One of the most powerful Islamic militant group in Africa at its peak, Al-Shabaab imposed Taliban-like rule over millions in Somalia and fought its way to within 50 yards of the presidential palace in the capital. Somalis risked life and limb if they opposed the group or betrayed Al-Shabaab restrictions on clothing, media, sports, interpersonal relations, and prayer. More than once, the internationally-backed government teetered on the brink, saved only by a combination of luck and outside help.
Inside Al-Shabaab: The Secret History of Al-Qaedas Most Powerful Ally provides an intimate understanding of how the group formed and operated, nearly toppled the Somali government, withered after years of battle, and eventually how it has revitalized itself, posing a renewed threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. Based on interviews with former Al-Shabaab militants, including high-ranking officials, military commanders, judges, police, and foot soldiers, Inside Al-Shabaab reveals the motivations of those who committed their lives to the group and its violent jihadist agenda.
International journalists Harun Maruf and Dan Joseph expose interviews with friends and family of Al-Shabaabs founders and those who fought against the group or witnessed it up close, including Somali generals, soldiers, government officials, warlords, journalists, and ordinary civilians. Also profiled are the U.S. diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, letters taken from the Pakistani hideout of Osama bin Laden, case files from the prosecution of American Al-Shabaab members, emails from Hillary Clintons tenure as secretary of state, reports by Somali media outlets, and Al-Shabaab's own statements and recruiting videos. Maruf and Joseph also discuss the United States role in Al-Shabaab and how the U.S.-backed Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in 2006 gave the group the popular support it needed to become a powerful movement.
Revealing the radicalization of ordinary citizens and connections with Al-Qaeda, Inside Al-Shabaab showcases the rise, fall, and resurgence of one of the worlds overlooked terrorist organizations.
Industry Reviews
For military enthusiasts, Inside al-Shabaab has vivid descriptions of street-by-street fighting in Mogadishu as the extremists pushed the fragile Somali government to the edge of the sea. For those wondering how Somalia has never been able to shake off the threat, the book has piercing details of what still goes wrong both among Somalis and in the international community.
* AP News *
Featuring interviews with government officials, former al-Shabaab members, soldiers and numerous other sources, the authors leave no stone unturned in their quest to tell the story of just how al-Shabaab continues to operate and why it continues to attract young people. This is hugely informative painstakingly-researched book.
* African Arguments *
The book by Maruf and Joseph is a very readable, very informative and in passages thrilling account that provides partly unknown details for Somalia-specialists and a basis for reflection and comparison for counter-terrorism experts. Due to the style of writing, it is even accessible for interested non-specialists. The book is recommended strongly for thinking about and beyond the Somali setting.
* African Affairs *
Maruf and Josef, who are first-rate journalists, are to be congratulated on this work, which is tricky and somewhat dangerous.
-- Kenneth Christie * ID: International Dialogue *
