Madam Secretary (2014) s04e21 Episode Script
Protocol
1 ELIZABETH: All right, here's the plan.
I am going to eat and hydrate like crazy until sunrise.
Surf that wave till around 10:30, when I will become very hungry and thirsty.
Not to mention edgy from lack of caffeine.
Thanks for that.
Then, you know, I'll just ride it out till sundown.
My guests and I will break the fast and commence iftar dinner by eating the traditional three dates.
At which point, informed by a tiny bit of personal experience, I'll give a few remarks about Ramadan.
You know, you could talk about the mental and spiritual fortitude it requires, the the solidarity it engenders with the hungry and deprived - around the world.
- And then I can stuff my face with a bunch of kabobs.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, easy-peasy.
You don't think I can make it.
Dare I bring up the infamous Florida road trip of aught-six? Not if you want to have sex in the next month.
H-Hey, hey, I if you want, go for it, but I'm just saying if things get hairy, don't be a martyr no pun intended.
Do you know who held the first iftar in Washington? Thomas Jefferson, 1805.
That's right.
- Do you know what Jefferson didn't do? - Fast.
That's right.
Which means that I am about to outdo one of our Founding Fathers.
Why don't you chew on that, Jefferson.
What are you doing? Buddy system we'll fast together.
I really scared you with that no-sex comment, didn't I? (CHUCKLES) Just eat your eggs.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) No.
- No, no, no.
- Okay, I-I know that you're fasting.
- I just wanted to be sure - That I wasn't going to bail? (LAUGHS): You know, I'm starting to think those closest to me really don't know me at all.
It's just, you know I don't like to be caught up short.
I do.
And I wanted to talk to you about exactly that.
But first, to be clear, that's the last I want to see of that today.
No purse muffin? Oh.
Enjoy it.
Thanks.
Okay, about the iftar.
Uh, yes.
Jay is into the final details with the Chief of Protocol's Office.
I want you to take over.
Oh.
Okay, sure.
Uh is this because Jay thinks Cyril and his team are too uptight? Because I personally think all they're trying to do is get critical details right to better facilitate diplomacy.
I mean, if that makes them sniffy, then - call me sniffy, too.
- Which is why I think that you would make a great fit over there.
You're still planning to fire me in six months? I fire because I love.
Move up or move out, Blake.
- Ticktock.
- Yes, ma'am.
I know how important this dinner is, - so I won't let you down.
- I know you won't.
Sniffy.
Mm-hmm.
So, tonight's invitees will include staffers of the Muslim faith, local community leaders - and some special guests.
- Yeah, inspiring charity founder, hero cop, adorable science girl.
And of course, our guest of honor, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Uzun and his family.
Obviously, U.
S.
-Turkish relations are at an all-time low.
Whatever our personal feelings are about Turkey's slide toward autocracy under President Kozlu, they are a NATO ally and a critical strategic partner.
Ma'am, again, if my actions with the refugees from Abkhazia - Kat.
- contributed to our current issues with Turkey, I am truly sorry.
Nevertheless we need to get the relationship back on track.
JAY: Well, we're hoping that this dinner will be a good start.
I've been in communication with the Office of Protocol to make sure that we get all the details just right.
I am handing the last-minute liaising with Protocol over to Blake.
Really? Yes.
I mean, you know, I accept your decision.
Well, I for one am looking forward to working with them.
Great.
Here's some changes to the seating chart.
- Buckle up.
- Excuse me, ma'am, you're needed in the White House right away.
Jay and Kat, walk with me, please.
We're getting reports in from Iraq that a group of ISIL dead-enders have seized control of Fakhiri Dam.
They're threatening to blow it up.
My God, millions of people depend on that dam for water and power.
Yeah, and most of them will be in the path of the flood wave if it collapses.
My God, we're talking about massive levels of devastation from Mosul to Baghdad.
Well, if they haven't blown it up already, - they must have demands, right? - I don't know.
I'll know more when I get to the White House.
Thank you.
Military options? Not great, I'm guessing.
We need ideas.
I'll call you from the car.
Excuse me.
- KAT: Understood.
- Yes, ma'am.
RUSSELL (SIGHS): Oh, man.
The situation with the dam in Iraq is even worse than we thought.
Well, you know what else is even worse than we thought? (SIGHS): My blood pressure.
The aptly named Dr.
Stern made that very clear.
Because you're not doing anything about it.
I take beta-blockers, I don't eat anything I like You heard her.
You need to lower your stress level dramatically.
I golf.
Sometimes.
To arm-twist congressmen.
That's hardly the relaxation practice she was talking about.
'Course, you know what I think.
- Oh, here we go.
- You want to live? - Quit.
- (SIGHS): Carol Retire to a cabin by a lake - in Vermont like we always talk about - You know I can't do that right now.
while you still have some good years left, Russ.
Do you understand what's happening in Iraq today? Do you? Don't you crisis-guilt me, okay? I operate on children.
If we don't handle this right, hundreds of thousands of people - could die.
- And you could be one of them.
CAROL: I need to hear a real plan here.
Yoga, Pilates, sensory deprivation tank - That sounds awful.
- People say it's relaxing! (CHUCKLES) And here's your apple-cheeked enabler.
Honey, she saved my life.
Why are you giving him coffee? RUSSELL: Look, I love you, I hear you, and I'm into it, okay? Hey.
Okay? Tell Stevie I'm sorry.
So, find you some kind of relaxation activity.
On it.
That I'll stick with that's very important.
Options by this afternoon would be appreciated.
- Absolutely.
- Keep this between us, will you? I don't want anyone getting the idea there's blood in the water.
- Of course.
- Thank you.
Oh.
I don't want to do anything, uh touchy-feely or, you know, weird, okay? Define "weird.
" Like the Supreme Court said about pornography you'll know it when you see it.
BECKER: They chose to attack at night under cloud cover so our drones weren't operating at 100%.
And lastly, a small but well-armed force attacked the dam right as many Iraqis were breaking their fast for Ramadan.
Their own little Tet Offensive.
Has CIA authenticated that ransom video? The IC's down and dirty assessment is that it's real.
They want their leader, Abu Kaebi, released from prison in Iraq, along with 2,000 of his fighters, within 24 hours, or they'll destroy the dam.
And what does Prime Minister Arif say to that? I spoke with him briefly.
He feels that Iraq has spilled too much blood fighting ISIL to give in to these demands.
Can't argue with him there.
Meanwhile, he's ordered the evacuation of the potential flood zone, but well, given that the area's so large, - the effort is - Pandemonium.
Yeah.
So Iraq wants to stage a raid.
What do the generals think, Gordon? The dam is not heavily defended, sir, but it's obviously a huge installation.
And we have very high confidence that the enemy has placed large amounts of explosives down there, by the turbines.
What odds do the planners give that we can neutralize the bad guys before they blow up the dam? BECKER: 20%, sir.
Ten if we leave it to the Iraqis.
And if we fail? We're talking about a humanitarian catastrophe on an almost unimaginable scale.
So what do we do? You know, the Tigris is also dammed upstream near its source in Ozbek Turkey.
If we could prevail on the Turks to stop the flow, it would, at the very least, lower the water level downstream in Iraq.
It would certainly lessen the damage in the event of a flood.
Do you think Kozlu would go for it? We're not exactly in a great place with the Turks right now.
It's hard to imagine he'd let millions of his fellow Muslims die out of spite, especially during Ramadan.
- Is it? Have you met the man? - (CHUCKLES) Maybe Foreign Minister Uzun could be helpful here.
We could invite him in for a conference call with President Kozlu.
Worth a shot.
Set it up.
All right.
Meanwhile keep banging on military options.
