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Agent au coeur d'Al-Qaïda
Rien ne prédestinait Morten Storm, trentenaire d'origine danoise, à devenir agent double pour la CIA. Et pourtant, c'est bien cette histoire qu'il nous livre dans un témoignage fascinant, bientôt porté à l'écran par Paul Greengrass, réalisateur de la saga Jason Bourne.
499 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
165 people are currently reading
2148 people want to read
About the author
Morten Storm
5 books6 followersMorton Storm is a former radical Islamist born in Korsør, Denmark. After plunging deep inside the world of al Qaeda, he became a double agent employed by the American, British, and Danish intelligence agencies. He lives in an undisclosed location.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
April 6, 2017
Forget James Bond. Six-foot-one, 250 pounds, with flaming red hair, Morten Storm is the real deal. This guy really did infiltrate al-Qaeda and operate at the highest levels of the network for many years. And, apparently, he’s still alive (somewhere) to tell the tale.
If Agent Storm were a novel, you wouldn’t believe a word of it. It’s not. The co-authors wrote the book based on weeks of interviews and months of documentary research to confirm what they learned. In an author’s note that prefaces the text, they write that “What makes Morten Storm’s story unique is the extraordinary amount of audiovisual evidence and electronic communications he collected during his time as a spy, which both corroborate his story and enrich his account.”
Much later, in Storm’s acknowledgment at the conclusion of the book, we learn that co-author Paul Cruickshank, a British journalist, “is now CNN’s terrorism analyst and the editor of a recent five-volume collection of scholarship on al-Qaeda.” Like Cruickshank, co-author Tim Lister had “reported on al-Qaeda terrorism and international security for many years.” And the book includes snapshots of much of the documentation that Storm so carefully collected over the years, which help to confirm the context surrounding the clandestine recordings of his conversations with his Western handlers.
So much for any doubts about the credibility of this astonishing tale.
Written as a first-person account, Agent Storm relates the experiences over a decade of a young Danish man who describes himself as, early in life, a “biker, boozer, and boxer.” Raised in a violent, alcohol-fueled home and a veteran of criminal gangs in adolescence, Morten Storm turned to Islam at the age of twenty-one and made his way with the fierce and sudden conviction of a convert into radical jihadist circles. Gradually drifting into the heart of al-Qaeda in Yemen in the late 1990s, Storm was seen as a valuable asset by the terrorist network and eventually given an audience with Anwar al-Awlaki. Awlaki was the radical American Muslim cleric who rose to head what became the most powerful arm of al-Qaeda following the death of Osama bin Laden many years later; he was widely considered to be the successor to Ayman al-Zawahari, the man who took over following bin Laden’s death. Eventually, Storm became a close and trusted aide to Awlaki. The cleric even entrusted him with the job of recruiting his third wife, a blonde Westerner, as well as funneling money and supplies to him and his followers (as directed by Western intelligence agencies). Awlaki, you may recall, was the first American to be targeted and killed by a US drone strike — and the authors make a very good case for demonstrating that Morten Storm provided the crucial link that led to the cleric’s assassination.
This account of Storm’s evolving beliefs over the years, and his 180-degree turn into becoming a spy for Danish intelligence, MI5 and MI6, and the CIA, is an intensely suspenseful tale that stacks up to any novel of espionage as a cliffhanger. It is also a carefully measured condemnation of Danish intelligence and the CIA, and to a lesser extent of the twin British agencies — measured, because Storm is critical of no one more than himself. The details about distrust and conflict among the various agencies are worth the price of the book in their own right. (Hint: they thought little was wrong with undermining one another’s operations — and these were all allies.)
If you’re looking for insight into the minds and mores of radical Islamists and a true account of how Western powers practice the craft of intelligence, Agent Storm is an eye-opening introduction.
If Agent Storm were a novel, you wouldn’t believe a word of it. It’s not. The co-authors wrote the book based on weeks of interviews and months of documentary research to confirm what they learned. In an author’s note that prefaces the text, they write that “What makes Morten Storm’s story unique is the extraordinary amount of audiovisual evidence and electronic communications he collected during his time as a spy, which both corroborate his story and enrich his account.”
Much later, in Storm’s acknowledgment at the conclusion of the book, we learn that co-author Paul Cruickshank, a British journalist, “is now CNN’s terrorism analyst and the editor of a recent five-volume collection of scholarship on al-Qaeda.” Like Cruickshank, co-author Tim Lister had “reported on al-Qaeda terrorism and international security for many years.” And the book includes snapshots of much of the documentation that Storm so carefully collected over the years, which help to confirm the context surrounding the clandestine recordings of his conversations with his Western handlers.
So much for any doubts about the credibility of this astonishing tale.
Written as a first-person account, Agent Storm relates the experiences over a decade of a young Danish man who describes himself as, early in life, a “biker, boozer, and boxer.” Raised in a violent, alcohol-fueled home and a veteran of criminal gangs in adolescence, Morten Storm turned to Islam at the age of twenty-one and made his way with the fierce and sudden conviction of a convert into radical jihadist circles. Gradually drifting into the heart of al-Qaeda in Yemen in the late 1990s, Storm was seen as a valuable asset by the terrorist network and eventually given an audience with Anwar al-Awlaki. Awlaki was the radical American Muslim cleric who rose to head what became the most powerful arm of al-Qaeda following the death of Osama bin Laden many years later; he was widely considered to be the successor to Ayman al-Zawahari, the man who took over following bin Laden’s death. Eventually, Storm became a close and trusted aide to Awlaki. The cleric even entrusted him with the job of recruiting his third wife, a blonde Westerner, as well as funneling money and supplies to him and his followers (as directed by Western intelligence agencies). Awlaki, you may recall, was the first American to be targeted and killed by a US drone strike — and the authors make a very good case for demonstrating that Morten Storm provided the crucial link that led to the cleric’s assassination.
