Barry Al-Fayeed is a California pediatrician who also happens to be the second son of a Middle Eastern dictator. Barry reluctantly agrees to return home with his American family for his nephew's wedding. Events thrust him into the complex and turbulent growing pains of a nation straining to break free from dictatorial rule.
Fed up with Jamal's unpredictable and violent nature, Barry conspires to start a coup and remove his brother from office; while at the same time Jamal is so moved by Barry's willingness to do the unthinkable and hasten Sheik Rashid's demise, that he stops at nothing to prove his worth to his brother.
Increasingly suspicious of those close to him, Jamal believes Khalil is the only person he can trust. Deciding he should no longer hide the truth, Barry reveals to Molly that he’s alive. Hoping to lift Nusrat’s depression, Ahmed asks Nusrat to run away with him. Skeptical of Khalil’s tactical luck, Ihab zeroes in on a traitor in the Caliphate.
Despite having depleted forces, Barry prepares to lead a crucial mission. Fueled by his delusions, Jamal takes extreme action that has far-reaching ramifications. When tragedy strikes close to the palace, Leila realizes the severity of their situation and doubts Jamal’s ability to see them through the storm.
It’s a new dawn in Abuddin, and Jamal’s fate - along with that of the Al-Fayeed family - remains uncertain. Recognizing the situation is ripe for turmoil, Barry encourages Rami to stay and oversee the transition. Leila cooperates with the Arab League, hoping to secure a position for herself and Ahmed in the new world order.
With Jamal’s life in danger and Abuddin on the verge of plunging into chaos, Barry steps forward as interim president and sets the stage for democratic elections. Daliyah takes a leading role in the nation, bringing her close to Barry. Swept up in the tides of revenge, army leaders overstep their bounds in securing peace. An American General who shares history with Leila arrives in Abuddin.
Barry discovers that his hold over Abuddin is tenuous. Sammy embarks on a risky relationship. Ihab's desire for revenge is given an outlet. Fauzi returns to Abuddin and is thrust into a political role. Molly’s routine visit to a military hospital goes awry, spelling terrible consequences for the future of Abuddin.
In the wake of thwarted terrorist attacks, Barry bans open prayer at the University - causing a severe backlash. Al-Qadi speaks out against violence and restriction of religious freedom. Bereft and alone, Barry and Daliyah turn to each other for comfort. Leila’s campaign heats up, alongside her relationship with Cogswell.
Barry's tough policies put Daliyah in grave danger. Al-Qadi enacts a risky plan to broach peace. Fauzi puts his feelings on the line, leaving Daliyah conflicted. As the elections reel out of control, Barry cracks down on the political process. Leila's relationship with Cogswell creates a wedge between her and her sister.
Haunted by Emma's death and his failure to kill Ihab, Barry pushes away his closest allies - including Daliyah. Leila leaves the government in protest and forms an unlikely partnership. Cogswell takes radical action against a blackmailer. Ihab forms a connection with Mahdiya, while the Caliphate ramps up plans to invade Abuddin.
Molly returns to Abuddin with a hardened resolve to pursue her daughter’s killer. Mahdiya is entrusted with a critical job. Leila and Cogswell relish in a brief escape from the world -- only to find that escape is impossible. Barry is thrown by Molly’s cold determination and haunted by images of the daughter he failed. Stuck between the woman he loves, the woman he loved, and the daughter he lost, Barry takes a hard line with the country.
Abuddin descends into chaos. Daliyah persuades Fauzi to leave so he can be a voice of dissent, and she takes a public stand against Barry. In an attempt to regain control, Barry gives Maloof authority to shut down Leila’s opposition, and Ahmed joins to pressure his mother to surrender. Cogswell makes a forceful move that puts his career in jeopardy.