We get the odds up to 70-30 do it.
BECKER: Understood, sir.
Of course we can stop the flow of the Tigris from Turkey into Iraq.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The people of Iraq will owe you a great debt.
They will owe me nothing.
I would merely be doing my duty as a good neighbor and Muslim.
ELIZABETH: I'm sorry, Mr.
President, but to be clear you would stop the Tigris's flow, or you will stop it? The United States has denigrated my government and our partnership for some time.
I agree, Your Excellency, and I intend to take these matters up with the secretary right away.
However, at this moment, perhaps we What is it the United States could do at this moment that would alleviate some of these bad feelings, Mr.
President? We have an election coming up.
But the Council of Europe and the OSCE insist on having monitors watch over us.
This is an unacceptable affront to our sovereignty.
Mr.
President, the United States has no election monitors headed for Turkey, nor do we plan to.
And we have no control over what the Europeans do, and no more power to sway the OSCE than any other member state, Turkey included.
When properly motivated, the United States always has a say.
And now, I must attend to other matters.
Good day to you all.
What other matters could he have? The man's on vacation.
Minister Uzun, you must understand that this this demand is something we literally can't meet.
And he shouldn't be making any demands at all.
Is he gonna help, or not? His Excellency has been agitated for quite some time, about foreign entities attacking the legitimacy of our system.
And rightly so.
If you are not prepared to engage with him on that subject, perhaps we can find something of even greater value? And quickly.
Trying to get the election monitors kicked out is obviously BS, so what does he really want? Maybe we throw him an economic bone? A free trade agreement? No.
Kozlu won't find that sexy enough.
Surface-to-air missile batteries, so they'll cancel their order with the Russians? No, the only thing that he wants from us is a freer hand to attack the Kurds in Syria.
We're not gonna let him bomb our own allies.
He's got to know that.
That's the box he's trying to put us in.
You know, I got to hand it to Kozlu.
He never misses an opportunity to show what a singularly awful person he is.
JAY: And his own people know it.
That's why he's trying to get these election monitors kicked out.
If this election were anything close to fair, he'd lose in a landslide.
- (EXHALES) Yeah.
- All right.
KAT: Ma'am? Oh, hey, did you connect with the foreign minister's office? 'Cause we sure could use some advice on how to move his horrendous boss.
Yeah, they didn't pick up.
What do you mean, they didn't pick up? Uzun is right over at the Turkish embassy.
Are you saying they wouldn't take your call? I'm saying there was no answer.
So then, I tried calling the ministry in Ankara.
Also, no answer.
I even tried my own contacts in the government, and no answer.
So the Turkish government has gone dark? What the hell does that mean? Nothing good.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Well, Blake, to what do we owe the pleasure? BLAKE: Oh, Mr.
Ambassador.
Please, call me Cyril.
- Oh - And you know Quentin and Sameera? Of course.
Uh, Jay is busy with the secretary.
I'll be doing my best to fill his shoes.
He sends his apologies.
Well, I'll be expecting a nice bottle of Scotch from him.
But not too nice, because it's the note - that matters.
- The note that matters.
Indeed.
- (CHUCKLES) - Well.
Uh, to the matter at hand.
Obviously, we're cognizant of the situation in Iraq, so we're prepared to scale back the evening's more festive elements, should the need arise.
SAMEERA: Wouldn't want the secretary whooping it up in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
We prepare for every contingency.
You really do.
CYRIL: Obviously, tonight's guest of honor is Minister Uzun, so we're skewing the meal a bit Turkish.
QUENTIN: To break the fast, we are serving dates he brought with him as a gift.
At the same time, we're, of course, embracing the diversity of America's Muslim community.
CYRIL: The point being, we're mending fences, but we're also very subtly, and with great respect, saying to Turkey, "Here in America, we build bridges.
" Well, that is precisely the message the secretary wants to send.
Uh, she did just have a few small changes to the seating chart.
CYRIL: Well, we've only been working on the existing one for the past several weeks.
But absolutely, let's throw it out at the last minute.
I thought you said you anticipated every contingency.
You can't plan for a seating chart change at a 200-person dinner.
It's an intricately constructed web of rank, title, and compatibility.
There are too many permutations.
BOTH: It's mathematically unfeasible.
Tell the secretary that, of course, we'll find a way.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we are quite busy.
Of course.
(GASPS) Just Sorry.
Sorry.
STEVIE: Seriously, Dad, though, what am I gonna do? Uh, I've got yoga options, meditation, Gregorian chanting.
- (LAUGHS) - (LAUGHING): It's serious.
Can you imagine Russell chanting? Oh, it's funny 'cause I'm screwed.
Well, look, all those practices are just warm-ups for the real work, which is the spiritual journey, right? But Russell strikes me as the kind of guy who's spent his entire life running away from big questions, so either he'll eventually confront them, or he'll drive himself to an early grave trying to avoid them.
(SIGHS) No, but thank you for, like, hashing it out with me.
Okay, I feel bad eating in front of you.
Are you hungry? Do you want some? No.
I'm fine.
Okay.
But how is that sandwich? WARE: Elements of the Turkish military appear to have risen up against the Kozlu regime.
There are running gun battles on the streets of Ankara and Istanbul.
Is this connected with Iraq in some way or do we just have the worst luck in the world? They appear to be unrelated.
The coup plotters are broadcasting on the main television station that they're fighting for the return of democracy and civil society in Turkey.
Where's Kozlu? WARE: Off the grid, sir.
The coup appears to have been timed to coincide with his vacation.
Keep me posted.
Sir, if there's no one in charge in Turkey, we don't have anyone to negotiate with about stopping the Tigris's flow into Iraq.
Then it's all bad options from here on out.
Prime Minister Arif, I'm sure you're aware of the situation in Turkey.
We'd hoped they could help by stopping the Tigris on their side of the border, but now it's unclear who's in charge there.
ARIF: I never could have imagined the day when I would be hoping for the Turks to turn off our water supply.
How are the Iraqi people doing? ARIF: The evacuation is chaotic.
And my cabinet remains divided on how to proceed.
Is there anything that the United States can do to help? Well, we must retake the dam.
BECKER: But Mr.
Prime Minister, the Pentagon has communicated to your commanders that such a strike has a 90% chance of failure.
Omar, the United States' position is that you free the terrorists and Iraq lives to fight another day.
ARIF: No! I will not release a genocidal maniac and 2,000 of his most hardened followers into my country.
We are keeping Daesh talking while we position our Special Forces units for a strike tonight.
I agree that you're being presented an awful choice between two catastrophes.
But releasing Abu Kaebi and his men is the lesser.
They are equally bad.
One will just unfold more slowly.
Whatever the odds, with you or alone, we are prepared to fight.
And inshallah, we will prevail.
Mr.
Prime Minister Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Mr.
President.
Mr.
President, the Joint Chiefs will push back hard on sending our troops on a suicide mission.
I understand, Gordon, but if we leave the Iraqis to do it, the mission has no chance at all.
RUSSELL: So maybe we lean on Arif.
Threaten to cut off aid unless he capitulates.
He'll lose all legitimacy.
The Shias and the Kurds will be convinced this is all some kind of Sunni plot.
And being a Sunni himself, he'll be seen as complicit.
Sectarian tensions will boil over, and the central government will lack the authority to get it under control.
We'll have no partner in Baghdad.
Better that than the whole place going underwater.
Gordon, have JSOC coordinate on planning with the Iraqi Army.
We'll come back at Arif in a few hours if need be.
Meanwhile, it would be great if we could find out what the hell is going on in Turkey.
That'll be all.
You have the eager look of someone about to sell me something I am not gonna like.
