else can I do?

I have other things to offer.

Stop it.

I can... I can...

Stop it!

There are worse degradations than living in a camp.

Go home to your family.

You want to talk about this? How about you talk to me?

So you can at least pretend that I have a say in my own life!

What are you talking about?

Now, I don't know what Halima told you about the two of us, but I don't need your permission about who I sleep with.

The two of who?

Excuse me?

Oh, sh*t. sh*t.

(sighs)

You're sleeping with Professor El-Amin.

Sammy, he was here because he's been writing blogs about me being responsible for the v*olence in Abuddin.

Did you know that?

Yes.

(scoffs)

That's who you choose to sleep with?

You know what, I changed my mind.

I don't want to talk about this with you.

Sammy, I know who you are.

I'm not asking you to be anyone else.

But I need you to think about how dangerous it is, for all of us, for you to be sleeping with a man...

That man... at this time.

I'm sorry. Is it-is it messy?

Is it messy for you?

Is it messier than you sleeping with Daliyah when Mom is in treatment?

You think I don't know where you sneak off to every other day?

Family's a screwed-up thing, isn't it?

Democracy, too.

(door opens)

(sighs)

So, you really want to be president?

That's not funny.

And if these att*cks and your reprisals continue much longer, I may not be.

I'm paying a very steep price for defending you.

What other choice do I have?

Three months ago, the people would have carried me on their shoulders to the capitol.

Now I can't please anyone.

I promised a new Abuddin.

All I've delivered is the same old w*r.

Daliyah looked at me yesterday and asked me not to k*ll any more people, not in her name, but tell me, what else can I do?

I asked her to marry me.

Who?

Daliyah.

I popped the question yesterday, right before the att*cks.

I asked her to be my first lady.

(clears throat)

(water splashes)

Um... wow.

Where did, uh, where did this come from?

I'm in love with her, as it turns out.

You'd probably feel the same thing if you weren't married.

Anyone would.

So, did she, um...

What did she say?

Well, she didn't say yes.

She's gonna think about it.

I think.

I don't know... you know her better than anyone.

Am I foolish to think that she would...

No.

You're not foolish.

I know you have more important things to think about.

I just thought I'd give you some potential good news.

(pats leg)

How could you be so stupid?

Haitham, I'm telling you, it's gonna be okay.

He's not gonna give us any trouble.

We have an understanding.

Maybe with you, but not with me.

Those were not very veiled threats he made about my blog.

And now this.

I defended you.

You have to trust me...

This is not America!

People end up dead in ditches because of sh*t like this.

I'm aware of that.

But you don't know my father.

Why couldn't you keep your mouth shut?

(quietly): Please don't be angry with me. Please.

Haitham, I'm telling you, it's gonna be okay.

I promise you. It's not going to be okay.

It's never going to be okay again.

I don't want to lose you.

(chuckles softly)

You barely even know me.

You're just a stupid kid, huh?

And I'm a stupid, stupid adult.

Just leave, please.

Leave!

I want to know where your husband is.

I don't know where he is.

That's what your brother said, too.

And I find that hard to believe.

You don't think it's strange he just disappeared?

I do.

I assumed you had him.

Don't look so shocked.

You're from Ma'an, people disappear here all the time.

Perhaps you should ask the secret police.

There is no secret police anymore.

Really?

Are you going to t*rture me?

I don't like pain.

I'm afraid of pain.

I prefer to die quickly, if I had a choice.

I don't t*rture people.

I was tortured.

By the Caliphate.

Your heroes.

We're nothing like them.

Then tell that to my parents.

Things have changed.

Have they?

We'll see.

If you're not going to t*rture me or k*ll me, may I go home to my children?

(door closes, lock clicks)

They will be home from school soon.

♪ ♪

(speaking Arabic)

(vehicle doors closing)

My apologies for the blindfold.

You understand my precaution.

Your brother-in-law didn't say why you wanted to see me.

I didn't tell him.

