The confirmation of Dr. Irene Kennedy as the CIA's new director explodes into chaos as a deadly inside plot to destroy her and prematurely end the president's term emerges. Meanwhile, as a dangerous world leader gains power in the nuclear arms race, Israel forces the president's hand with a chilling ultimatum. With the specter of World War III looming, the president calls on top counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp, who scours the alleys of Baghdad and the avenues of Washington for America's enemies.