Inside Al-Shabaab

- One of the most powerful Islamic groups in Africa with connections to Al-Qaeda.

- Draws on interviews from former Al-Shabaab militants and commanders, US relations to the group and the 2006 US invasion of Somalia.

- Well-written, the book will offer a new insight into the organization and recruitment practices.

- The authors have been covering Somalia and its struggles since the 1990s.

One of the most powerful Islamic militant groups in Africa, Al-Shabaab exerts Taliban-like rule over millions in Somalia and poses a growing threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. Somalis risk retaliation or death if they oppose or fail to comply with Al-Shabaab-imposed restrictions on aspects of everyday life such as clothing, media, sports, interpersonal relations, and prayer. Inside Al-Shabaab: The Secret History of Al-Qaeda's Most Powerful Ally recounts the rise, fall, and resurgence of this overlooked terrorist organization and provides an intimate understanding of its connections with Al-Qaeda. Drawing from interviews with former Al-Shabaab militants, including high-ranking officials, military commanders, police, and foot soldiers, authors Harun Maruf and Dan Joseph reveal the motivations of those who commit their lives to the group and its violent jihadist agenda. A wealth of sources including US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, letters taken from the Pakistani hideout of Osama bin Laden, case files from the prosecution of American Al-Shabaab members, emails from Hillary Clinton's tenure as secretary of state, and Al-Shabaab's own statements and recruiting videos inform Maruf and Joseph's investigation of the United States' campaign against Al-Shabaab and how the 2006 US-backed Ethiopian invasion of Somalia gave the group the popular support it needed to radicalize ordinary citizens and become a powerful movement.

The audio book is narrated by Nicholas Smith. Produced by Speechki in 2021.

Part 1: Origins and Rise
1. Jihad Arrives in Somalia
2. The CIA, Warlords, and Ethiopia
3. "The Real Jihad Has Just Started"
4. Godane
5. American Al-Shabaab
6. Radical Organization

Part 2: The Battle for Mogadishu
7. "TFG IN GRAVE JEOPARDY"
8. "We Want Anyone"
9. Zenith and Stalemate
10. The Ramadan Offensive
11. Withdrawal

Part 3: On the Run
12. Divisions and Purge
13. The Road to Westgate
14. No Place to Hide

Part 4: Resurgence
15. Arresting the Decline
16. The ISIS Incursion
17. The Future of al-Shabab