I wanted to talk to you myself.

(sighs)

So, tell me why you're here.

Because both of us want the same future for our country.

We want the Americans out, Abuddin governed by Islamic law...

Under the rule of Sheik Abdullah?

Eh.

You still reject the sheik's authority?

Sheik Abdullah is not from Abuddin, Ihab.

So, in this vision of Abuddin you think we share, who leads the people?

God willing, people will choose me.

The polls show I'm catching up to Fauzi Nidal.

And when the time comes for this election, you think Al Fayeed will just step down?

Bassam is not his brother.

No.

He's worse.

He k*lled my wife.

Ihab, I swear to God, unless you help me, Abuddin will burn.

Is that really what you want?

Are you asking me to stop fighting?

I'm asking you to give me a chance to win this election.

(scoffs) Ramzi.

There will be no election, but there will be a w*r.

And you're on the wrong side.

No.

No.

You must've realized the risk you were taking by coming here.

I had no choice.

(vehicle approaches)

Pick him up, take him to the border.

Sheik... he's a traitor.

I know who he is.

Now do what I say.

Um... at least tell me why.

Poison bait back to the nest.

Let the infidels turn against each other.

I don't understand.

You will.

Thank you.

It's nice when families can have activities they can do together.

(both chuckle)

We k*ll each other.

We bury each other.

Right.

We need to take care of each other more.

Ahmed?

Look...

There was so much history between your father and me, but you and I never got the chance to spend much time together, and I think in the future, we should do something about that.

My father will be difficult to replace.

But that would be nice.

Would you do something for me, Uncle?

Let me help you.

Give me a job, make me useful.

Excuse me, Mr. President.

Is this real?

We analyzed the photo. It's real.

It went up on a private site to Caliphate insiders.

It's a signal. A new face.

I'm checking phone records to see who else was in contact with bin Rashid before the visit.

And when Al-Qadi comes home, we'll be waiting.

I don't think he's coming back. I think maybe he's gone over.

In which case, we'll find him.

And we'll k*ll him, too.

(bird chirping)

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

(camera shutters clicking)

The press is here today to cover this event as if it were news that we insist on carrying on.

It is not news that we persevere.

It is our only choice.

And who we are.

In the face of hate, this is our answer.

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd.

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.

Upon the place beneath, it is twice blest, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."

Let it bless us in this place today.

Madam Chairwoman, you are an inspiration to us all.

I cannot pretend to understand what you and the others have endured in this room.

But what I do know is how brave you are to be back here now.

Some people are born brave.

And for some, it takes a long time.

It took me a long time.

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry.

I can go.

I just...

I saw you rubbing your arm before.

Your...

It's called phantom limb pain.

What you're feeling.

There is a way to make it stop.

I'm studying psychology in school.

You have to build something called a mirror box.

You put your good hand inside and you see a reflection.

What your brain thinks is your missing hand.

You move your good hand around, which tricks your brain into thinking...

I'm sorry.

I'll leave you alone.

You don't think that I'm...

I'm a monster?

No.

No.

I want you to stay.

Stay?

♪ ♪

I had no idea you could quote Shakespeare.

I went to school through the third grade...

...but I taught myself to read.

I learned everything I could.

First, every book I could find, and then online.

You're like Abraham Lincoln.

Who?

I'm kidding.

I'm proud of you.

The people love you.

I'm pretty sure they love you more than they love me right now.

You're like a saint to them.

I'm in this room sleeping with a married man.

I'm no kind of saint.

I know Fauzi asked you to marry him.

He told you?

What did you say?

I didn't say anything.

I said, uh, I said I understood how he could fall in love with you, which I can.

Fauzi's a good man.

He's a... he... he has a lot to offer.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing, just... you're both people I love.

What, are you saying I should be with Fauzi?

No, I'm not.

I'm saying that I...

I would understand if that's what you wanted.

Don't tell me what I want.

I'm not, I'm just...