This account of Storm’s evolving beliefs over the years, and his 180-degree turn into becoming a spy for Danish intelligence, MI5 and MI6, and the CIA, is an intensely suspenseful tale that stacks up to any novel of espionage as a cliffhanger. It is also a carefully measured condemnation of Danish intelligence and the CIA, and to a lesser extent of the twin British agencies — measured, because Storm is critical of no one more than himself. The details about distrust and conflict among the various agencies are worth the price of the book in their own right. (Hint: they thought little was wrong with undermining one another’s operations — and these were all allies.)
If you’re looking for insight into the minds and mores of radical Islamists and a true account of how Western powers practice the craft of intelligence, Agent Storm is an eye-opening introduction.
March 18, 2025
Мортен Сторм е идеалният кандидат за западен джихадист:
✔️ Объркано детство, баща-алкохолик, лоши отношения с майката
✔️ Липса на дисциплина и призвание, усещане за безсмисленост на всичко и всички, усещане за изолация и отчужденост
✔️ Банда, гангстерски изпълнения, наркотици и живот ден за ден
На този фон салафизмът поне указва определена посока и дава ясни, простички и окончателни обяснения и наставления, без да оставя и милиметър място за съмнения или различни трактовки. Сторм връхлита в новото си призвание с идеята, че всичко се е осмислило и го е превърнало във велик воин. Йемен на религиозните фанатичните секти и на политическия хаос става новата му родина. Две уж религиозни, но доста повратливи мюсюлмански съпруги по-късно обаче заварваме Мортен, станал Мурад, като агент на датското, английското и американското разузнаване, осигуряващ данни за арест или пълно премахване на старите си приятелчета.
Въпросът “защо” винаги е най-ключовият в подобен тип документалистика. Защо толкова хора решават да ползват религията като бухалка срещу свои и чужди, и спокойно или даже екзалтирано настояват за убийство на деца, жени и случайни граждани? Защо някой, роден и отраснал в уж благоустроена и светска държава (в случая - Дания) би прегърнал такива мракобесни възгледи и методи? Дали профилът “мъж-безработен-неудачник-маргинализиран-агресивен-с комплекс за малоценност-търсещ абсолютния смисъл” е точният, или има още много дяволи в детайлите, като например структурата на самата ислямска юриспруденция (шариатът), която по замисъл и същност осъжда всяка промяна като ерес? Да не говорим за международното положение, където Големият брат САЩ за мнозина в Близкия Изток е Големият сатана… И още много възможни аспекти.
Тези въпроси напълно липсват в книгата. Нито Мортен, нито двамата журналисти-помощници правят опит да кажат нещо повече отвъд скучното изреждане на хаотични дребни факти, хвалбите на Мортен за собствената му роля (което на места се опровергава ту от някоя изтървана реплика, ту от липсата на свързан анализ) и мрънкането как никой не го цени или пък как всички се избиват за вниманието му. Изобщо не стана ясно кое точно предизвиква прелома му от салафизма обратно към съмнението (и кокаина). Пъкна липса на самоанализ, някаква извлечена поука и ясна позиция. Шпионите често са неприятни типове като Мортен, но той освен това в изложението лъсва като изумително ограничен. Иначе нямаше да стане салафит, нали? Или просто журналистите в авторската секция трябва да си върнат хонорарите за съавторство като 100% незаработени.
✔️ Объркано детство, баща-алкохолик, лоши отношения с майката
✔️ Липса на дисциплина и призвание, усещане за безсмисленост на всичко и всички, усещане за изолация и отчужденост
✔️ Банда, гангстерски изпълнения, наркотици и живот ден за ден
На този фон салафизмът поне указва определена посока и дава ясни, простички и окончателни обяснения и наставления, без да оставя и милиметър място за съмнения или различни трактовки. Сторм връхлита в новото си призвание с идеята, че всичко се е осмислило и го е превърнало във велик воин. Йемен на религиозните фанатичните секти и на политическия хаос става новата му родина. Две уж религиозни, но доста повратливи мюсюлмански съпруги по-късно обаче заварваме Мортен, станал Мурад, като агент на датското, английското и американското разузнаване, осигуряващ данни за арест или пълно премахване на старите си приятелчета.
Въпросът “защо” винаги е най-ключовият в подобен тип документалистика. Защо толкова хора решават да ползват религията като бухалка срещу свои и чужди, и спокойно или даже екзалтирано настояват за убийство на деца, жени и случайни граждани? Защо някой, роден и отраснал в уж благоустроена и светска държава (в случая - Дания) би прегърнал такива мракобесни възгледи и методи? Дали профилът “мъж-безработен-неудачник-маргинализиран-агресивен-с комплекс за малоценност-търсещ абсолютния смисъл” е точният, или има още много дяволи в детайлите, като например структурата на самата ислямска юриспруденция (шариатът), която по замисъл и същност осъжда всяка промяна като ерес? Да не говорим за международното положение, където Големият брат САЩ за мнозина в Близкия Изток е Големият сатана… И още много възможни аспекти.
