Dalia Hassan

"Some people are so invested in their fear and hatred that... peace is the most threatening thing they can imagine."

— Dalia Hassan, "Day 8: 10:00am-11:00am"

Dalia Hassan was the former First Lady and later President of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. Dalia was the wife of Omar Hassan, the former President of Kamistan, and the mother of Kayla Hassan. Dalia was present with both at the United Nations building in New York City throughout the events of Day 8 for the signing of the Kamistani Peace Agreement, alongside the United States of America and the Russian Federation.

Dalia planned to leave Omar because of his affair with reporter Meredith Reed. However, after Omar survived an assassination attempt and Kayla was kidnapped by terrorists, Omar broke off the relationship with Reed, and Dalia reconciled with him. After her husband was killed later on in the day, United States President Allison Taylor was desperate for the Peace Agreement to still take place, and Taylor convinced Dalia to take Omar's place as the Kamistani representative in the peace process. With the support of Jamot, her husband's close aide, the National Assembly of Kamistan unanimously endorsed her as President around 1:00pm.

Just before the signing of the peace treaty, Dalia discovered that Yuri Suvarov was behind her husband's death. When she refused to sign a peace treaty with the people who killed her husband, President Taylor threatened to use the American military to destroy her country. After briefly floating the idea of resuming the Kamistani nuclear program and attacking the United States, Jamot convinced Dalia that she had no choice but to sign it. Fortunately, tormented by her conscience, President Taylor backed down at the last minute and exposed Russia's complicity in Hassan's death, thereby calling off the treaty she had worked so hard to protect.

Personal

• Husband: President Omar Hassan (deceased)
• Daughter: Kayla Hassan
• Brother-in-law: Farhad Hassan (deceased)

Before Day 8

Decades before the events of Day 8, Dalia married Omar Hassan, and they had a daughter named Kayla. Omar eventually became the President of their country, the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. Omar was the first ruler in the country's history to negotiate with the Americans, and Dalia supported him in this. Dalia was Omar's main advisor, but she took a lesser role in his administration after discovering Omar's relationship with New York Courier reporter Meredith Reed. However, she maintained a high level of popularity amongst the Kamistani people nonetheless.

Day 8

Dalia preparing for the press conference ("4:00pm-5:00pm")

Dalia and her husband President Omar Hassan had grown apart by Day 8, and their interactions were marked with conflict and stress. At several points early in the day at the United Nations building, she argued with Omar even in front of their daughter Kayla. Dalia maintained the appearance of a satisfied wife in public only. Despite her hostility, she was horrified when an improvised explosive device set off by Davros almost killed Omar, and was relieved to hear that her husband actually survived the blast. After the assassination attempt on Omar's life, and after witnessing Farhad's betrayal she left the United Nations, disgruntled with Omar's affair with New York Courier reporter Meredith Reed.

After 1:00am, Dalia was ready to take off on her private aircraft back to Kamistan, when Omar called her to inform her about the disappearance of their daughter Kayla. When Omar pleaded her to stay to try to convince Kayla of returning, Dalia asked her aide to inform the pilot of the change in plans. Dalia then returned to the United Nations where Omar informed her that Kayla had disappeared with Tarin Faroush. Omar also informed her of the impending attack in Manhattan. Dalia scolded Omar for his paranoia and insecurity, and the two reconciled when Omar admitted his mistake.

Jack Bauer contacted Omar some time later to inform him about Tarin Faroush's treachery. Dalia manages to call Kayla on her cell phone and informs her daughter of the danger. Dalia gets a call from Samir Mehran some time later, who asks her to hand the phone to her husband after telling her that Omar was a traitor to the Islamic Republic. Mehran asks for File 33, a sensitive Kamistani intelligence file that details weaknesses in American anti-nuclear defences. The Americans refuse to allow the Kamistanis to send the file and convince President Hassan to send a decoy instead. Omar worried about the believability of the decoy, but Dalia reminds him that he has a talent for convincing people, inspiring her husband.

