The Beirut Protocol, Joel Rosenberg
If you only have time to read one political thriller, let this be the one! It feels like it could have been taken from the pages of a current day newspaper describing exploding conditions in the Middle East. The author is known for his prophetic ability to put his hand on potential issues, and this non-stop action packed novel, from the first page until the last, has done just that!
Three people, a United States Special Agent, Marcus Ryker, with a bounty on his head because of his anti-terrorist work, a former cop, US Special Agent Kailea Curtis, who works with Marcus, and Yigal Mizrachi, an Israeli Intelligence Officer who speaks Arabic fluently and is the grandson of the Israeli Prime Minister, have been sent to the Lebanese/Israeli border, as an advance guard to prepare for a visit from the United States Secretary of State. (Yigal’s cover story is that he is an American, which is for his own safety. What a catch he would be for the haters of Israel!) They expect no trouble, since no one knows of their visit. There is a very real possibility of a peace treaty between Saudi Arabia and Israel and the hope is that nothing will interfere with this peace process. There are, however, forces that would like to derail the entire process, keep the Middle East in a state of unrest, and eventually destroy the “Big and Little Satan” America and Israel.
Instead of what is hoped to be a peaceful and uneventful scouting operation, the group falls into the hands of a rogue group of Hezbollah soldiers belonging to the Radwan Unit of Hezbollah. This is a unit of devoted, elite, trained killers known to use brutal methods of torture to extract information before they murder their victims. Their leader, Al Masri, known as The Egyptian, is secretly working to derail the peace process and cause greater conflict in the Middle East, arousing further distrust and hate for Israel and America. He has used an undiscovered tunnel, beginning in Lebanon, to enter Israeli territory with the hope of capturing an Israeli hostage. If successful, it would not only be a feather in his cap, if he could pull it off, it will also make him a very rich man. However, he will also have to get away with the powerful leaders he pledged allegiance to, as well. Although his men think his action is ordered by The Sheikh, and he is leading them under the guise of Hezbollah, there is a catch, Hezbollah knows nothing about it.
The Radwan Unit’s effort is unexpectedly wildly more successful than Al Masri ever could have dreamed. He captures no Israelis, but believes he has taken three Americans prisoner. When the Supreme Leader of Iran dies, coincidentally, as this hostage situation takes place, it plays right into the hands of America and Israel’s enemies. When the Israeli Defense Minister learns of the battle and capture of the advance team, he orders an abandoned policy of all out assault on the border and its environs to prevent the enemy from taking the hostages further into enemy territory in Lebanon. They cannot lose them. Rescuing them is vital. They are prizes that are too valuable for the enemy, and so the enemy must not find out who the three really are. It would probably lead to a high profile, televised, barbaric death for all of them which the enemies would use as a tool for propaganda and recruitment. The ensuing search for the three captives is tense and dangerous. The team of experts is prepared well and is chosen carefully. The rescue plan is diabolical and brilliant, but it is also thoroughly nerve wracking. The atmosphere created is very plausible. The activities of all sides seem authentic as each bends rules to accomplish their goals.
The short chapters make the constant tension, created by the author’s talented hand, very manageable, but this is a book that keeps on giving. Chapter after chapter the excitement builds, keeping the reader on the edge of the seat, wondering what will happen next? Both sides engage in nefarious behavior.
The unique aspect of this book is that the reader can actually picture it playing out in real life. There are enemies of the United States and Israel that are capable of carrying out the kinds of terrorist acts described in this novel. There are brutal and barbaric factions plotting to destroy America and Israel. Only diligent intelligence investigations and trained Special Agents keep them at bay and both countries safe.
The book ignites feelings of patriotism, coupled with respect for Israel and America, as it acknowledges the tremendous danger and effort that goes into attempting to establish peace in the Middle East. It is very dangerous work that keeps the only democracy there, safe and secure. As the book develops, the reader will wonder what drives the enemies of the free world to hate and instigate such unrest. What leaders of which countries would be most interested in derailing the peace process, and in causing chaos. Who could mastermind this diabolical plan? Which country would use the capture of Israelis as pawns in negotiations which never end well? Is it the usual cast of suspects? Was this plan hatched when the Supreme leader died, or was his death just coincidental, influencing and broadening the plan with the wider objective of all out war and the establishment of the Caliphate.
I loved reading about the expertise of the Israelis and the Americans as they mounted an effort to find and rescue the hostages. It gave me tremendous pride in, and gratitude for, those who work to keep us all safe at the risk of their own lives. This is a book for patriots! Although this is the fourth book in a series with Special Agent Marcus Ryker, it is not necessary to read the previous novels to enjoy this one. It easily stands successfully on its own. The excitement is visceral. The tension generated permeates the atmosphere around the reader as this writer gives life to what could very well be a real life situation, unfolding on any given day, in the fraught with danger Middle East.