Тези въпроси напълно липсват в книгата. Нито Мортен, нито двамата журналисти-помощници правят опит да кажат нещо повече отвъд скучното изреждане на хаотични дребни факти, хвалбите на Мортен за собствената му роля (което на места се опровергава ту от някоя изтървана реплика, ту от липсата на свързан анализ) и мрънкането как никой не го цени или пък как всички се избиват за вниманието му. Изобщо не стана ясно кое точно предизвиква прелома му от салафизма обратно към съмнението (и кокаина). Пъкна липса на самоанализ, някаква извлечена поука и ясна позиция. Шпионите често са неприятни типове като Мортен, но той освен това в изложението лъсва като изумително ограничен. Иначе нямаше да стане салафит, нали? Или просто журналистите в авторската секция трябва да си върнат хонорарите за съавторство като 100% незаработени.
September 27, 2014
To counter the obvious concerns about the credibility of this tale the authors provide a large amount of supporting evidence. The fact that it is true makes it a pretty incredible story, real double agent, 007 stuff. It gives a good idea of how disaffected folks can lose them selves in a mass movement, in this case radical (reactionary really) Islam. The book provides good insights to the jihadist movement and the divisions within Islam itself. As current events in the Middle East today show all too well the hatred for Moslems of differing beliefs can be as great as towards westerners. The motivation to attack Europeans and Americans is displayed in what to any American should be a frightening fashion. Well written, fast paced, and at times downright scary this is a really interesting read.
November 13, 2016
This is a mesmerizing journey taken by this Danish man. One always thinks of Denmark as a highly civilized country – pleasant and safe – a wonderful place to grow up in. So this book blows some of those stereotypes to smithereens.
Anyway here is the short version. Morten had an unruly childhood with an abusive stepfather – he became involved in gangs, drugs... Disputes were settled by fists and brawls inside and outside pubs. In his early twenties Morten discovered Islam. It gave his life structure and what he thought was a moral base. Friendships became based on the knowledge and discussion of the tenets of Islam. To study further he went to Yemen – not quite realizing that he was on a pathway to embracing a version of Islam that was intolerant and had a straight-jacket view of the world. Those who disagreed with this outlook would be considered deadly enemies who could be justifiably killed. He became a member of Al Qaeda.
Morten married within this cult and had two children. He was traveling extensively in Europe and Yemen so he never had much to do with their upbringing.
Eventually Morten started to realize how intolerant he was becoming. Being with people in both England and Denmark who were suppose to be his mortal enemies, but who otherwise behaved in a normal manner, made him aware of the moral quandary of his religious position. He had also been approached by undercover agents in both England and Denmark. They knew what he was up to. So he came around to becoming a double agent for Denmark (PET), England (MI5, MI6) and the U.S. (CIA). Morten was a guy that could not stand still.
Page 125 (my book) Morten speaking to his mother
“Mum, you can’t tell anybody this. And you’re the only person in the world who knows. I’m not a Muslim any more and I’ve started to work for Danish intelligence.”
There was silence for a few moments.
“There’s never a dull moment with you,” she finally replied.
We get a chilling portrait of his volatile life and those he met. There is the Yemeni-American Anwar al Awlaki killed by drones in 2011. I think one of the most bizarre is the Croatian woman, Irena Horak, who became Awlaki’s third wife – and then became a widow in Yemen surrounded by the Al Qaeda clan. We witness the wheeling’s and dealings of Morten with all the spy agencies – who listened and took copious notes of the vast Al Qaeda network – but then kept persuading Morten to go on ever dangerous missions to Yemen and Kenya.
This is a non-stop read, and frightening. There are so many layers of Jihadi‘s that when one branch is eliminated, others take-over. Awlaki’s you-tube lectures are still out there and are an inspiration for new recruits. The bomb-maker Ibrahim al-Asiri is training others. The list goes on.
As a warning to Donald Trump’s position on making guns more available and marketable this was in a footnote on page 392.
The American al-Qaeda propagandist Adam Gadahn says that “America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms.” Anyone can “go down to a gun show at the local convention center and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle without a background check and most likely without having to show an identification card”. He concludes: “So what are you waiting for?”
Anyway here is the short version. Morten had an unruly childhood with an abusive stepfather – he became involved in gangs, drugs... Disputes were settled by fists and brawls inside and outside pubs. In his early twenties Morten discovered Islam. It gave his life structure and what he thought was a moral base. Friendships became based on the knowledge and discussion of the tenets of Islam. To study further he went to Yemen – not quite realizing that he was on a pathway to embracing a version of Islam that was intolerant and had a straight-jacket view of the world. Those who disagreed with this outlook would be considered deadly enemies who could be justifiably killed. He became a member of Al Qaeda.
Morten married within this cult and had two children. He was traveling extensively in Europe and Yemen so he never had much to do with their upbringing.
Eventually Morten started to realize how intolerant he was becoming. Being with people in both England and Denmark who were suppose to be his mortal enemies, but who otherwise behaved in a normal manner, made him aware of the moral quandary of his religious position. He had also been approached by undercover agents in both England and Denmark. They knew what he was up to. So he came around to becoming a double agent for Denmark (PET), England (MI5, MI6) and the U.S. (CIA). Morten was a guy that could not stand still.
Page 125 (my book) Morten speaking to his mother
“Mum, you can’t tell anybody this. And you’re the only person in the world who knows. I’m not a Muslim any more and I’ve started to work for Danish intelligence.”
There was silence for a few moments.
“There’s never a dull moment with you,” she finally replied.
We get a chilling portrait of his volatile life and those he met. There is the Yemeni-American Anwar al Awlaki killed by drones in 2011. I think one of the most bizarre is the Croatian woman, Irena Horak, who became Awlaki’s third wife – and then became a widow in Yemen surrounded by the Al Qaeda clan. We witness the wheeling’s and dealings of Morten with all the spy agencies – who listened and took copious notes of the vast Al Qaeda network – but then kept persuading Morten to go on ever dangerous missions to Yemen and Kenya.