Is now a bad time? Well, there's a coup in a country that houses 50 American nuclear warheads, Iraq is looking at a flood of biblical proportions, so, sure, let's talk yoga.
Okay.
How do you feel about yoga? I don't like it.
What else? Tai Chi, very meditative.
Eh, seems fringy.
Literally, hundreds of millions of Chinese people do it every day.
Do I look Chinese? - What else? - Well, mindful breathing, there's nothing simpler than that.
Makes me feel like I'm forgetting how to breathe.
Pass.
Well, maybe that's the issue: that you can't just sit still and be with yourself.
What? I well, I was talking to my dad - about this, he said - Your dad.
Yeah.
He suggested maybe what you should be doing is, um, is asking the big questions.
Okay.
Well, here's one: why did you tell your father about a conversation I specifically asked you to keep between us? I'm sorry.
I I just he he usually gives really Look, it's fine.
I'll take it from here.
Just, um close the door on your way out, will you? Thank you.
(DOOR CLOSES) A raid on the dam at this point is an almost guaranteed disaster.
I continue to think our best hope is stopping the water in Turkey.
The latest Intel is that the anti-Kozlu forces appear to be gaining ground across the country.
They're attempting to seize military and civilian infrastructure.
Are they in control of the Ozbek Dam? Well, they're active in the east, so there's a decent chance they are.
But the situation's still chaotic, and we don't know - who to talk to.
- And President Kozlu? Still M.
I.
A.
Minister Uzun's been holed up at the Turkish embassy all day.
I'm assuming he's not coming to the iftar tonight, which cannot come fast enough so to speak.
BLAKE: Actually, his office said he'll be here, but only for a short while.
Trying to project stability to the world.
Good.
He seemed sympathetic to the Iraqis' plight this morning.
He'd know who to call.
Maybe we can work on him at the iftar.
BLAKE: His office specifically said he won't discuss any policy or take any private meetings with U.
S.
officials without input from - his president.
- KAT: Sounds like the security services loyal to Kozlu aren't taking any chances about who's on his side.
All right, we're gonna have to find a way to get him alone tonight.
Cyril, this place looks amazing.
You've worked another miracle.
That was nothing.
But the seating chart? Now, that's a miracle.
(CHUCKLES) Well, the secretary appreciates that.
And she has another request.
Blake, our guests are due to arrive in less than an hour.
(WHISPERING): I know.
Could I just see you one second? Over here.
Excuse us.
Thanks.
(CLEARS THROAT) What does the secretary need now? A private pull aside with Minister Uzun for a few minutes.
You know Turkey's ground rules.
Uzun's stopping by for a quick grip and grin with the secretar We've already moved the main table so he'll be able to leave more discreetly.
Then he's going directly back to the Turkish embassy.
To even attempt a one-on-one risks a major diplomatic crisis.
Well, better that than a major humanitarian crisis, which is what we're facing if she doesn't at least try.
Where would she even have this conversation? We are still working that out.
(SIGHS) Far be it from me to second-guess her, but Then don't.
Cyril, she's going to do this.
And we're going to help her, okay? Good.
Now, Uzun's detail will remain down in the lobby, but there's going to be a man from the embassy with him, Ahmet Avci.
Part-time attaché, full-time spy.
I know him.
Well, he's going to be watching Uzun like a hawk.
Somehow we have to separate them.
IMAM (CHANTING): Allahu Akbar.
Allahu Akbar.
MEN: Allahu Akbar.
IMAM: Allahu Akbar.
MEN: Allahu Akbar.
KAT: There's Minister Uzun and Avci.
Hey.
Daisy Grant, Matt Mahoney.
CYRIL: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome.
We're so pleased that you were all able to attend this evening.
If you could please begin to find your way to your seats, we'd be most appreciative.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Elizabeth McCord.
ELIZABETH: Thank you.
Ramadan Kareem, everyone.
I know better than to stand between a group of hungry fasters and a delicious buffet, so I will keep this really brief.
(AUDIENCE CHUCKLES) Ramadan is a holy month and a special time for Muslims across the globe.
It's a time for friends and families, for prayer and reflection, for stepping out of usual routines to contemplate what's truly important in life.
Fasting not only facilitates this, but it also offers a chance to reflect on the deprivation of others and to take compassionate action to alleviate it, and that's what many of tonight's honorees have done.
Like Adeela Zadari, who took our nation's top science prize for high school students home to Plano, Texas.
Adeela says that she loves science because it offers so many opportunities to help others.
She and many others here truly represent the best of America.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
In closing, I'd like to acknowledge Foreign Minister Hakan Uzun of Turkey.
Our two nations have been steadfast partners in a challenging world for more than 50 years.
May that partnership continue to make the world safer and freer for years to come.
Well, everyone, I know that I have talked enough.
I wish all of you and your families a happy and peaceful Ramadan.
Now let's eat.
Thank you for those wonderful words, Madam Secretary.
And for this lovely occasion.
I truly regret that we cannot stay.
Well, I completely understand.
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Madam Secretary.
- Of course.
Oh.
Excuse me, ma'am.
There's an important call for you from the White House.
Oh.
As always, a pleasure, Hakan.
- You as well, Elizabeth.
- I'm so sorry.
Ahmet! Delightful to see you.
You, as well, Ambassador, but I really If I could take just a moment of your time.
This is Miray.
Like you, she hails from Antalya and would love to say hello.
As-salaam alaikum.
Salaam Good evening, Minister.
- Thank you.
- Right this way.
We need to talk, Hakan.
And we don't have much time.
The Ozbek Dam has fallen into the coup plotters' hands, and we need someone to tell them to stop the Tigris' flow into Iraq.
- You are the person to do that.
- They're traitors.
And besides, I couldn't legitimately order them - to do whatever I want.
- Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis could be killed.
It is bad enough talking about - this with you, Elizabeth.
- Millions more will be displaced, and they will come to Turkey.
But to conspire with the enemy? I-I can't.
When you were in the army, you, you received a citation for valor, right? For, for saving a fellow recruit from drowning.
You are a decent, brave man.
You can do this.
You're asking me to defy my president.
To stop a humanitarian catastrophe that could engulf the entire region, yes.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) We are running out of time.
Please.
Enjoying your dinner? Mmm.
It's amazing, the appreciation you can have for something so basic.
What's that supposed to mean? What? Hmm? I know you know.
No, I don't.
I don't know.
My numbers.
My bad numbers.
Relaxation.
- "The big questions.
" - Oh, look, Stevie and I were just spitballing.
- I'm sorry that got back to you.
- (SIGHS) No, who knows? Maybe you're right.
Clearly, I need some kind of spiritual something if I want to save, if not my life, my marriage.
So you want to have coffee sometime? Talk about it? Sure, Russell.
Great.
Don't tell Carol I said coffee.
Thank God.
CYRIL: Fingers crossed.
Yeah, indeed.
Thanks again for your help.
- Oh, and about earlier - Oh.
You know, when I was a kid, my dad worked as a dishwasher at a banquet hall in New Jersey.
He came here from Ghana with literally $20 in his pocket.
When my parents visit me here at State, they still get tears in their eyes.
I'm a patriot, Blake.
I believe in this work.
In diplomacy, if you don't lay the right groundwork or say things in the right way, your message just doesn't get through.
Wars have broken out over simple misunderstandings or lack of respect.
We sweat those details so the secretary doesn't have to.
I know.
So does she.
All right.
I'll see you at home.
- All right.
- I love you.
Bye-bye.
- Hey, Doc.
- Hey.
- What's up? - The water level behind the Fakhiri Dam in Iraq is starting to fall.
Uzun came through.
- Thank God.
- Which brings us to the second thing.
