Is there such a thing as a genuine human being? Dr Tareq, a psychologist and criminologist, investigates the case of Mikha Midas, an American/Syrian philosopher who shows no criminal tendencies. Tareq needs to know Mikha's moral character and whether he could be persuaded to spy on one of his cultures, at the request of the other. All of the interviews take place in Mikha's prison cell while his fate is decided. The philosophical discussions between Tareq and Mikha, as to what constitutes moral character, truth, humanity and a good life, make deep and interesting reading. With the sinister interrogators of Al-Mukhabarat waiting in the wings, Tareq is deeply involved. For all his knowledge and insight, has he been misled? Despite his protestations of purity of purpose, his loyalty and sincerity, could Mikha a spy? And if he is - what then?