I'm trying to be sensitive.

I know there's only so much that I can offer you.

Bassam, I don't want you to be sensitive!

I want you to be reckless. I want you to say, "I need you so much.

I can't live a single day without you."

Otherwise, why are we doing this terrible thing?

Okay, okay.

I nearly d*ed the other day.

This whole damn world is insane, and I'm just trying to find something, anything, to help me through it, even if it's not mine.

So don't give me logic, and don't give me that reasonable behavior because there is no reasonable behavior anymore.

Just tell me that you love me.

Okay, okay, okay.

I love you.

I love you.

Look at me.

I love you.

How did it go?

You're hurt.

Where is your brother?

He's been arrested.

They brought me in, too, twice.

They're looking for you.

Did they hurt you?

No, I'm okay.

(whispering): Oh, my...

Where are you going?

To the mosque.

To tell the truth.

Welcome home.

It does not mean what you think it means.

Really?

You slip out of the country for a secret meeting with the leader of a t*rror1st group.

Tell me how I should interpret that.

I went to make peace.

We were friends once.

I thought I could maybe...

Do not waste my time!

We checked phone records.

Your brother-in-law was in contact with Ihab to arrange the meeting the very same day that he plotted the m*ssacre at the Commission.

Oh, he called Ihab to help you make peace, did he?

No, no, Wafiq didn't know.

I'm gonna have you arrested, Sheik, and you're gonna be put on trial for who you really are.

On the basis of this photograph?

And what else?

What evidence?

Go ahead.

Arrest me.

Have your trial. Make me a martyr.

See how long it takes for Abuddin to explode.

You think you have me either way, don't you?

I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't.

No, you're paranoid.

I'm not your enemy.

He k*lled my daughter in front of my eyes, your friend, the man you embraced.

I know exactly who my enemies are.

I see all of you.

And you will not come to power through the front door of an election just to open the back door to that man.

The government of president Bassam Al Fayed has formally banned Sheik Hussein Al-Qadi and his freedom party from standing in the upcoming presidential election.

Man (on TV): Thank you for that report. The international...

You did that without talking to me.

You're a candidate.

It wouldn't have been appropriate.

What would you have said, anyway?

I would have said let the people decide.

You wanted democracy, right?

The man is a traitor.

Traitors don't get to run for president.

How do you know for a fact that he's guilty?

I spent time with that man.

Just a little, but still, this is not that man.

So, you actually believe he walked into Caliphate territory alone.

Told Ihab bin Rashid he should surrender, that he was coming back to Abuddin to be his enemy, and those people let him live.

I let bin Rashid slip away.

I'm not making the same mistake twice.

He wouldn't have won, Bassam.

That's not the point.

Then what is the point?!

You know what your problem is?

You're too filled with hate now.

You have your daughter in your head.

And that might make you a very good father, but it makes you a terrible president.

(door closes)

Leila (on TV): When we change who we are, even out of fear of a powerful enemy, we play directly into that enemy's hands.

So, today, out of protest...

I'm resigning my post as foreign secretary.

Our people want a true democracy, and our people should...

Have you seen this?

I heard.

I don't think it's going to make much difference.

I doubt Al-Qadi's supporters will find her an acceptable alternative.

So, um, I was thinking maybe you want to go for dinner.

Two days ago, in this room, I thought I was going to die.

Everything is so fragile and uncertain.

We can't afford to wait for what we want.

Don't wait for me.

These are fragile.

Go on the top, please.

Yes, madam.

You didn't think I deserved to know before the rest of the world.

Would it have mattered?

It's nothing but etiquette.

Are you ready?

I'm not leaving.

What?

Right.

I've taken a commission in the army, first lieutenant under General Maloof.

I see, well...

I'll be at my sister's if you change your mind.

Just so you know, I'm not going to go easy on administration.

You might come under fire yourself.

Well, that's fair warning.

Anything else?

Yes.

I'm going to win this election.

(whispering): Good for you.