President Kozlu of Turkey appears to have resurfaced, encouraging the Turkish people and military to resist the coup plotters and threatening grave retribution to anyone who abets them.
Just goes to show, you can't keep a bad man down.
Mr.
President, forces loyal to Kozlu appear to be gaining ground across Turkey.
Apparently, the coup plotters attacked his vacation home and missed him by six minutes.
Am I the only one wishing they'd been six minutes faster? Well, at least we got the water turned off on the Turkish side of the border for the moment.
What's the latest on the situation in Iraq? We have a surprising development, sir.
The dropping water level behind the Fakhiri Dam has exposed a long-sealed maintenance entrance above the intake tunnels dating back to the dam's construction.
The hostiles holding the dam don't appear to be aware of it.
JSOC has worked up new plans for a SEAL team to approach the dam by water and enter through that door.
ELIZABETH: Mr.
President, if Kozlu regains control in Turkey, he's gonna want to settle scores.
He could start allowing the Tigris to flow back into Iraq at any time.
RUSSELL: Not to mention the fact that we're running hard up to the deadline the terrorists set to blow the dam.
Mr.
President, if we're gonna jump, we better jump quick.
What odds of success are the planners giving this new raid? 60% at best, sir.
Do it.
Preparing to deploy stun grenades.
Then breach.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY) (GUNSHOT) (GUNSHOT) SOLDIER: Man down.
Man down.
(GUNSHOTS) Fakhiri Dam is secure, sir.
Our team caught the enemy unaware and neutralized them.
All the explosives have been deactivated.
They're bringing in engineers to make sure that none of the dam's critical systems were compromised in the firefight.
Casualties? Two SEALs KIA, three more wounded.
12 Iraqi Special Forces KIA as well.
Well, it, uh it sounds like the coup failed in Turkey.
President Kozlu is firmly back in charge, I'm assuming? Yes, sir.
And the purge has already begun.
He's rounding up thousands of troops, government officials, ordinary civilians.
Anyone he suspects of disloyalty.
What about our man Uzun? Along with hundreds of other diplomats around the globe, he's been stripped of his title and is being recalled to Turkey.
He leaves today.
WARE: We think he's on a short list - for execution, sir.
- For what? The crime of saving millions of Iraqis? Which we pushed him to do.
We should offer him asylum, sir.
You want to keep him here in defiance of his own government's orders? Things were already at a bad pass with Turkey.
Now this? Yes, Mr.
President.
Now this.
(WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY OVER P.
A.
) Hakan Uzun? Yes, I am he.
You are under suspicion of being in violation of CFR Title 7, Subtitle B, Part 319, Sub-part Fruits and Vegetables, Section 56-11.
I'm sorry.
Did you say "fruits and vegetables"? We have evidence that you and your family conspired to import a large quantity of dates in contravention of Department of Agriculture regulations.
We're going to need you to come with us, sir.
But this is absurd.
They were a gift for the secretary of state.
He is the foreign minister of Turkey and, as such, has diplomatic immunity.
It's, uh, my understanding that he's been relieved of that position.
He's not going anywhere.
I'm gonna need you to step aside, sir.
Gentlemen, we're not going to have a shootout over some dates.
This really is quite ridiculous.
- Ah.
- (DOOR CLOSES) Madam Secretary, what is the meaning of all this? Minister Uzun although I suppose after this morning, I can just call you Hakan I see you've met Officer Burke from Customs.
He's going to put you and your wife under arrest on smuggling charges.
You cannot be serious.
And then you can officially request political asylum in the United States.
I'm fully prepared to plead my case in Ankara.
Well, I don't think your president is fully prepared to hear it.
Dozens of government officials have already been summarily executed.
I'm a patriot! I never supported the coup.
Neither did many of them.
You're more than a patriot, Hakan.
You're a hero.
The entire world owes you a debt of gratitude.
The U.
S.
means to honor it.
If you do this, you're risking a major breach with Turkey.
There'll be grave repercussions.
We know.
Then, on behalf of my wife and son and myself, I thank you, Elizabeth.
No.
Thank you, Hakan.
Now go get arrested.
(RUSSELL SIGHS) I disagree with your diagnosis.
Good morning to you, too, Russell.
I don't need to ask what the meaning of life is, 'cause I already know.
You do? Well, hey, I'm all ears.
Be good to the people you love, work hard at the things you care about.
Well, that's great.
Except it's killing you.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) Look, I know I need to relax.
And I am a control freak, so I'll admit the idea of death coming for us at any moment, then it's all just over doesn't thrill me either.
Coffee, sir? No, thanks.
You know what? Yes.
Thank you.
Russell, we're all bound up in our ego, and our ego definitely doesn't like the idea that our entire life on this earth is just a tiny, insignificant eye blink of cosmic time.
- This is not making me feel better.
- Well Ever since my heart attack, everyone's been after me to "slow down, focus on what matters.
" I'm not built like that.
'Cause you know what matters? Work.
(PHONE CHIRPS) Who would you be without it? Without that? I told you, I don't do metaphysics.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) I just try to move forward.
You're just a shark that doesn't know it's in the water, like the rest of us.
- You're losing me, Professor.
- (SIGHS) Look, none of us knows what our true essence is.
And those brief moments where we maybe get a glimpse are because we've somehow managed to transcend our ego.
Those small moments create a space so that we can ask big questions.
So how do I do that if I hate everything that does that? (LAUGHING): Okay, well, I mean, has there ever been any non-work-related activity that you found completely absorbing? (SIGHS) I don't know.
When I was a kid, I used to make model airplanes, you know, from kits? I guess I liked that.
What kind of planes? World War II mostly.
P-38 Lightning, B-17.
(LAUGHING): Spitfire.
My favorite was the Corsair.
Corsair?! That's the plane that made me want to be a fighter pilot.
- No kidding? - Yeah.
(CHUCKLES) What did you like about making model planes? That you had to be organized and precise, have the right tools.
Be able to see how all the pieces fit together.
And if you stuck with it, the plane that you saw in your mind was the plane you saw on the table.
Why don't you make 'em anymore? 'Cause I'm a grown man with a job.
What are you even saying here that I'm gonna find God in a model airplane? It's good a place to start as any.
And if you don't find God, maybe you could settle for I don't know saving your marriage.
Something to think about anyway.
(BEEPING) (CHIMES) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) I didn't even tell her what to get.
She just knew.
ELIZABETH: I know that I make impossible demands sometimes, but I hope that you know how much I appreciate how resourcefully you've always met them.
That's very kind of you, ma'am.
So I take it you won't be joining our team after all? She didn't have to tell me what was going on.
I just knew.
I love the work that you all do, but I Well, I just don't think I could keep up.
(BOTH LAUGH) You've out-Blaked Blake, Cyril.
Well, for what it's worth, I disagree.
We'd have been honored to have you.
Thank you.
But I'm happy where I am.
(SIGHS) (WHISPERING): Too bad you can't stay.
Ticktock.
(BLAKE AND ELIZABETH SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) - Ma'am? - Yeah.
Ma'am, there was an attack on our Kurdish partners in Syria this morning.
It came from the Turkish side of the border.
Well, honestly, I thought the payback would be even worse.
The attackers were Russian mercenaries.
Wait a minute.
Are you telling me that Kozlu allowed Turkey to be used as a staging ground for a military operation by the Russians against a U.
S.
ally? Wow.
He's going to come to regret that pretty quickly.
Ma'am, the Russians already do.
We had trainers embedded with the Kurds.
When they came under attack, they called in air strikes.
How many Russians were killed? They're still counting the bodies, but it's in the hundreds.
This isn't gonna end well.
No, it isn't.
