
The explosive memoir of a Muslim American FBI agent fighting terror from the inside.
It’s no secret that federal agencies are waging a broad, global war against terror. But for the first time in this memoir, an active Muslim American federal agent reveals his experience infiltrating and bringing down a terror cell in North America.
A longtime undercover agent, Tamer Elnoury joined an elite counterterrorism unit after September 11. Its express purpose is to gain the trust of terrorists whose goals are to take out as many Americans in as public and as devastating a way possible. It's a furious race against the clock for Tamer and his unit to stop them before they can implement their plans. Yet as new as this war still is, the techniques are as old as time: listen, record, and prove terrorist intent.
Due to his ongoing work for the FBI, Elnoury writes under a pseudonym. An Arabic-speaking Muslim American, a patriot, a hero: To many Americans, it will be a revelation that he and his team even exist, let alone the vital and dangerous work they do keeping all Americans safe.
Reviews (170)
"American Radical" is a Great Story of One Man's Courageous Fight for Justice for Terrorists
When I noticed "American Radical" for sale on Amazon, I hesitated before purchasing it. "This looks to be an intense, emotionally draining book, and I've got too many irons in the fire. I'm afraid I won't be able to concentrate on it, or that in doing so, I won't be as effective as I need to be at work." Still, the topic was of great importance. An Egyptian-American dedicates his life, as a Muslim, to protecting Americans from drug dealers and terrorists. How could I pass it by? Perhaps Ben Franklin stated it best in Poor Richard's Almanak (1732-57): Without justice, courage is weak. [The International Thesaurus of Quotations, 192.16, pg 116, compiled by Hoda Thomas Tripp]. In American Radical, Tamer Elnoury, (not his real name), shows us how he grew from a rank amateur at undercover police work, to highly skilled professional. Along the way, we learn of his faith, and how similar it sounds to my faith, as a Catholic, now, or as an Episcopalian while a teenager. We also learn of his camaraderie with another member of his department who happens to be Jewish. We also learn of his first great test, when his mother confronted a debilitating disease. These few pages are of critical value to understanding him and how his family is so very similar to any other American citizen. BLUSH FACTOR To be sure, there are graphic profanities, but that should be expected when one considers the topic and the types of characters depicted. As you read it, you might choose to skip over the more harsh cussing, if reading it to an 8-year-old child, or to an 80-year-old grandmother. But, by no means should you choose not to read this fabulous true story. I also highly recommend the companion, discounted offering, by Audible. With many books, but none more so than American Radical, the greatest importance and value comes through listening to the unabridged version of a great book. I am proud to call the author, brother, even though I've never met him or his family. As a 10-year Vietnam-Era veteran, I am proud to learn of this man's courage to seek justice for those who murder innocent men, women and children. Bottom Line Five stars out of five. Comments regarding your opinion of this book or of my review, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always welcome. If you buy the book based on my review and become disappointed, especially, I do want to know that and I want to understand how I can improve as a book reviewer. Just please be polite. Thank you.
Insightful. Eye opening. Frightening.
Breathtakingly frightful. A glimpse into evil radical people who may be be living next door to you in anywhere USA. They’ve hijacked an ancient religion (Islam) and are intent on killing as many Americans as possible. This book shows their evil determination to eradicate America bit by bit. To terrorize us until we are afraid to step outside. The hero and author is of the same religious faith as the killers. This book is the story of how two paths of the Islamic faith could arrive at such disparate destinations. American patriotism lives in Tamer Elnoury’s heart and soul. The people who helped nourish and put it there, were his immigrant Muslim parents.
One of the Most Helpful and Entertaining on a Very Important Topic
This book is very important and very timely. It's one of the few books about which I've written a review immediately after finishing it. Especially in our American political climate today, we need more and more education about Islam to better position ourselves in the argument about it as a religion of peace or a force of evil. Sadly, too little of that distinction comes from Islamic clerics and scholars anywhere in the world, and particularly silent are they in America. Islamic authorities really need to speak out to do most effectively what this book helps to do - to contrast radical Islam with what this author calls and practices as the "True Islam." Since 9-11 we've been relatively lucky. And in the Middle East, it does appear that ISIS is on the run, if not in decline. But the scourge of radical Islam is not going away, it's just going underground. Meanwhile, we better do our homework. This book helps, not only to clarify how "True Islam" is perverted by the radicals, but also, how our FBI works so hard to ferret out terrorism before a planned attack occurs. The ongoing importance of differentiating true from radical Islam is that by failing to understand the difference, one risks lumping all Muslims together in their religion and politics. That error plays neatly into the hand of the radicals, because it helps them achieve their goal: to precipitate the apocalyptic End of Days battle between Islam and all non-believers. Only when that utter chaos is let loose will Allah intercede decisively for Islam's victory and enable a new world oder, a Global calaphate, under Islamic law. Near the end of this book, I began to look for a thrilling climax. But then I realized that I was looking for what I usually found in fiction; it is not here. This book is based on the real deal - the story of a true investigation that thwarts a real terrorist plot and ends cooly and logically the way it should. Nevertheless, without fireworks, the ending is very fulfilling and reinforces the danger and importance of the work being done everyday by heroic, dedicated folks, including some Muslims, behind the scenes. I've been a somewhat reluctant but fascinated student of Islam for some years now. I've read the Quran, the political Hadith and a stunning biography of Muhammad, "It's All About Muhammad," by F.W. Burleigh. "American Radical" has been every bit as enlightening as the others, and I recommend it highly along with them. The co-author of "American Radical," Kevin Maurer, uses clear and concise language that adds to the suspense and quick pace in much of the book. One of the tragic distinctions that's arisen in our politically polarized American society is that those who read books and serious periodicals are somehow deemed "elitist" by those who don't. On the contrary: at least on this topic, those who DO NOT read and learn about the important distinction between radical Islam and the true and correct interpretation of it are fuel to a fire, hopefully not but that might be coming soon. This book is one of the easier and more entertaining reads of any on this topic. Get it and read it for your enjoyment and enlightenment!