After Kayla had been rescued, United States President Allison Taylor arranged the Hassan family's evacuation from the United Nations. Dalia along with her family were escorted by Jack Bauer, Renee Walker and the Secret Service under Agent Molly O'Connor out of the United Nations by subterranean channels, to be transported to Fort McGuire Air Force Base so they would be safe from the impending radiological attack on New York. They were ambushed along the way by Adrion Bishop's team who were ordered by General David Brucker and Rob Weiss to capture Omar Hassan and hand him over to Samir Mehran in order to stop the radiological attack. Jack Bauer and Renee Walker were the only surviving members of President Hassan's escort after the attempted kidnapping of Omar, while Bishop was taken into custody by Jack.

Dalia sees Omar alive for the last time, as he points a gun at Renee Walker ("6:00am-7:00am")

A little time later Omar disarmed Jack and Renee, and ordered Bishop to bring him to the terrorists as he could not live with the millions who will potentially be killed as a result of the radiological attack. Dalia advised him against surrendering himself, as she felt that the terrorists could not be trusted to disarm the radiological device even if he was handed over. When Omar was adamant about giving himself up, she demanded to go with him, an act which Omar did not agree to. Omar locked Jack, Renee and his family in a room, which Jack managed to break out of about 15 minutes later. They then emerged at 7th Avenue and Renee escorted Dalia and Kayla to the Air Force base using a taxi. Taylor welcomed Dalia and Kayla to the Air Force Base upon their arrival and invited them to observe the attempts by CTU to rescue Omar Hassan. A little before 8:00am, Taylor broke the news of Omar's murder to Dalia and Kayla and the two broke down crying.

Dalia agrees to take Omar's place as head of the Kamistani delegation ("8:00am-9:00am")

Fifteen minutes later Taylor and Minister Jamot approach Dalia to propose that she take her husband's place as the leader of the Kamistani delegation and subsequently President of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan. Taylor brings up the fact that the United States had worked with Omar very closely for one year before, and they need an equally visionary leader to continue the peace agreement. Dalia is reluctant at first, but Jamot assures her that most members of the delegation are in agreement, and her husband's coalition has pledged support for her succession. He also brings up the fact that the Kamistani people receive her well, and the death of her husband has made her a martyr's wife. Dalia declares that she had always loved her husband, and if it is the will of her people she will sign the peace agreement in her husband's stead.

Kayla protested Dalia's plans to be the new President, fearing that she would lose her mother as well. Dalia scolded her and remarked that she was continuing the legacy of Omar Hassan. Dalia declared that she knew the risks involved and now more than ever she needs Kayla's support. Both women travel back to the United Nations and as Dalia prepares her speech with Jamot, Kayla voices support for her mother by quoting her late father. Kayla embraces her mother and questions the lengths that some people were willing to go to stop peace - something her father died for, to which Dalia replies that some people are full of hatred that peace is the most threatening thing for them.

Right before 11:00am, Dalia was introduced by President Taylor to the United Nations Press Gallery. Dalia stepped to the podium with Mikhail Novakovich in the backdrop. She begun by saying that fate prevented Omar from being there to complete his life's work, though she believed that he was looking upon them as the final steps of the peace were taken. She ironically praised President Taylor's integrity and moral courage throughout the day. Dalia revealed that Omar had built an absolute trust on President Taylor and thanked the United States government for their attempt to save Omar's life. Dalia declared that her husband was not perfect just like anyone else, but he was perfect in the sense that he believed in a perfect idea that peace is possible. Dalia then implored the world to come together on the occasion of Omar's death and prove that Omar Hassan was right when he dreamed of peace. Dalia fielded questions from reporters on her legitimacy as the Kamistani Head of State and dispelled concerns that her succession was not approved by the people in the Islamic Republic.

She was unanimously confirmed as President of Kamistan by the National Assembly of Kamistan a little after 1:00pm. Dalia wrapped up the final stages of the peace process with President Taylor the same hour. When Dalia and Jamot made their way out of the Security Council Chamber, Taylor introduced them to Charles Logan, who Taylor said was instrumental in bringing the Russian delegation back to the negotiating table. Dalia is suspicious as to why Logan was involved, but she turns down Jamot's suggestion to ask Kamistani intelligence to investigate saying that she trusted Taylor was doing the right thing.