This is a non-stop read, and frightening. There are so many layers of Jihadi‘s that when one branch is eliminated, others take-over. Awlaki’s you-tube lectures are still out there and are an inspiration for new recruits. The bomb-maker Ibrahim al-Asiri is training others. The list goes on.
As a warning to Donald Trump’s position on making guns more available and marketable this was in a footnote on page 392.
The American al-Qaeda propagandist Adam Gadahn says that “America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms.” Anyone can “go down to a gun show at the local convention center and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle without a background check and most likely without having to show an identification card”. He concludes: “So what are you waiting for?”
September 22, 2014
First, let's just establish that I've got to take the author on his word: There is no way I can check his story. I find no real reason to doubt the story, though, except it being pretty unique, but its (relative) uniqueness doesn't make it less probable, imo. So ok, let's say that this is all true, or close enough (not gonna go into a discussion on what "truth" is and what details might be changed/lied about and and and).
So, my belief that his story holds water being stated, I have to say that this story is quite exciting, and quite crazy. There's stuff to be learned here (different islamist networks and how they're interconnected; a few details about secret communication etc; the mentality of those utter losers the 'mujaheddin of the West'), maybe nothing you can't learn more detailed elsewhere, but the authencity of a personal story is hard to beat. It's fascinating in some ways, disgusting in others, scary in yet others and even rather ridiculous. To me, the part with "the closing of the mind" is most interesting, the psychological part, if you will. Why do people want to go and blow themselves and a bunch of others up, in the name of --- you know; Islam. Or was it the Übermensch, in brown or in red version. The thousand-year Reich of paradise in this world and/or the next. Same shit. I'm quite convinced it's the same kind of people it all appeals to. Why, I'm not so sure of. Excitement, drama, purpose, perhaps. Belonging. Strict rules you can adher to and then you're "saved", one way or the other. I don't know. I just don't think it's oh so very complicated. This book does not change my view in that sense. Fighting it, however, is more complicated. It doesn't quite sound as if our societies' reactions are adequate, though. Somehow, I think that's more scary.
It is, however, a good read. I think it will appeal to both thrill-seeking readers and to readers more interested in the topics as they are; radicalization, the war on terror, all those related subjects. Thumbs up.
So, my belief that his story holds water being stated, I have to say that this story is quite exciting, and quite crazy. There's stuff to be learned here (different islamist networks and how they're interconnected; a few details about secret communication etc; the mentality of those utter losers the 'mujaheddin of the West'), maybe nothing you can't learn more detailed elsewhere, but the authencity of a personal story is hard to beat. It's fascinating in some ways, disgusting in others, scary in yet others and even rather ridiculous. To me, the part with "the closing of the mind" is most interesting, the psychological part, if you will. Why do people want to go and blow themselves and a bunch of others up, in the name of --- you know; Islam. Or was it the Übermensch, in brown or in red version. The thousand-year Reich of paradise in this world and/or the next. Same shit. I'm quite convinced it's the same kind of people it all appeals to. Why, I'm not so sure of. Excitement, drama, purpose, perhaps. Belonging. Strict rules you can adher to and then you're "saved", one way or the other. I don't know. I just don't think it's oh so very complicated. This book does not change my view in that sense. Fighting it, however, is more complicated. It doesn't quite sound as if our societies' reactions are adequate, though. Somehow, I think that's more scary.
It is, however, a good read. I think it will appeal to both thrill-seeking readers and to readers more interested in the topics as they are; radicalization, the war on terror, all those related subjects. Thumbs up.
July 7, 2020
What a fantastic book and story. This is a great story of why people join these terrorist movements and how Mr. Storm joined and realized that they are not what they proclaim to be. I am glad that he was able to tell this story, especially the part of him working for the International Intelligence agencies. This is interesting look into the world of espionage and the moral dilemmas that come with being a double agent and trying to protect your home country and not wanting people you care about killed. Great read, cool topic.
September 13, 2014
James Bond is still alive and well and living as Morten Storm in an undisclosed location in the United Kingdom. Or is he? After reading this spy novel come-to-life, I’m not so sure.
Morten, known to radical Islamists in Europe and Yemen as Murad, in this tell-all biography takes us behind-the-scenes to look at life from inside the world of al Qaeda. In this 343-page journal, Morten and his co-authors Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, take us on a roller coaster ride through the dark side of terrorism.
Morten-Cruickshank and Lister left nothing out of this operator’s manual for spies. The authors include photographs of some of the intelligence community’s most-wanted terrorists. Here you’ll find a list of not only the main characters, (the “dramatis personae”) in Morten’s story but also several pages of lists of militants and Islamists, both dead and alive. Even more revealing, we’re given a list of Morten’s Danish, English and American intelligence handlers, (first names only for obvious reasons), the “good guys” in this cloak-and-dagger tale. Adding an element of strong authenticity are the last eight pages dedicated to showing the reader all the e-mails and other documents, the “spy stuff” and the paper trail that reportedly corroborates Storm’s life as a double agent.
There are several plot twists within these pages I had a hard time understanding. How does a young man, born in Denmark, evolve from being a member of a Danish biker gang to becoming a Muslim and then a radical jihadist, hell-bent on slaughtering infidels everywhere? Later, how does that same friend of Osama bin Laden’s apparent successor, Anwar al-Awlaki, suddenly renounce not only Islamic terrorism, but become a jihadist hunter? How does Morten, while performing undercover missions for the CIA blow through $250,000 and not return one penny when one caper goes bad? Why would American and European spy agencies work with someone who has a cocaine habit? Was there really a CIA plot to get Morten near al-Awlaki’s successor, Nasir al-Wuhayshi, so the spy agency’s own mole would be eliminated in a drone strike? There are a lot of unanswered questions here.
