INSIDE THE JIHAD My Life with Al Qaeda, A Spy's Story

The pseudonymous author, a Moroccan national and informant working at the behest of the French, British, and German governments, offers a first hand account of his recruitment and training within the infamous terrorist network. Nasiri's " handling" by European intelligence agencies provides a revealing glimpse into the West's counterterrorism efforts, but the most compelling portion of the book--and the longest--recounts the author's time spent in a terrorist training camp in Afghanistan. Lloyd James's presentation is clear and well matched to the subject matter, but the book itself could have used a heavier editorial hand. The pace drags too often, hampered by an excess of pedestrian detail and meandering anecdotes. M.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]