Soon after, Kayla received a phone call from Meredith Reed, who claims that she has information that the Russians orchestrated Omar Hassan's murder and is asking to speak to Dalia. Later, Dalia is told by an advisor that her daughter needs to speak with her. She thanks him, but first she gives President Taylor a gift: a pen from Omar, with an inscription by the poet Rumi. She translates the Arabic words into English for her, and thanks her for all her help. Taylor chokes up and tells Dalia that her gift is an honor, and leaves. Dalia then goes to her daughter to speak with her. Kayla tells her about Meredith Reed's claims that the Russians were involved in Omar's death, and that Reed will only talk to Dalia. After listening to her daughter, Dalia agrees to call Reed, however, she is unable to reach her, as Taylor had her arrested.

Dalia goes to tell President Taylor that the Russians were responsible for Omar's murder and asks for help in finding Reed so she can determine if her allegations are true. Taylor flatly denies that the accusation, but Dalia argues that Meredith wouldn't have approached her, of all people, if it were not true. Against Taylor's insistence, Dalia says she will not sign any treaty with the Russians without speaking to Meredith first. Taylor finally admits that the Russians were behind it, and that she had Reed arrested because the truth would hurt the treaty. Dalia reels, furious that Taylor kept the truth from her and betrayed both her and her husband's memory.

Dalia says that she will not sign the agreement, and that she intends to lodge a complaint to release Reed and the evidence in her possession. Before she can leave, though, Taylor calls her back, saying that she will attend the signing ceremony in the next hour as planned. If she does not, Taylor says angrily, the U.S. will release proof that intelligence agents from the IRK were responsible for nearly detonating a nuclear device on American soil and will retaliate with military force. It will be decades before Dalia's country recovers, but this will be averted if Dalia signs the treaty as planned. Tears in her eyes, Dalia leaves without another word, in spite of Taylor's attempts to call her back again.

Dalia yells at Jamot about Taylor lying to her and threatening her and suggests taking the Russians' actions and Taylor's complicity to the Hague, but Jamot tells her she has no proof of any of it, and there are also Taylor's threats to consider. Dalia says they can fight back, even going so far as to restart their nuclear program, but Jamot says that will only give the terrorists what they wanted. Dalia claims Taylor wouldn't dare follow through on her threat, but Jamot begs her not to take the chance. The phone rings and Jamot answers it. President Suvarov is due to arrive shortly, and Dalia must be there to greet him. She reluctantly does so, without looking at Taylor or saying a word to her. The three leave for the conference. Taylor starts to apologize, but Dalia refuses, saying there is nothing left for them to say to each other.

Downstairs, Suvarov and Dalia look at each other before sitting down at the head of the room. Dalia comments to Jamot that she cannot wait until the facade is over and they can return home. Taylor walks into the room to warm applause. She smiles as she passes the delegates. Tim Woods puts Omar's pen on the podium at the front of the room as the three leaders arrive to sign the treaty. The Secretary General explains the rules of the treaty, then invites Suvarov to sign it. As he does so, the audience applauds. Dalia is next to sign the treaty, which she does so after a moment's hesitation. Once again, the other delegates applaud. President Taylor is then called to sign the treaty. She opens the pen box and looks at the gift inside. She unscrews the lid and prepares to sign, then takes a look over the audience. Tim Woods looks confused at her hesitation. Taylor turns to Dalia, then turns back and reconsiders the treaty.

After a moment's thought, she puts the lid back on the pen and gives it to Dalia. "Your husband meant me to have this. I cannot accept it." Dalia smiles in relief. Suvarov, realizing what Taylor is about to do, tries to intervene but Taylor bypasses him and addresses the audience directly. She announces that she has participated in a conspiracy to hide crimes that were made in the run up to the treaty. Echoing the words from Jack's video, she says that "before there can be a meaningful peace, justice must be served." She then says that she will issue a full statement within the hour, but that for now the peace process is over.

Background information and notes

• Dalia's fate is left uncertain. After the treaty was rescinded, she returned to Kamistan, but it is unclear if Dalia remained as President of the IRK, or if she stepped down after another leader was appointed.
• Bizarrely, Dalia's actress, Necar Zadegan, is the same age as Nazneen Contractor, who plays Dalia's daughter.

Memorable quotes

• Dalia Hassan: Some people are so vested in their fear and hatred that peace is the most threatening thing they can imagine. ("Day 8: 10:00am-11:00am")

See also

Wiki 24 has 24 images related to Dalia Hassan.

Preceded by: Omar Hassan	President of the Islamic Republic of Kamistan	Succeeded by: —