This fight with Turkey could end up tanking our relationship with Russia, too.
I am going to eat and hydrate like crazy until sunrise.
Surf that wave till around 10:30, when I will become very hungry and thirsty.
Not to mention edgy from lack of caffeine.
Thanks for that.
Then, you know, I'll just ride it out till sundown.
My guests and I will break the fast and commence iftar dinner by eating the traditional three dates.
At which point, informed by a tiny bit of personal experience, I'll give a few remarks about Ramadan.
You know, you could talk about the mental and spiritual fortitude it requires, the the solidarity it engenders with the hungry and deprived - around the world.
- And then I can stuff my face with a bunch of kabobs.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, easy-peasy.
You don't think I can make it.
Dare I bring up the infamous Florida road trip of aught-six? Not if you want to have sex in the next month.
H-Hey, hey, I if you want, go for it, but I'm just saying if things get hairy, don't be a martyr no pun intended.
Do you know who held the first iftar in Washington? Thomas Jefferson, 1805.
That's right.
- Do you know what Jefferson didn't do? - Fast.
That's right.
Which means that I am about to outdo one of our Founding Fathers.
Why don't you chew on that, Jefferson.
What are you doing? Buddy system we'll fast together.
I really scared you with that no-sex comment, didn't I? (CHUCKLES) Just eat your eggs.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) No.
- No, no, no.
- Okay, I-I know that you're fasting.
- I just wanted to be sure - That I wasn't going to bail? (LAUGHS): You know, I'm starting to think those closest to me really don't know me at all.
It's just, you know I don't like to be caught up short.
I do.
And I wanted to talk to you about exactly that.
But first, to be clear, that's the last I want to see of that today.
No purse muffin? Oh.
Enjoy it.
Thanks.
Okay, about the iftar.
Uh, yes.
Jay is into the final details with the Chief of Protocol's Office.
I want you to take over.
Oh.
Okay, sure.
Uh is this because Jay thinks Cyril and his team are too uptight? Because I personally think all they're trying to do is get critical details right to better facilitate diplomacy.
I mean, if that makes them sniffy, then - call me sniffy, too.
- Which is why I think that you would make a great fit over there.
You're still planning to fire me in six months? I fire because I love.
Move up or move out, Blake.
- Ticktock.
- Yes, ma'am.
I know how important this dinner is, - so I won't let you down.
- I know you won't.
Sniffy.
Mm-hmm.
So, tonight's invitees will include staffers of the Muslim faith, local community leaders - and some special guests.
- Yeah, inspiring charity founder, hero cop, adorable science girl.
And of course, our guest of honor, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Uzun and his family.
Obviously, U.
S.
-Turkish relations are at an all-time low.
Whatever our personal feelings are about Turkey's slide toward autocracy under President Kozlu, they are a NATO ally and a critical strategic partner.
Ma'am, again, if my actions with the refugees from Abkhazia - Kat.
- contributed to our current issues with Turkey, I am truly sorry.
Nevertheless we need to get the relationship back on track.
JAY: Well, we're hoping that this dinner will be a good start.
I've been in communication with the Office of Protocol to make sure that we get all the details just right.
I am handing the last-minute liaising with Protocol over to Blake.
Really? Yes.
I mean, you know, I accept your decision.
Well, I for one am looking forward to working with them.
Great.
Here's some changes to the seating chart.
- Buckle up.
- Excuse me, ma'am, you're needed in the White House right away.
Jay and Kat, walk with me, please.
We're getting reports in from Iraq that a group of ISIL dead-enders have seized control of Fakhiri Dam.
They're threatening to blow it up.
My God, millions of people depend on that dam for water and power.
Yeah, and most of them will be in the path of the flood wave if it collapses.
My God, we're talking about massive levels of devastation from Mosul to Baghdad.
Well, if they haven't blown it up already, - they must have demands, right? - I don't know.
I'll know more when I get to the White House.
Thank you.
Military options? Not great, I'm guessing.
We need ideas.
I'll call you from the car.
Excuse me.
- KAT: Understood.
- Yes, ma'am.
RUSSELL (SIGHS): Oh, man.
The situation with the dam in Iraq is even worse than we thought.
Well, you know what else is even worse than we thought? (SIGHS): My blood pressure.
The aptly named Dr.
Stern made that very clear.
Because you're not doing anything about it.
I take beta-blockers, I don't eat anything I like You heard her.
You need to lower your stress level dramatically.
I golf.
Sometimes.
To arm-twist congressmen.
That's hardly the relaxation practice she was talking about.
'Course, you know what I think.
- Oh, here we go.
- You want to live? - Quit.
- (SIGHS): Carol Retire to a cabin by a lake - in Vermont like we always talk about - You know I can't do that right now.
while you still have some good years left, Russ.
Do you understand what's happening in Iraq today? Do you? Don't you crisis-guilt me, okay? I operate on children.
If we don't handle this right, hundreds of thousands of people - could die.
- And you could be one of them.
CAROL: I need to hear a real plan here.
Yoga, Pilates, sensory deprivation tank - That sounds awful.
- People say it's relaxing! (CHUCKLES) And here's your apple-cheeked enabler.
Honey, she saved my life.
Why are you giving him coffee? RUSSELL: Look, I love you, I hear you, and I'm into it, okay? Hey.
Okay? Tell Stevie I'm sorry.
So, find you some kind of relaxation activity.
On it.
That I'll stick with that's very important.
Options by this afternoon would be appreciated.
- Absolutely.
- Keep this between us, will you? I don't want anyone getting the idea there's blood in the water.
- Of course.
- Thank you.
Oh.
I don't want to do anything, uh touchy-feely or, you know, weird, okay? Define "weird.
" Like the Supreme Court said about pornography you'll know it when you see it.
BECKER: They chose to attack at night under cloud cover so our drones weren't operating at 100%.
And lastly, a small but well-armed force attacked the dam right as many Iraqis were breaking their fast for Ramadan.
Their own little Tet Offensive.
Has CIA authenticated that ransom video? The IC's down and dirty assessment is that it's real.
They want their leader, Abu Kaebi, released from prison in Iraq, along with 2,000 of his fighters, within 24 hours, or they'll destroy the dam.
And what does Prime Minister Arif say to that? I spoke with him briefly.
He feels that Iraq has spilled too much blood fighting ISIL to give in to these demands.
Can't argue with him there.
Meanwhile, he's ordered the evacuation of the potential flood zone, but well, given that the area's so large, - the effort is - Pandemonium.
Yeah.
So Iraq wants to stage a raid.
What do the generals think, Gordon? The dam is not heavily defended, sir, but it's obviously a huge installation.
And we have very high confidence that the enemy has placed large amounts of explosives down there, by the turbines.
What odds do the planners give that we can neutralize the bad guys before they blow up the dam? BECKER: 20%, sir.
Ten if we leave it to the Iraqis.
And if we fail? We're talking about a humanitarian catastrophe on an almost unimaginable scale.
So what do we do? You know, the Tigris is also dammed upstream near its source in Ozbek Turkey.
If we could prevail on the Turks to stop the flow, it would, at the very least, lower the water level downstream in Iraq.
It would certainly lessen the damage in the event of a flood.
Do you think Kozlu would go for it? We're not exactly in a great place with the Turks right now.
It's hard to imagine he'd let millions of his fellow Muslims die out of spite, especially during Ramadan.
- Is it? Have you met the man? - (CHUCKLES) Maybe Foreign Minister Uzun could be helpful here.
We could invite him in for a conference call with President Kozlu.
Worth a shot.
Set it up.
All right.
Meanwhile keep banging on military options.
We get the odds up to 70-30 do it.
BECKER: Understood, sir.
