Sultan and Habib Cell Phone Intercept

Leo briefs the Situation Room on an intercepted cell phone conversation between the Sultan and Habib, which references 'The Butcher of Kafr' and hints at Israeli involvement in the foreign minister's death. Bartlet, Fitzwallace, Tommy, and the man absorb the intelligence, sparking debate over diplomatic responses amid parachute suspicions and Hezbollah threats. The intercept frames the crisis, fueling tense analysis of impossible choices.

3 appearances

Purpose

Delivers intercepted intelligence on terror threats and political attributions

Significance

Ignites speculation on Israeli actions, escalates regional crisis discussions, and forces White House staff to weigh retaliation, defense, and legal options

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

3 moments

S4E3 · College Kids

Parachute Alert — Israel Accused, Diplomatic Options on the Table

The cell phone intercept between the Sultan and Habib provides the verbatim line invoking 'The Butcher of Kafr' and functions as the narrative lever threatening to make the parachute allegation a public crisis.

Before: Captured by NSC operations, vetted as actionable intelligence, and queued for Situation Room presentation.

After: Quoted verbatim in the Situation Room; becomes the central piece of intelligence that shapes policy options and legal concern.

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S4E3 · College Kids

Levity Before the Hunker‑Down

The cell phone intercept between the Sultan and Habib is read aloud in the Situation Room and frames the conversation; it supplies the urgent line ('The Butcher of Kafr will have no choice but to resign') that escalates political stakes.

Before: Intercept captured and queued through NSC/operations to senior staff briefings.

After: Now part of the Situation Room's working intelligence set, prompting operational caution and diplomatic preparations.

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S4E3 · College Kids

From Levity to Command: Bartlet Orders East Lansing Visit and Counsel

The cell-phone intercept between the Sultan and Habib is audibly delivered in the room and quoted verbatim; it supplies language ('The Butcher of Kafr will have no choice but to resign') that amplifies political pressure and shapes the team's assessment of likely public claims.

Before: Held and processed in intelligence channels, presented to Situation Room staff for briefing.

After: Now part of the record and a driver of policy conversation and legal concern; its content spurs the President's decision to act.

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