I Was Told to Come Alone

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The journalist who uncovered the "Jihadi John" story draws on her personal experiences to bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the West, offering insights into the rise of Islamic radicalism. Souad Mekhennet, the daughter of a Turkish mother and a Moroccan father, was born and educated in Germany and has reported for various American newspapers. Since the 9/11 attacks, she has engaged with some of the most dangerous figures within her religion, often facing uncertainty when called for interviews. In this work, she explores the minds of young jihadists, seeking to understand and defuse their motivations. Mekhennet's unique access to the world of jihad has sometimes placed her life at risk. Her journey takes her from Germany to the heart of the Muslim world, including the Middle East, North Africa, Sunni Pakistan, Shia Iran, and the Turkish/Syrian border, where ISIS is prevalent. She then returns to Europe, first to London, where she identifies the infamous ISIS executioner, and later to Paris and Brussels, sites of terror that have struck at the heart of Western civilization. Mekhennet’s perspective helps illuminate the human stories behind the headlines, making her an invaluable guide to areas often inaccessible to Western reporters.