Of course we can stop the flow of the Tigris from Turkey into Iraq.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
The people of Iraq will owe you a great debt.
They will owe me nothing.
I would merely be doing my duty as a good neighbor and Muslim.
ELIZABETH: I'm sorry, Mr.
President, but to be clear you would stop the Tigris's flow, or you will stop it? The United States has denigrated my government and our partnership for some time.
I agree, Your Excellency, and I intend to take these matters up with the secretary right away.
However, at this moment, perhaps we What is it the United States could do at this moment that would alleviate some of these bad feelings, Mr.
President? We have an election coming up.
But the Council of Europe and the OSCE insist on having monitors watch over us.
This is an unacceptable affront to our sovereignty.
Mr.
President, the United States has no election monitors headed for Turkey, nor do we plan to.
And we have no control over what the Europeans do, and no more power to sway the OSCE than any other member state, Turkey included.
When properly motivated, the United States always has a say.
And now, I must attend to other matters.
Good day to you all.
What other matters could he have? The man's on vacation.
Minister Uzun, you must understand that this this demand is something we literally can't meet.
And he shouldn't be making any demands at all.
Is he gonna help, or not? His Excellency has been agitated for quite some time, about foreign entities attacking the legitimacy of our system.
And rightly so.
If you are not prepared to engage with him on that subject, perhaps we can find something of even greater value? And quickly.
Trying to get the election monitors kicked out is obviously BS, so what does he really want? Maybe we throw him an economic bone? A free trade agreement? No.
Kozlu won't find that sexy enough.
Surface-to-air missile batteries, so they'll cancel their order with the Russians? No, the only thing that he wants from us is a freer hand to attack the Kurds in Syria.
We're not gonna let him bomb our own allies.
He's got to know that.
That's the box he's trying to put us in.
You know, I got to hand it to Kozlu.
He never misses an opportunity to show what a singularly awful person he is.
JAY: And his own people know it.
That's why he's trying to get these election monitors kicked out.
If this election were anything close to fair, he'd lose in a landslide.
- (EXHALES) Yeah.
- All right.
KAT: Ma'am? Oh, hey, did you connect with the foreign minister's office? 'Cause we sure could use some advice on how to move his horrendous boss.
Yeah, they didn't pick up.
What do you mean, they didn't pick up? Uzun is right over at the Turkish embassy.
Are you saying they wouldn't take your call? I'm saying there was no answer.
So then, I tried calling the ministry in Ankara.
Also, no answer.
I even tried my own contacts in the government, and no answer.
So the Turkish government has gone dark? What the hell does that mean? Nothing good.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Well, Blake, to what do we owe the pleasure? BLAKE: Oh, Mr.
Ambassador.
Please, call me Cyril.
- Oh - And you know Quentin and Sameera? Of course.
Uh, Jay is busy with the secretary.
I'll be doing my best to fill his shoes.
He sends his apologies.
Well, I'll be expecting a nice bottle of Scotch from him.
But not too nice, because it's the note - that matters.
- The note that matters.
Indeed.
- (CHUCKLES) - Well.
Uh, to the matter at hand.
Obviously, we're cognizant of the situation in Iraq, so we're prepared to scale back the evening's more festive elements, should the need arise.
SAMEERA: Wouldn't want the secretary whooping it up in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
We prepare for every contingency.
You really do.
CYRIL: Obviously, tonight's guest of honor is Minister Uzun, so we're skewing the meal a bit Turkish.
QUENTIN: To break the fast, we are serving dates he brought with him as a gift.
At the same time, we're, of course, embracing the diversity of America's Muslim community.
CYRIL: The point being, we're mending fences, but we're also very subtly, and with great respect, saying to Turkey, "Here in America, we build bridges.
" Well, that is precisely the message the secretary wants to send.
Uh, she did just have a few small changes to the seating chart.
CYRIL: Well, we've only been working on the existing one for the past several weeks.
But absolutely, let's throw it out at the last minute.
I thought you said you anticipated every contingency.
You can't plan for a seating chart change at a 200-person dinner.
It's an intricately constructed web of rank, title, and compatibility.
There are too many permutations.
BOTH: It's mathematically unfeasible.
Tell the secretary that, of course, we'll find a way.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we are quite busy.
Of course.
(GASPS) Just Sorry.
Sorry.
STEVIE: Seriously, Dad, though, what am I gonna do? Uh, I've got yoga options, meditation, Gregorian chanting.
- (LAUGHS) - (LAUGHING): It's serious.
Can you imagine Russell chanting? Oh, it's funny 'cause I'm screwed.
Well, look, all those practices are just warm-ups for the real work, which is the spiritual journey, right? But Russell strikes me as the kind of guy who's spent his entire life running away from big questions, so either he'll eventually confront them, or he'll drive himself to an early grave trying to avoid them.
(SIGHS) No, but thank you for, like, hashing it out with me.
Okay, I feel bad eating in front of you.
Are you hungry? Do you want some? No.
I'm fine.
Okay.
But how is that sandwich? WARE: Elements of the Turkish military appear to have risen up against the Kozlu regime.
There are running gun battles on the streets of Ankara and Istanbul.
Is this connected with Iraq in some way or do we just have the worst luck in the world? They appear to be unrelated.
The coup plotters are broadcasting on the main television station that they're fighting for the return of democracy and civil society in Turkey.
Where's Kozlu? WARE: Off the grid, sir.
The coup appears to have been timed to coincide with his vacation.
Keep me posted.
Sir, if there's no one in charge in Turkey, we don't have anyone to negotiate with about stopping the Tigris's flow into Iraq.
Then it's all bad options from here on out.
Prime Minister Arif, I'm sure you're aware of the situation in Turkey.
We'd hoped they could help by stopping the Tigris on their side of the border, but now it's unclear who's in charge there.
ARIF: I never could have imagined the day when I would be hoping for the Turks to turn off our water supply.
How are the Iraqi people doing? ARIF: The evacuation is chaotic.
And my cabinet remains divided on how to proceed.
Is there anything that the United States can do to help? Well, we must retake the dam.
BECKER: But Mr.
Prime Minister, the Pentagon has communicated to your commanders that such a strike has a 90% chance of failure.
Omar, the United States' position is that you free the terrorists and Iraq lives to fight another day.
ARIF: No! I will not release a genocidal maniac and 2,000 of his most hardened followers into my country.
We are keeping Daesh talking while we position our Special Forces units for a strike tonight.
I agree that you're being presented an awful choice between two catastrophes.
But releasing Abu Kaebi and his men is the lesser.
They are equally bad.
One will just unfold more slowly.
Whatever the odds, with you or alone, we are prepared to fight.
And inshallah, we will prevail.
Mr.
Prime Minister Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Mr.
President.
Mr.
President, the Joint Chiefs will push back hard on sending our troops on a suicide mission.
I understand, Gordon, but if we leave the Iraqis to do it, the mission has no chance at all.
RUSSELL: So maybe we lean on Arif.
Threaten to cut off aid unless he capitulates.
He'll lose all legitimacy.
The Shias and the Kurds will be convinced this is all some kind of Sunni plot.
And being a Sunni himself, he'll be seen as complicit.
Sectarian tensions will boil over, and the central government will lack the authority to get it under control.
We'll have no partner in Baghdad.
Better that than the whole place going underwater.
Gordon, have JSOC coordinate on planning with the Iraqi Army.
We'll come back at Arif in a few hours if need be.
Meanwhile, it would be great if we could find out what the hell is going on in Turkey.
That'll be all.
You have the eager look of someone about to sell me something I am not gonna like.
Is now a bad time? Well, there's a coup in a country that houses 50 American nuclear warheads, Iraq is looking at a flood of biblical proportions, so, sure, let's talk yoga.
