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live, Allworth announced that she was appointing a blue-ribbon White House panel to investigate homegrown terrorism. She had each panel member stand as she read down the list of appointees. Major Brooke Grant, Representative Rudy Adeogo, and the OIN’s Omar Nader each rose from their front-row chairs.
    â€œAll of us have a moral responsibility,” President Allworth said, “to refute the notion that ISIS and these other gangs of murderers are inspired by a religious cause, because that falsehood gives legitimacy to their warped ideology. They are thugs. Criminals. Nothing more.”
    Nader applauded, causing those sitting near him to join in.
    â€œIf we wish to prevent future attacks by misguided Americans on our own soil,” the president continued, “we must acknowledge our fault in alienating young people in cities such as Minneapolis where they are trapped in poverty and isolated with no path to achieve the American dream. This dream must be reachable for all of our citizens, not a select few.”
    Gazing down at her newly named members of the blue ribbon panel, she said, “I’ll expect your report in ninety days. Now get to work!”
    As soon as Allworth exited the Rose Garden, Nader was on his feet working the crowd. “Major Grant,” he said, hurrying up to her. “Those of us in the Arab world are keenly aware of your courage, not only yesterday at the National Cathedral but also at the Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu where you rescued the U.S. ambassador and prevented a suicide bombing that would have killed hundreds.”
    â€œThank you,” Brooke replied modestly. “But it was a team effort.”
    â€œYes, yes, but it was you who fatally shot the terrorist Abdul Hafeez.”
    â€œActually it was a fellow Marine, Sergeant Walks Many Miles, who fired that shot.”
    â€œWhat a curious name,” Nader said.
    â€œSergeant Miles is a member of the Crow Indian tribe in Montana.”
    â€œPerhaps I will have the opportunity of thanking him personally someday.”
    â€œMay I ask you a personal question?” Brooke replied.
    â€œPlease do, but not too personal, I hope.” He smiled.
    â€œYou are on the task force, but you aren’t an American citizen. You’re from Saudi Arabia, correct?”
    â€œYes. I believe I am the only non-American on the panel. I presume the president thought it prudent to include one Muslim from the Arab world to offer an international perspective.”
    Nader was glancing over Brooke’s shoulder as they talked and he noticed Representative Adeogo was about to leave. He quickly excused himself and walked briskly toward the congressman.
    â€œA word please,” he said, stopping him. “The president has seen fit to appoint both of us on this task force. I trust we can put any past personal differences aside and present a unified Muslim perspective.”
    â€œBy unified, you mean the OIN’s perspective,” Adeogo answered.
    â€œAs the only Muslim currently in Congress, you not only represent Muslims in Minneapolis, but Muslims worldwide. The OIN is the voice of Muslims, so I would certainly expect you to adhere to our global point of view.”
    â€œI would never presume to speak for all Muslims—as you and the OIN claim you do. And I was elected by all of the people in my district, not just Muslims, so my personal religious beliefs are secondary to my elected responsibilities.”
    â€œStop being naïve,” Nader replied in a hushed voice. “Like it or not, you are the Muslim face in Congress and you need to accept that role and act accordingly. You should not have spoken about Islamic supremacy at your news conference this morning. You should not have criticized Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations. You should not have referred to Israel as a sovereign nation during your campaign.”
    Adeogo started to answer him, but Nader wasn’t finished.