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A review by codyisreading
American Radical: Inside the World of an Undercover Muslim FBI Agent by Tamer Elnoury
4.0
What a fascinating, thrilling, human story. Tamer Elnoury (nom de guerre) is an undercover FBI agent still actively working for the in a counter-terrorism unit. As an Egyptian-American Muslim, he provides a unique perspective in his work to thwart would-be terrorists. His ability to speak Arabic, his understanding of Islam and his heritage prove enhance his infiltration of terror cells operating in the United States and Canada.
The primary case in this book covers his attempts and success at stopping a train derailment in Canada. For all the technology we have available to us today to fight terrorism, one thing Elnoury comes back to is good old fashioned undercover work: keep your eyes and ears open, and keep records of everything.
The most affecting part of the book for me was to hear him speak about how radical Islam seeks to pervert the religion he holds dear. As a practicing Muslim, a secondary (and ultimately personal) aspect of Elnoury's undercover work is to expose extremists in relation to millions of peaceful, devout Muslims. He cites numerous passages in the Quran that demonstrate's Allah's commandments to be gracious, extend peace, and live a harmonious life.
Too often the phrase "radical Islam" is used as a blanket term and more often than that, it's used to denigrate the entirety of Islam's adherents. Elnoury doesn't shy away from the phrase though, believing it's important to acknowledge the radical minority as a foil to peaceful, religious Muslims.
It's the kind of perspective only an insider can provide. Even listening to Elnoury detail just how different the radical pockets are in their goals/beliefs was fascinating. The Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Mujahidin Shura Council...all these groups have different ideologies and tactics, and do not necessarily agree on everything. Elnoury argues that to defeat one's enemy, you must understand them. In order to combat extremism, we need to welcome those into the United States that can and want to help, and simultaneously gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in radical Islam.
I highly recommend this book, as it read like a thriller but with a compassionate, human story driving everything behind the scenes. It was a fascinating peek into counter-terrorism and one man's attempt to smash preconceived notions about the religion that shaped him and millions around the globe.
The primary case in this book covers his attempts and success at stopping a train derailment in Canada. For all the technology we have available to us today to fight terrorism, one thing Elnoury comes back to is good old fashioned undercover work: keep your eyes and ears open, and keep records of everything.
The most affecting part of the book for me was to hear him speak about how radical Islam seeks to pervert the religion he holds dear. As a practicing Muslim, a secondary (and ultimately personal) aspect of Elnoury's undercover work is to expose extremists in relation to millions of peaceful, devout Muslims. He cites numerous passages in the Quran that demonstrate's Allah's commandments to be gracious, extend peace, and live a harmonious life.
Too often the phrase "radical Islam" is used as a blanket term and more often than that, it's used to denigrate the entirety of Islam's adherents. Elnoury doesn't shy away from the phrase though, believing it's important to acknowledge the radical minority as a foil to peaceful, religious Muslims.
It's the kind of perspective only an insider can provide. Even listening to Elnoury detail just how different the radical pockets are in their goals/beliefs was fascinating. The Taliban, al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Mujahidin Shura Council...all these groups have different ideologies and tactics, and do not necessarily agree on everything. Elnoury argues that to defeat one's enemy, you must understand them. In order to combat extremism, we need to welcome those into the United States that can and want to help, and simultaneously gain a deeper understanding of the nuances in radical Islam.
I highly recommend this book, as it read like a thriller but with a compassionate, human story driving everything behind the scenes. It was a fascinating peek into counter-terrorism and one man's attempt to smash preconceived notions about the religion that shaped him and millions around the globe.