Whether any of this James Bond wannabe’s story was entirely made up or not, I’ll let you be the judge. Or, we could all wait for the movie. Storm's life is reportedly going to be brought to the big screen by Paul Greengrass, director of the Bourne Identity spy-trilogy.
Morten, known to radical Islamists in Europe and Yemen as Murad, in this tell-all biography takes us behind-the-scenes to look at life from inside the world of al Qaeda. In this 343-page journal, Morten and his co-authors Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, take us on a roller coaster ride through the dark side of terrorism.
Morten-Cruickshank and Lister left nothing out of this operator’s manual for spies. The authors include photographs of some of the intelligence community’s most-wanted terrorists. Here you’ll find a list of not only the main characters, (the “dramatis personae”) in Morten’s story but also several pages of lists of militants and Islamists, both dead and alive. Even more revealing, we’re given a list of Morten’s Danish, English and American intelligence handlers, (first names only for obvious reasons), the “good guys” in this cloak-and-dagger tale. Adding an element of strong authenticity are the last eight pages dedicated to showing the reader all the e-mails and other documents, the “spy stuff” and the paper trail that reportedly corroborates Storm’s life as a double agent.
There are several plot twists within these pages I had a hard time understanding. How does a young man, born in Denmark, evolve from being a member of a Danish biker gang to becoming a Muslim and then a radical jihadist, hell-bent on slaughtering infidels everywhere? Later, how does that same friend of Osama bin Laden’s apparent successor, Anwar al-Awlaki, suddenly renounce not only Islamic terrorism, but become a jihadist hunter? How does Morten, while performing undercover missions for the CIA blow through $250,000 and not return one penny when one caper goes bad? Why would American and European spy agencies work with someone who has a cocaine habit? Was there really a CIA plot to get Morten near al-Awlaki’s successor, Nasir al-Wuhayshi, so the spy agency’s own mole would be eliminated in a drone strike? There are a lot of unanswered questions here.
Whether any of this James Bond wannabe’s story was entirely made up or not, I’ll let you be the judge. Or, we could all wait for the movie. Storm's life is reportedly going to be brought to the big screen by Paul Greengrass, director of the Bourne Identity spy-trilogy.
February 11, 2016
A fascinating book. Morten Storm grew up a troubled youth in Denmark, drinking, fighting, and raising hell until he one day randomly picked up a book about the prophet Muhammad in the local library. The book transformed his life and he pledged his devotion to the Islamic faith.
As time went by he became radicalized, believing in the jihadist cause. He came into contact with many other jihadis throughout Scandinavia and Britain, and while living in Britain was encouraged by a cleric to study Islam in a remote part of Yemen. Storm agreed and while there he became even further radicalized, becoming an acquaintance of many important fanatics, including the American-born top terrorist Anwar al-Awlaqi. As a large European with flaming red hair, Storm made for quite a curiosity in the Middle Eastern radical circles
After a few years Storm began to question and then ultimately renounced his faith. He began to believe that global terrorism must be stopped, so he reached out to the Danish intelligence agency (PET) and offered to become an undercover informant. Soon he was also recruited by the British intelligence and the American CIA. The book details his covert and very dangerous operations within the heart of Islamic fanaticism. Of particular note is the tense chase for his friend Awlaqi, based on the intel provided by Storm.
The extremist views taken by the Islamic ‘true believers’ are unbelievably chilling. The wholesale slaughter of innocent Western civilians is absolutely justified in their minds.
This book provides an excellent inside look at some of the main players and territories in the Islamic global jihadi movement, as well as the Danish, British, and American intelligence agencies who are sworn to stopping them.
As time went by he became radicalized, believing in the jihadist cause. He came into contact with many other jihadis throughout Scandinavia and Britain, and while living in Britain was encouraged by a cleric to study Islam in a remote part of Yemen. Storm agreed and while there he became even further radicalized, becoming an acquaintance of many important fanatics, including the American-born top terrorist Anwar al-Awlaqi. As a large European with flaming red hair, Storm made for quite a curiosity in the Middle Eastern radical circles
After a few years Storm began to question and then ultimately renounced his faith. He began to believe that global terrorism must be stopped, so he reached out to the Danish intelligence agency (PET) and offered to become an undercover informant. Soon he was also recruited by the British intelligence and the American CIA. The book details his covert and very dangerous operations within the heart of Islamic fanaticism. Of particular note is the tense chase for his friend Awlaqi, based on the intel provided by Storm.
The extremist views taken by the Islamic ‘true believers’ are unbelievably chilling. The wholesale slaughter of innocent Western civilians is absolutely justified in their minds.
This book provides an excellent inside look at some of the main players and territories in the Islamic global jihadi movement, as well as the Danish, British, and American intelligence agencies who are sworn to stopping them.
May 4, 2018
I only read this book because I met the author in Yemen on numerous occasions during my fifteen years there. I met him during a visit he made to Dammaj after the death of the Sheikh, and I met him a few times upon his many returns to Sanaa (including one of his final trips). I, nor anybody else that knew him, never trusted him because he refused to hang around anybody but suspected terrorists. Whenever one of the real Muslims advised him to stop hanging around Al-Qaeda, he used to get angry, loud and defensive. He was going around Sanaa trying to motivate people to do terrorist acts, and then he flips scripts and and gets off with no punishment. However, the people that he motivated ended up dying upon stupidity or spending the rest of their lives in prison. I hope you can live with yourself "Murad." You are truly a hypocrite.