Thank You on Thanksgiving...
"Elnoury's" memoir captures information that most Americans have never known. It documents the heroism of one undercover FBI and the risks he and others take. The book is a fascinating look inside the agency's counter-terrorism work. How the agency tracks probable suspects, develops fake names and legends for them and monitors encounters between the agents and their suspects. But this book is more than that. We get a look at the good that's inherent in the Islamic faith and the bad when it becomes perverted. As a Christian, I learned much about the Muslims and their faith that I never would have known. The reader connects with "Elnoury" (and all his support team) as they work to the point of exhaustion to prevent terrorist attacks. "Elnoury's" story is enhanced by his co-author, Kevin Maurer, whose journalist skills turn this important story into an incredible, page turning read. Thank you "Tamer Elnoury" for all you've done to protect this country and for sharing your story. Kevin Maurer, please keep bringing these important experiences to life with the accuracy of your reporting.
Terrorists “Only Unifying Idea is the Perversion of Islam”
Fascinating and engrossing book; reads like a novel! I had to keep reminding myself this is not fiction. A look into the world of an undercover cop setting up drug dealer arrests, covers the first few years of the author’s career. It is ironic that he went into law enforcement wanting to work at the Federal level, and was in fact originally recruited by the FBI, but wanted to get some regular police work out of his system, so turned them down. Years later, a few days after 9/11, he offered his services to the FBI. “I speak Arabic....I’m Sunni Muslim.....I want to help”. The FBI basically respond, “don’t call us, we’ll call you”. Seven years later the FBI is having trouble finding Arabic speaking Agents with undercover experience. A job that fit the Author like a glove. After more training and legend building, Tamer Elnoury is created. He starts hunting radical Islamic terrorists. Tamer uses a long running case involving Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 to educate the reader on the counterterrorism side of the FBI, how the undercover agent works and is supported by other agents, focusing on emotions in legend building of the undercover character, ideology with point of radicalization, and so much more. We learn a lot about Islam and the Koran, and how a radicalized Muslim often behaves. The undercover law enforcement, police, FBI, or other unit, put their lives on the line every moment of interaction; they are true heroes who save many lives in what most would consider frightening work. That the U.S. has men like Tamer watching over our safety, is a tremendous relief!
Excellent Story
I just finished this book and found it very interesting. Tamer left a lot of detail out, likely because he had to do this to get it through FBI and CIA edits. I will note that Tamer's attention to detail was off in some areas, like telling us a U.S. Diplomatic passport is brown - Dip books are always black, an Official book red, and a Tourist book is blue. I think what is a bit disappointing is that there are apparently so few UC Agents trained up and working after being at war for over 16 years, as Tamer and a few others seemed to ride a circuit of CT cases and a slip up in your legend could be fatal. Excellent book and a great view of the world in a very specialized niche part of Federal Law Enforcement. Nice book Tamer.
Vigilante Semper
This is an important and recent true story. Jihadists are here and trying to kill as many of us as possible and this Muslim FBI hero calls them what they are, Radical Islamic Terrorists. As a devout and faithful follower of true Islam, immigrant Egyptian American and Patriot, “Tamer” makes sure the reader knows the difference. Radicals have twisted the Quran to justify mass murder. It’s unusual for the FBI or intelligence agencies to allow the release of such a recent and detailed case. The trial revealed most of the details. Still, methods and other intelligence secrets remain guarded secrets. I think this story was ultimately approved to remind us the Homeland is still in danger, years after 9/11. It’s a well told, fast paced story that reveals the precarious barrier between us and them, and the extraordinary sacrifices these men and women make, silently, to keep us safe. Many controversial laws and policies are clearly keeping us safe, for now. But it’s the true Heroes, like Tamer, his fellow agents and law enforcement, and their continued vigilance that save lives.