Okay.
How do you feel about yoga? I don't like it.
What else? Tai Chi, very meditative.
Eh, seems fringy.
Literally, hundreds of millions of Chinese people do it every day.
Do I look Chinese? - What else? - Well, mindful breathing, there's nothing simpler than that.
Makes me feel like I'm forgetting how to breathe.
Pass.
Well, maybe that's the issue: that you can't just sit still and be with yourself.
What? I well, I was talking to my dad - about this, he said - Your dad.
Yeah.
He suggested maybe what you should be doing is, um, is asking the big questions.
Okay.
Well, here's one: why did you tell your father about a conversation I specifically asked you to keep between us? I'm sorry.
I I just he he usually gives really Look, it's fine.
I'll take it from here.
Just, um close the door on your way out, will you? Thank you.
(DOOR CLOSES) A raid on the dam at this point is an almost guaranteed disaster.
I continue to think our best hope is stopping the water in Turkey.
The latest Intel is that the anti-Kozlu forces appear to be gaining ground across the country.
They're attempting to seize military and civilian infrastructure.
Are they in control of the Ozbek Dam? Well, they're active in the east, so there's a decent chance they are.
But the situation's still chaotic, and we don't know - who to talk to.
- And President Kozlu? Still M.
I.
A.
Minister Uzun's been holed up at the Turkish embassy all day.
I'm assuming he's not coming to the iftar tonight, which cannot come fast enough so to speak.
BLAKE: Actually, his office said he'll be here, but only for a short while.
Trying to project stability to the world.
Good.
He seemed sympathetic to the Iraqis' plight this morning.
He'd know who to call.
Maybe we can work on him at the iftar.
BLAKE: His office specifically said he won't discuss any policy or take any private meetings with U.
S.
officials without input from - his president.
- KAT: Sounds like the security services loyal to Kozlu aren't taking any chances about who's on his side.
All right, we're gonna have to find a way to get him alone tonight.
Cyril, this place looks amazing.
You've worked another miracle.
That was nothing.
But the seating chart? Now, that's a miracle.
(CHUCKLES) Well, the secretary appreciates that.
And she has another request.
Blake, our guests are due to arrive in less than an hour.
(WHISPERING): I know.
Could I just see you one second? Over here.
Excuse us.
Thanks.
(CLEARS THROAT) What does the secretary need now? A private pull aside with Minister Uzun for a few minutes.
You know Turkey's ground rules.
Uzun's stopping by for a quick grip and grin with the secretar We've already moved the main table so he'll be able to leave more discreetly.
Then he's going directly back to the Turkish embassy.
To even attempt a one-on-one risks a major diplomatic crisis.
Well, better that than a major humanitarian crisis, which is what we're facing if she doesn't at least try.
Where would she even have this conversation? We are still working that out.
(SIGHS) Far be it from me to second-guess her, but Then don't.
Cyril, she's going to do this.
And we're going to help her, okay? Good.
Now, Uzun's detail will remain down in the lobby, but there's going to be a man from the embassy with him, Ahmet Avci.
Part-time attaché, full-time spy.
I know him.
Well, he's going to be watching Uzun like a hawk.
Somehow we have to separate them.
IMAM (CHANTING): Allahu Akbar.
Allahu Akbar.
MEN: Allahu Akbar.
IMAM: Allahu Akbar.
MEN: Allahu Akbar.
KAT: There's Minister Uzun and Avci.
Hey.
Daisy Grant, Matt Mahoney.
CYRIL: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome.
We're so pleased that you were all able to attend this evening.
If you could please begin to find your way to your seats, we'd be most appreciative.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Elizabeth McCord.
ELIZABETH: Thank you.
Ramadan Kareem, everyone.
I know better than to stand between a group of hungry fasters and a delicious buffet, so I will keep this really brief.
(AUDIENCE CHUCKLES) Ramadan is a holy month and a special time for Muslims across the globe.
It's a time for friends and families, for prayer and reflection, for stepping out of usual routines to contemplate what's truly important in life.
Fasting not only facilitates this, but it also offers a chance to reflect on the deprivation of others and to take compassionate action to alleviate it, and that's what many of tonight's honorees have done.
Like Adeela Zadari, who took our nation's top science prize for high school students home to Plano, Texas.
Adeela says that she loves science because it offers so many opportunities to help others.
She and many others here truly represent the best of America.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
In closing, I'd like to acknowledge Foreign Minister Hakan Uzun of Turkey.
Our two nations have been steadfast partners in a challenging world for more than 50 years.
May that partnership continue to make the world safer and freer for years to come.
Well, everyone, I know that I have talked enough.
I wish all of you and your families a happy and peaceful Ramadan.
Now let's eat.
Thank you for those wonderful words, Madam Secretary.
And for this lovely occasion.
I truly regret that we cannot stay.
Well, I completely understand.
- PHOTOGRAPHER: Madam Secretary.
- Of course.
Oh.
Excuse me, ma'am.
There's an important call for you from the White House.
Oh.
As always, a pleasure, Hakan.
- You as well, Elizabeth.
- I'm so sorry.
Ahmet! Delightful to see you.
You, as well, Ambassador, but I really If I could take just a moment of your time.
This is Miray.
Like you, she hails from Antalya and would love to say hello.
As-salaam alaikum.
Salaam Good evening, Minister.
- Thank you.
- Right this way.
We need to talk, Hakan.
And we don't have much time.
The Ozbek Dam has fallen into the coup plotters' hands, and we need someone to tell them to stop the Tigris' flow into Iraq.
- You are the person to do that.
- They're traitors.
And besides, I couldn't legitimately order them - to do whatever I want.
- Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis could be killed.
It is bad enough talking about - this with you, Elizabeth.
- Millions more will be displaced, and they will come to Turkey.
But to conspire with the enemy? I-I can't.
When you were in the army, you, you received a citation for valor, right? For, for saving a fellow recruit from drowning.
You are a decent, brave man.
You can do this.
You're asking me to defy my president.
To stop a humanitarian catastrophe that could engulf the entire region, yes.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) We are running out of time.
Please.
Enjoying your dinner? Mmm.
It's amazing, the appreciation you can have for something so basic.
What's that supposed to mean? What? Hmm? I know you know.
No, I don't.
I don't know.
My numbers.
My bad numbers.
Relaxation.
- "The big questions.
" - Oh, look, Stevie and I were just spitballing.
- I'm sorry that got back to you.
- (SIGHS) No, who knows? Maybe you're right.
Clearly, I need some kind of spiritual something if I want to save, if not my life, my marriage.
So you want to have coffee sometime? Talk about it? Sure, Russell.
Great.
Don't tell Carol I said coffee.
Thank God.
CYRIL: Fingers crossed.
Yeah, indeed.
Thanks again for your help.
- Oh, and about earlier - Oh.
You know, when I was a kid, my dad worked as a dishwasher at a banquet hall in New Jersey.
He came here from Ghana with literally $20 in his pocket.
When my parents visit me here at State, they still get tears in their eyes.
I'm a patriot, Blake.
I believe in this work.
In diplomacy, if you don't lay the right groundwork or say things in the right way, your message just doesn't get through.
Wars have broken out over simple misunderstandings or lack of respect.
We sweat those details so the secretary doesn't have to.
I know.
So does she.
All right.
I'll see you at home.
- All right.
- I love you.
Bye-bye.
- Hey, Doc.
- Hey.
- What's up? - The water level behind the Fakhiri Dam in Iraq is starting to fall.
Uzun came through.
- Thank God.
- Which brings us to the second thing.