July 24, 2018
Fascinating story of a young Danish man who went from smuggling items, to being in a biker gang, to becoming a Muslim and then radicalizing. For years in service of jihad until realizing he no longer held those same beliefs. Instead turning to the Danish security service PET as well as MI5, MI6 & the CIA. During which his exploits lead these intelligence services to many major terrorist players. Then thinking those same services weren’t playing fair he went public. It is an all around great story, all of which is true. A great read, a page turner, one of those books you don’t want to put down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2016
This book was terrible. It should have been amazing, or at least decent. Awful, flat writing and ZERO introspection made this (apparently) amazing tale so dull I found myself browsing to see if it got better less than 1/3 in. And after 3 minutes of flipping, I realized I didn't care, and stopped flipping.
Just goes to show that a list of actions, no matter how interesting, is in the end just a list and not a book.
Just goes to show that a list of actions, no matter how interesting, is in the end just a list and not a book.
October 16, 2014
starts out a little unbelievable but the wealth of research behind it to historical events and figures is fascinating and in the end is a believable tale of deception and betrayal. You're left feeling sympathetic to him and in a way grateful for the sacrifices he has made to stop these truly dangerous people.
November 22, 2014
If only there were more agents like him I would feel confident about the war on terror. Alas I fear he is one of but a few or maybe the only one. The first third of the book explaining his conversion to Islam was slow but it picked up considerably when he got to the Middle East. Interesting to see the relationship among competing security services.
March 15, 2018
It’s a one hundred page story spread out to 370+ pages. His role was important but everyone and everything is to blame for his behavior. Hey, stress gets to us all but some sniff coke and some don’t. Some save their money for their families and some blow it on drugs. Overall heroic action but a dubious “hero” at best.
September 25, 2017
Amazing to see someone turn from their deepest held beliefs, confront the darkest parts of their faith and try to make amends. I can't imagine the mental toll it took on him, trying to keep his home life, religion and undercover work separate.
August 8, 2017
If this book is just 50% true it is extremely thought-provoking.
November 22, 2020
An outstanding look at the inside of ISIS from a person who was brainwashed by the cult and was able to get out.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
November 9, 2019
Here goes the reasoning behind why two stars;
1. Most of the situations are unbelievable to the level of being immature or unprofessional - E.g. PET and CIA both negligent about author recording an important conversation about an assassination.
2. Majority of the book is about Author's travelling from location to location and meeting people. While this is interesting in the beginning and a major part of the story, it becomes commonplace and boring after a while. Further, most of these characters don't develop in to anything too significant.
3. OTOH, Author also claims implicit and explicit credit for quite a bit of arrests and assassinations.
4. Just another "Jihadist John" story - Sparsely educated, irresponsible (drug addiction, wayward, wanton life style) rebellious youth trying to find shortcuts in religion to reach paradise faster by investing more muscle than brain.
5. Unnecessary and unwarranted insult to a faith that's held sacred by more than a billion followers! This again shows the level of maturity and intelligence of the author - insulting such a large, potential readership for no rational reason is thick and dim! Another example is author leaving the SD Card with the recording of the most important conversation of his carrier in a bag that ends up in the possession of his enemies but miraculously left undiscovered. Yep, this particular ball of yarn keeps on spinning long...
6. Being attracted to a faith for wrong reasons and leaving it for all more superficial ones. Resolute, this is not!
1. Most of the situations are unbelievable to the level of being immature or unprofessional - E.g. PET and CIA both negligent about author recording an important conversation about an assassination.
2. Majority of the book is about Author's travelling from location to location and meeting people. While this is interesting in the beginning and a major part of the story, it becomes commonplace and boring after a while. Further, most of these characters don't develop in to anything too significant.
3. OTOH, Author also claims implicit and explicit credit for quite a bit of arrests and assassinations.
4. Just another "Jihadist John" story - Sparsely educated, irresponsible (drug addiction, wayward, wanton life style) rebellious youth trying to find shortcuts in religion to reach paradise faster by investing more muscle than brain.
5. Unnecessary and unwarranted insult to a faith that's held sacred by more than a billion followers! This again shows the level of maturity and intelligence of the author - insulting such a large, potential readership for no rational reason is thick and dim! Another example is author leaving the SD Card with the recording of the most important conversation of his carrier in a bag that ends up in the possession of his enemies but miraculously left undiscovered. Yep, this particular ball of yarn keeps on spinning long...
6. Being attracted to a faith for wrong reasons and leaving it for all more superficial ones. Resolute, this is not!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2014
When traditional military tactics don't work and we need protection, we call in the ruthless (I.e. CIA and it's foreign equivalents.) We look the other way and deny our hands are dirty and proclaim our horror at what they do, but we enjoy the benefits. Such is this account of a ruthless, self-absorbed sociopath who ultimately found a way to channel his personal character flaws to do good in the world instead of evil. The CIA and foreign equivalents he worked with are basically cut out of the same piece of cloth. In the covert spy world you aren't rewarded with retirement benefits and lifetime protection like you are if you join the classic government system. He definitely chose the hardest road in life. Unfortunately the book won't reach best seller status. There are way too many characters and it is absolutely impossible to keep them straight or rank their importance to the story. I think the authors were so concerned about credibility that it gets bogged down in names, dates and facts and reads more like Wikipedia than it does a well-written biography with straight roads to the most important points. So this book is more for someone doing research or someone who works in intelligence.
