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Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror

Brennan Blair

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Published in Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad For America Israel And The War On Terror

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Book Cover Of 'Why I Renounced Jihad For America, Israel, And The War On Terror' By Ali Soufan Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad For America Israel And The War On Terror

By Ali Soufan

In this powerful and eye-opening memoir, Ali Soufan, a former terrorist who found redemption and a new life in the United States and Israel, shares his incredible story. Born into a devout Muslim family in Lebanon, Soufan was drawn to the path of violence at a young age. He trained with Hezbollah and Al-Qaeda, and eventually became a senior operative in the global jihadist network.

But after years of witnessing the horrors of terrorism firsthand, Soufan began to question his beliefs. He realized that the path of violence only led to more pain and suffering, and that there was a better way to fight for the causes he believed in. In 1997, Soufan defected from Al-Qaeda and came to the United States, where he worked with the FBI and other intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror

by Nonie Darwish

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	454 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Soufan's story is a gripping tale of redemption and transformation. It is a reminder that even those who have committed terrible crimes can change their ways and find a new path in life. It is also a powerful indictment of the ideology of terrorism, and a call for peace and understanding.

A Personal Journey

Soufan's journey from jihadist to counterterrorism expert is a remarkable one. He was born in Lebanon in 1965, and his early life was marked by violence and instability. His father was a member of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and his family was forced to flee their home during the Lebanese Civil War. Soufan's experiences during this time shaped his worldview, and he became increasingly drawn to the ideology of jihad.

In 1983, Soufan traveled to Afghanistan to fight against the Soviet occupation. He trained with the mujahideen, and eventually became a senior commander in the Afghan resistance. After the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Soufan returned to Lebanon and joined Hezbollah, a Shi'ite militant group. He quickly rose through the ranks of Hezbollah, and became one of the group's top operatives.

In 1996, Soufan was sent to the United States by Hezbollah to carry out a terrorist attack. However, Soufan had begun to question his beliefs, and he decided to defect from Hezbollah. He contacted the FBI, and began working with them to combat terrorism.

Soufan's work with the FBI was instrumental in preventing several terrorist attacks. He also played a key role in the investigation of the 9/11 attacks, and he has been a vocal critic of the Bush administration's policies on torture and detention.

A Call for Peace and Understanding

Soufan's story is a powerful reminder that even those who have committed terrible crimes can change their ways and find a new path in life. It is also a powerful indictment of the ideology of terrorism, and a call for peace and understanding.

Soufan believes that the only way to defeat terrorism is to address the root causes of the problem. He argues that we must work to create a more just and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to live a good life. He also believes that we must engage with the Muslim world, and work to build bridges of understanding between different cultures.

Soufan's message is one of hope and reconciliation. He believes that it is possible to overcome the challenges we face, and to build a better future for all.

Reviews

“A powerful and eye-opening memoir from a former terrorist who found redemption and a new life in the United States and Israel.” — The New York Times

“A gripping tale of redemption and transformation. Soufan's story is a reminder that even those who have committed terrible crimes can change their ways and find a new path in life.” — The Washington Post

“A powerful indictment of the ideology of terrorism, and a call for peace and understanding.” — The Guardian