An action-packed and all-too-realistic vision of nations navigating the minefield of international intrigue <i>Protect and Defend</i> is Vince Flynn's most explosive political thriller yet. The action begins in the heart of Iran where billions of dollars are being spent on the development of a nuclear program. No longer willing to wait for the international community to stop its neighboring enemy Israel launches a creative and daring operation that leaves a radioactive tomb in the middle of Iran's second largest city. An outraged Iranian government publicly blames both Israel and the United States and demands retribution. <br> <br> Enter Mitch Rapp America's top counterterrorism operative. Rapp convinces President Josh Alexander to sign off on a risky operation that will push Iran to the brink of revolution. But when Iran recruits Hezbollah master terrorist Imad Mukhtar and a CIA effort goes disastrously wrong Rapp and Mukhtar are set on a collision course that threatens to engulf the entire region in war. With the clock ticking Rapp is given twenty-four hours no questions asked to do whatever it takes to stop Mukhtar and avert an unthinkable catastrophe.