May 20, 2015
Agent Storm on the surface is a fascinating look into the world of radical Islam and how it operates. This is told through the eyes of Morten Storm, who's story takes us through his journey from a troubled Danish youth to that of a radical Islamic and then to that of a double agent.
As many other reviewers have pointed out this book requires you to place you trust in the author. There is no way to verify his story and association with various intelligence organisations. A quick Google search does nothing to clarify the matter.
Be it fiction or fact this book does highlight how certain Islamic groups target disfranchised youth with the view of radicalising them. It also went a long way in giving me a better understanding of the different views of Islam and the issues this causes.
In the end I found this book a fascinating read that has left me with a thirst to find more out about the Islamic faith. I have put aside the question of validity and marked this book according to the high level of engagement I received from it.
As many other reviewers have pointed out this book requires you to place you trust in the author. There is no way to verify his story and association with various intelligence organisations. A quick Google search does nothing to clarify the matter.
Be it fiction or fact this book does highlight how certain Islamic groups target disfranchised youth with the view of radicalising them. It also went a long way in giving me a better understanding of the different views of Islam and the issues this causes.
In the end I found this book a fascinating read that has left me with a thirst to find more out about the Islamic faith. I have put aside the question of validity and marked this book according to the high level of engagement I received from it.
August 31, 2020
It’s rare to read an autobiography where the author takes no time to reflect on their own actions or express some type of “now I know better” sentiment. This is one such book. I cannot for the life of me know how anyone can have any type of intellectual honesty within themselves when they complain about how their wife doesn’t want to be homeless in a strange country, but she’s not a ‘real Muslim’ as he engages in drugs and sex every night. Or how he can lie to everyone in his life, including himself, and feel somehow justified in those deceptions. I was expecting to read the story of a hero or at least a faith reckoning; but this was just self-congratulatory with very little to be proud of.
December 30, 2016
a Very bad book full of lies and imaginations. the writer himself is a sick psychopath. I talked with him on Twitter and he is very disrespectful. after reading some of the BS he wrote it is clear for me that he is stupid and I don't want to waste my time of reading his imaginations. well, I don't know what is true and what are the writer imaginations and lies. From the way he described himself he seems lost guy with many mental issues. He converted to Islam as he said and I'm not so sure about that then after 2 weeks he is in Yemen to study Islam just like that!! I'm not going to spoil the book for the ones who want to read it but don't waste your time and money on it.
December 28, 2015
Assuming the author was truthful and all the evidence is legit, this is an intriguing story. It delves into the mind of radicalism and right back out again. While reading, I found myself googling images of the locations mentioned throughout the book, like Alum Rock in Birmingham, England. The convos, photos, etc depicted in the spy world are fascinating. There was one point, I found myself thinking, "Why didn't he just...," but this was probably due to editing of content.
March 19, 2018
I liked this book was gripping tale in parts. Definitely pits radical Islam against moderate Islam
Reads like an action movie in parts. If you want to learn more about inner workings of terrorism this is the book for you. Interesting the competition between world spy agencies as well.
Reads like an action movie in parts. If you want to learn more about inner workings of terrorism this is the book for you. Interesting the competition between world spy agencies as well.
February 20, 2016
I wanted to like book but he came across as a bit of a braggart, and like he thought he was better than everyone else involved. Although he had proof, it was difficult to believe everything he said.
January 2, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book. Never a dull moment. It does read like a highly entertaining spy story, but there is also a great deal of sadness and personal loss in Mr. Storm's life, from his biological father's total rejection of him coupled by his step-father's abusive behavior. As a young adult he is lacking any kind of discipline or direction until he unexpectedly discovers Islam. He is utterly captivated and his life is changed forever and, like most converts, he becomes devoted to his new religion.
Traveling to Yemen where he continues to study Islam, it is not long before he becomes radicalized. He becomes a committed Muslim who prays to Allah five times a day and plots to destroy the infidels. This mindset continues for ten years, until he becomes repelled by the excessive violence of their rhetoric and actions.
After leaving this life, he soon begins working for the Danish Intelligence Agency and here is where the espionage part of the story begins. Mr. Morten has acquired many contacts throughout the past ten years and is a great asset to them.
I learned about the thoughts, allegiances, habits, and lifestyle of Islamic terrorists. One aspect that struck me was their enormous loyalty to each other, and especially to a particular leader whom they admired. There is also a great deal about the three Intelligence Agencies for whom Mr. Morten eventually worked: Danish, British and American (CIA). I realize that his opinion may be biased and should be balanced by other writers.
What really made an impact on me was the inevitable loneliness of this type of work; the constant danger, never being able to completely trust those around you, always having to be on your guard, and never being able to relax and be yourself. Something most of us take for granted.
Although, Mr. Morten admits that it is easy for him to lie, he frequently admits his mistakes as well as the emotional toll that his espionage work has taken on him.
I believe he is a brilliant man, a clever man who unfortunately is impulsive and has a bad temper. He is now a wanted man. As he says "many people would want to have me killed". I feel sad that he will have to live in hiding for many years. I hope he remains safe, can find peace and have a loving relationship with his children.
Traveling to Yemen where he continues to study Islam, it is not long before he becomes radicalized. He becomes a committed Muslim who prays to Allah five times a day and plots to destroy the infidels. This mindset continues for ten years, until he becomes repelled by the excessive violence of their rhetoric and actions.
After leaving this life, he soon begins working for the Danish Intelligence Agency and here is where the espionage part of the story begins. Mr. Morten has acquired many contacts throughout the past ten years and is a great asset to them.