President Kozlu of Turkey appears to have resurfaced, encouraging the Turkish people and military to resist the coup plotters and threatening grave retribution to anyone who abets them.
Just goes to show, you can't keep a bad man down.
Mr.
President, forces loyal to Kozlu appear to be gaining ground across Turkey.
Apparently, the coup plotters attacked his vacation home and missed him by six minutes.
Am I the only one wishing they'd been six minutes faster? Well, at least we got the water turned off on the Turkish side of the border for the moment.
What's the latest on the situation in Iraq? We have a surprising development, sir.
The dropping water level behind the Fakhiri Dam has exposed a long-sealed maintenance entrance above the intake tunnels dating back to the dam's construction.
The hostiles holding the dam don't appear to be aware of it.
JSOC has worked up new plans for a SEAL team to approach the dam by water and enter through that door.
ELIZABETH: Mr.
President, if Kozlu regains control in Turkey, he's gonna want to settle scores.
He could start allowing the Tigris to flow back into Iraq at any time.
RUSSELL: Not to mention the fact that we're running hard up to the deadline the terrorists set to blow the dam.
Mr.
President, if we're gonna jump, we better jump quick.
What odds of success are the planners giving this new raid? 60% at best, sir.
Do it.
Preparing to deploy stun grenades.
Then breach.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY) (GUNSHOT) (GUNSHOT) SOLDIER: Man down.
Man down.
(GUNSHOTS) Fakhiri Dam is secure, sir.
Our team caught the enemy unaware and neutralized them.
All the explosives have been deactivated.
They're bringing in engineers to make sure that none of the dam's critical systems were compromised in the firefight.
Casualties? Two SEALs KIA, three more wounded.
12 Iraqi Special Forces KIA as well.
Well, it, uh it sounds like the coup failed in Turkey.
President Kozlu is firmly back in charge, I'm assuming? Yes, sir.
And the purge has already begun.
He's rounding up thousands of troops, government officials, ordinary civilians.
Anyone he suspects of disloyalty.
What about our man Uzun? Along with hundreds of other diplomats around the globe, he's been stripped of his title and is being recalled to Turkey.
He leaves today.
WARE: We think he's on a short list - for execution, sir.
- For what? The crime of saving millions of Iraqis? Which we pushed him to do.
We should offer him asylum, sir.
You want to keep him here in defiance of his own government's orders? Things were already at a bad pass with Turkey.
Now this? Yes, Mr.
President.
Now this.
(WOMAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY OVER P.
A.
) Hakan Uzun? Yes, I am he.
You are under suspicion of being in violation of CFR Title 7, Subtitle B, Part 319, Sub-part Fruits and Vegetables, Section 56-11.
I'm sorry.
Did you say "fruits and vegetables"? We have evidence that you and your family conspired to import a large quantity of dates in contravention of Department of Agriculture regulations.
We're going to need you to come with us, sir.
But this is absurd.
They were a gift for the secretary of state.
He is the foreign minister of Turkey and, as such, has diplomatic immunity.
It's, uh, my understanding that he's been relieved of that position.
He's not going anywhere.
I'm gonna need you to step aside, sir.
Gentlemen, we're not going to have a shootout over some dates.
This really is quite ridiculous.
- Ah.
- (DOOR CLOSES) Madam Secretary, what is the meaning of all this? Minister Uzun although I suppose after this morning, I can just call you Hakan I see you've met Officer Burke from Customs.
He's going to put you and your wife under arrest on smuggling charges.
You cannot be serious.
And then you can officially request political asylum in the United States.
I'm fully prepared to plead my case in Ankara.
Well, I don't think your president is fully prepared to hear it.
Dozens of government officials have already been summarily executed.
I'm a patriot! I never supported the coup.
Neither did many of them.
You're more than a patriot, Hakan.
You're a hero.
The entire world owes you a debt of gratitude.
The U.
S.
means to honor it.
If you do this, you're risking a major breach with Turkey.
There'll be grave repercussions.
We know.
Then, on behalf of my wife and son and myself, I thank you, Elizabeth.
No.
Thank you, Hakan.
Now go get arrested.
(RUSSELL SIGHS) I disagree with your diagnosis.
Good morning to you, too, Russell.
I don't need to ask what the meaning of life is, 'cause I already know.
You do? Well, hey, I'm all ears.
Be good to the people you love, work hard at the things you care about.
Well, that's great.
Except it's killing you.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) Look, I know I need to relax.
And I am a control freak, so I'll admit the idea of death coming for us at any moment, then it's all just over doesn't thrill me either.
Coffee, sir? No, thanks.
You know what? Yes.
Thank you.
Russell, we're all bound up in our ego, and our ego definitely doesn't like the idea that our entire life on this earth is just a tiny, insignificant eye blink of cosmic time.
- This is not making me feel better.
- Well Ever since my heart attack, everyone's been after me to "slow down, focus on what matters.
" I'm not built like that.
'Cause you know what matters? Work.
(PHONE CHIRPS) Who would you be without it? Without that? I told you, I don't do metaphysics.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) I just try to move forward.
You're just a shark that doesn't know it's in the water, like the rest of us.
- You're losing me, Professor.
- (SIGHS) Look, none of us knows what our true essence is.
And those brief moments where we maybe get a glimpse are because we've somehow managed to transcend our ego.
Those small moments create a space so that we can ask big questions.
So how do I do that if I hate everything that does that? (LAUGHING): Okay, well, I mean, has there ever been any non-work-related activity that you found completely absorbing? (SIGHS) I don't know.
When I was a kid, I used to make model airplanes, you know, from kits? I guess I liked that.
What kind of planes? World War II mostly.
P-38 Lightning, B-17.
(LAUGHING): Spitfire.
My favorite was the Corsair.
Corsair?! That's the plane that made me want to be a fighter pilot.
- No kidding? - Yeah.
(CHUCKLES) What did you like about making model planes? That you had to be organized and precise, have the right tools.
Be able to see how all the pieces fit together.
And if you stuck with it, the plane that you saw in your mind was the plane you saw on the table.
Why don't you make 'em anymore? 'Cause I'm a grown man with a job.
What are you even saying here that I'm gonna find God in a model airplane? It's good a place to start as any.
And if you don't find God, maybe you could settle for I don't know saving your marriage.
Something to think about anyway.
(BEEPING) (CHIMES) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) I didn't even tell her what to get.
She just knew.
ELIZABETH: I know that I make impossible demands sometimes, but I hope that you know how much I appreciate how resourcefully you've always met them.
That's very kind of you, ma'am.
So I take it you won't be joining our team after all? She didn't have to tell me what was going on.
I just knew.
I love the work that you all do, but I Well, I just don't think I could keep up.
(BOTH LAUGH) You've out-Blaked Blake, Cyril.
Well, for what it's worth, I disagree.
We'd have been honored to have you.
Thank you.
But I'm happy where I am.
(SIGHS) (WHISPERING): Too bad you can't stay.
Ticktock.
(BLAKE AND ELIZABETH SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY) - Ma'am? - Yeah.
Ma'am, there was an attack on our Kurdish partners in Syria this morning.
It came from the Turkish side of the border.
Well, honestly, I thought the payback would be even worse.
The attackers were Russian mercenaries.
Wait a minute.
Are you telling me that Kozlu allowed Turkey to be used as a staging ground for a military operation by the Russians against a U.
S.
ally? Wow.
He's going to come to regret that pretty quickly.
Ma'am, the Russians already do.
We had trainers embedded with the Kurds.
When they came under attack, they called in air strikes.
How many Russians were killed? They're still counting the bodies, but it's in the hundreds.
This isn't gonna end well.
No, it isn't.
This fight with Turkey could end up tanking our relationship with Russia, too.