Don't Pass This Book Up - Fast, Excellent Read!
After seeing interviews on TV with the author I was hooked. This is a fantastic read and very informative. I have the utmost respect for the author and how he manages daily to keep his own faith strong and still do his job working to capture these terrorists. His compassion comes thru and he is not afraid to show his human side in this story. It was very enlightening regarding the religion and its true values vs what and how the terrorists twist the religion to their needs. Interesting how you can see a pattern in how the "weaker" are sought out by Isis and "molded" into what they need them to be and do for them. I don't know how these agents can have any semblance of a "personal" life. The job they do for our country is all consuming, not to mention dangerous. This book provides a look inside the life of an undercover agent and his contacts and it is a great read. Praying that the author can remain anonymous and stay safe.
Fascinating and Scary
This book was fascinating to read. And it was scary. It caused me to appreciate to efforts of the men and women who battle terrorism in a setting few of us know anything about. It demonstrates that our government is not altogether clueless about combating terrorism and that significant and lawful efforts are being made every day by dedicated patriots of many countries. American Radical also provides a concrete example of the difference between a true Muslim and a terrorist using that religion as an excuse to murder and destroy. Unfortunately for me, the ability of the antagonists to act as normal, friendly, respectful citizens, while maintaining their desire to inflict mass suffering and death, only exacerbated my distrust of religious people. Therefore, I will not recommend this book to anybody who harbors anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim views. I noted one reader's comment that the book was "slow". The action is slow because that is how the experience unfolded. That despite Maurer's masterful writing. Another reader commented on how the book sounded like some kind of propaganda. Both of these reactions suggest that the readers did not like what they found. Nothing wrong with that. I did not like what I found, either. However, American Radical was not intended to be recreational or reassuring. It is intended to be informative and educational, in which regard the book is quite successful.
A MUST read
Riveting and eye opening. This man is a real American. This book will hopefully show that the majority of muslims are great Americans, despite the few in the media that aren't.
"American Radical" is a Great Story of One Man's Courageous Fight for Justice for Terrorists
When I noticed "American Radical" for sale on Amazon, I hesitated before purchasing it. "This looks to be an intense, emotionally draining book, and I've got too many irons in the fire. I'm afraid I won't be able to concentrate on it, or that in doing so, I won't be as effective as I need to be at work." Still, the topic was of great importance. An Egyptian-American dedicates his life, as a Muslim, to protecting Americans from drug dealers and terrorists. How could I pass it by? Perhaps Ben Franklin stated it best in Poor Richard's Almanak (1732-57): Without justice, courage is weak. [The International Thesaurus of Quotations, 192.16, pg 116, compiled by Hoda Thomas Tripp]. In American Radical, Tamer Elnoury, (not his real name), shows us how he grew from a rank amateur at undercover police work, to highly skilled professional. Along the way, we learn of his faith, and how similar it sounds to my faith, as a Catholic, now, or as an Episcopalian while a teenager. We also learn of his camaraderie with another member of his department who happens to be Jewish. We also learn of his first great test, when his mother confronted a debilitating disease. These few pages are of critical value to understanding him and how his family is so very similar to any other American citizen. BLUSH FACTOR To be sure, there are graphic profanities, but that should be expected when one considers the topic and the types of characters depicted. As you read it, you might choose to skip over the more harsh cussing, if reading it to an 8-year-old child, or to an 80-year-old grandmother. But, by no means should you choose not to read this fabulous true story. I also highly recommend the companion, discounted offering, by Audible. With many books, but none more so than American Radical, the greatest importance and value comes through listening to the unabridged version of a great book. I am proud to call the author, brother, even though I've never met him or his family. As a 10-year Vietnam-Era veteran, I am proud to learn of this man's courage to seek justice for those who murder innocent men, women and children. Bottom Line Five stars out of five. Comments regarding your opinion of this book or of my review, whether favorable or unfavorable, are always welcome. If you buy the book based on my review and become disappointed, especially, I do want to know that and I want to understand how I can improve as a book reviewer. Just please be polite. Thank you.
Insightful. Eye opening. Frightening.
Breathtakingly frightful. A glimpse into evil radical people who may be be living next door to you in anywhere USA. They’ve hijacked an ancient religion (Islam) and are intent on killing as many Americans as possible. This book shows their evil determination to eradicate America bit by bit. To terrorize us until we are afraid to step outside. The hero and author is of the same religious faith as the killers. This book is the story of how two paths of the Islamic faith could arrive at such disparate destinations. American patriotism lives in Tamer Elnoury’s heart and soul. The people who helped nourish and put it there, were his immigrant Muslim parents.