Better Angels

The novel takes place in an election year, close to the turn of the century, in a deeply polarized America. The presidential race matches a tall, lantern-jawed liberal against a far-right former businessman with deep ties to the energy industry. The principal threat to the country comes from Islamic terrorists who are almost impossible to track down, are led by an Arab prince made rich by oil, and are desperate to acquire nuclear bombs to use against Israel or major American cities.