This fast-paced political thriller is a must-have book for everyone interested in espionage, intelligence operations, or Washington political intrigue as well as fo those contemplating a career in government or politics. Although this is a work of fiction, all of the events depicted happened or could have happened. The author has drawn upon his more than twenty-five years of experience in intelligence operations, including serice as a Senior Research Fellow at the National Defense University, to ensure that the actions of his characters adhere to standard clandestine service doctrine. The hardships encountered by intelligence officers overseas, including the rigors of living in Third-World countries is so realistically described that the reader feels as though he is personally experiencing them. As in real life, many of the characters are flawed. All of the bureaucratic bungling described actually occurred. The author's nine previously published books include six non-fiction works on history and foreign relations.