I Was Told to Come Alone: My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad by Souad Mekhennet is a gripping memoir that takes readers on an eye-opening journey into the heart of jihadist movements. As a reporter for the Washington Post, Mekhennet’s unique background as a Muslim raised in Germany allows her access to some of the most dangerous figures in the world, from Al-Qaeda to ISIS. In this powerful account, she ventures into conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa, uncovering the dark realities of radicalisation, terrorism, and the failed promises of the Arab Spring. Her firsthand experiences, from uncovering the identity of the infamous ISIS executioner ‘Jihadi John’ to facing personal danger in secret interviews, offer an unparalleled look at the complexities of jihadist ideologies and their impact on both the West and the Arab world.
