Review Agent Storm

[SpitfireV]

This book is about a Danish guy who converted to Islam and became a Salafi and traveled to Yemen on the fringes of AQ and Al-Shabbab.

The book is basically the story of how he became Muslim then his work for British, Danish and American intelligence. He delves into the tradecraft they used from his side and it is quite an interesting look at how an agent like him was run. It also paints an unflattering picture of the CIA and Danish PET but for different reasons.

His main mission was to get close to Al-Awalki and he did that. I won't spoil the book but it was very interesting.

I would recommend the book. My only criticism would be that he doesn't delve into *why* he converted back to Islam very much. There is also a lack of commentary on his thoughts on Islamic terrorism today. Otherwise I would recommend it.

 

[pardus]

This book is about a Danish guy who converted to Islam and became a Salafi and traveled to Yemen on the fringes of AQ and Al-Shabbab.

The book is basically the story of how he became Muslim then his work for British, Danish and American intelligence. He delves into the tradecraft they used from his side and it is quite an interesting look at how an agent like him was run. It also paints an unflattering picture of the CIA and Danish PET but for different reasons.

His main mission was to get close to Al-Awalki and he did that. I won't spoil the book but it was very interesting.

I would recommend the book. My only criticism would be that he doesn't delve into *why* he converted back to Islam very much. There is also a lack of commentary on his thoughts on Islamic terrorism today. Otherwise I would recommend it.

Sounds very interesting!

 

[SpitfireV]

Sounds very interesting!

I can't edit it now but I wanted to add that he's got some of the original emails between him and Al-Awalki in there too, as well as some interesting photos. Almost everything that can be referenced back to an email is, IIRC, and this warms my cold heart.

 

[Gunz]

It also paints an unflattering picture of the CIA...

Jesus, stand in line...

Sounds like an interesting book. In fact it sounds like a non-fiction version of Frederick Forsyth's novel, The Afghan.

 

[CQB]

I read it a while ago & liked it. He knew of, or knew personally every "rock star" jihadi of that time & from that standpoint it's interesting as he was in up to his shermag. Worth a read & like Spitty I don't want to give too much away. He pops up on the news now and then.

 

[SpitfireV]

Did any of you guys ever get a chance to read this? Just curious as to your opinions on it.

 

[Robal2pl]

Yes, I've read this. Quite good, as moost of such books it's of course more about Storm than the "big picture" plus mandatory "I'm smarter than professionall spooks , loook at meee" general feeling But otherwise worth of reading.

P.S Sorry for little necroposting

 

[CQB]

I'd agree with the "look at me aspect." He's a dinosaur, as has been shown in Oz, the recruits (read:useful idiots) have got younger. He has a story to tell and let's face it, his job prospects are zero.

 

[Brill]

I read it a while ago & liked it. He knew of, or knew personally every "rock star" jihadi of that time & from that standpoint it's interesting as he was in up to his shermag. Worth a read & like Spitty I don't want to give too much away. He pops up on the news now and then.

He was on 60 Minutes here and the interviews were along the same vein. Book sounds intriguing!

 

[SpitfireV]

Yes, I've read this. Quite good, as moost of such books it's of course more about Storm than the "big picture" plus mandatory "I'm smarter than professionall spooks , loook at meee" general feeling But otherwise worth of reading.

P.S Sorry for little necroposting

You get that with all those agent/informant books to an extent. There's another book by a guy named Nassiri (IIRC) who went into AQ pre-911. He has the same sort of attitude. Ultimately if their usefulness is over...?