I learned about the thoughts, allegiances, habits, and lifestyle of Islamic terrorists. One aspect that struck me was their enormous loyalty to each other, and especially to a particular leader whom they admired. There is also a great deal about the three Intelligence Agencies for whom Mr. Morten eventually worked: Danish, British and American (CIA). I realize that his opinion may be biased and should be balanced by other writers.
What really made an impact on me was the inevitable loneliness of this type of work; the constant danger, never being able to completely trust those around you, always having to be on your guard, and never being able to relax and be yourself. Something most of us take for granted.
Although, Mr. Morten admits that it is easy for him to lie, he frequently admits his mistakes as well as the emotional toll that his espionage work has taken on him.
I believe he is a brilliant man, a clever man who unfortunately is impulsive and has a bad temper. He is now a wanted man. As he says "many people would want to have me killed". I feel sad that he will have to live in hiding for many years. I hope he remains safe, can find peace and have a loving relationship with his children.
December 28, 2019
For a contrarian view of our much-vaunted counterterrorist operations…
Every young spy in training (in the U.S., at least) is taught that the motives for spying boil down to four, and that these can be remembered by means of the acronym M.IC.E. That is: Money. Ideology. Compromise (i.e. being caught or blackmailed). Ego. Another maxim is that the story of how most spies get started on their path of betrayal resembles the script for a B-Movie. Agent Storm had all the motives listed in M.I.C.E. And his personal story does indeed read like the script of a bad movie. But that doesn’t make it untrue.
When I first read AGENT STORM, I found parts of it difficult to believe. So many twists and turns and unlikely events and motives. But other parts rang completely true. The descriptions of the British, Danish—and particularly the American—intelligence officers and their behavior seemed particularly accurate to me, based on my experience (don’t ask). But after doing some research, Storm’s story seemed to check out. Also, remember that Storm’s account was first covered by the Danish press, who vetted him and demanded documentary proof, which Storm was able to provide.
Though AGENT STORM has its flaws, it is about as good an account as anyone could give of so long and picaresque a story, and one burdened by so many confusing names, places, people and events. Storm’s terrorist career covers a seminal period in the rise of Jihadist activity in the West. The story of Storm’s interactions with the American citizen Jihadi leader Anwar al-Awlaki is alone worth the price of admission.
When you read the glossy, self-serving accounts of Western intelligence operations against Islamist terrorists served up to justify ever-expanding government surveillance and the sacrifice of our Constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms, I suggest that you seek out a contrary view of these intelligence operations by reading AGENT STORM. It won’t leave you feeling quite as good as our national security state and their media apologists would like you to feel about what they are doing in your name.
Every young spy in training (in the U.S., at least) is taught that the motives for spying boil down to four, and that these can be remembered by means of the acronym M.IC.E. That is: Money. Ideology. Compromise (i.e. being caught or blackmailed). Ego. Another maxim is that the story of how most spies get started on their path of betrayal resembles the script for a B-Movie. Agent Storm had all the motives listed in M.I.C.E. And his personal story does indeed read like the script of a bad movie. But that doesn’t make it untrue.
When I first read AGENT STORM, I found parts of it difficult to believe. So many twists and turns and unlikely events and motives. But other parts rang completely true. The descriptions of the British, Danish—and particularly the American—intelligence officers and their behavior seemed particularly accurate to me, based on my experience (don’t ask). But after doing some research, Storm’s story seemed to check out. Also, remember that Storm’s account was first covered by the Danish press, who vetted him and demanded documentary proof, which Storm was able to provide.
Though AGENT STORM has its flaws, it is about as good an account as anyone could give of so long and picaresque a story, and one burdened by so many confusing names, places, people and events. Storm’s terrorist career covers a seminal period in the rise of Jihadist activity in the West. The story of Storm’s interactions with the American citizen Jihadi leader Anwar al-Awlaki is alone worth the price of admission.
When you read the glossy, self-serving accounts of Western intelligence operations against Islamist terrorists served up to justify ever-expanding government surveillance and the sacrifice of our Constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms, I suggest that you seek out a contrary view of these intelligence operations by reading AGENT STORM. It won’t leave you feeling quite as good as our national security state and their media apologists would like you to feel about what they are doing in your name.
April 10, 2018
Morten Storm has definitely led quite a life. This is a book that gets better the more you read.
The anecdotes of a misspent youth begin the book, and I will admit that I was pretty nonplussed about the book, and about Morten himself in this section. He seemed like a bit of an arrogant prick to be honest - although I could also understand how his family dynamic made him into the man he has become. So this part of the book is necessary but not that enjoyable.
As Morten moves through his militant Islamic phase the lack of sympathy continues - Morten is arrogant and dogmatic, and of course this is the point. Even here we see Islamic preachers changing their interpretations of Islam to suit self interest, and the book's main antagonist Anwar Al Alwaki does this, becoming more extreme the more his extremism is rewarded.
And that seems to be what the personalities in this book, including Storm himself, have in common. They are motivated by a desire for importance, status and respect. It is no surprise that the extremist dogma pulse strongest through the most deprived communities of the UK.
The spy section, the biggest section of the book, is also the most exciting. The danger of Morten's mission and duplicity of the intelligence services - especially the CIA - combine to create real tension, and it is in this section that Morten comes into his own. His mental toughness and strength of character, even his arrogance become virtues that show him as a genuine hero.
Even though this is Storm's own perspective that obviously is intended to portray him in a good light, it's pretty hard to deny that this guy is a genuine hero.
A really good book.
The anecdotes of a misspent youth begin the book, and I will admit that I was pretty nonplussed about the book, and about Morten himself in this section. He seemed like a bit of an arrogant prick to be honest - although I could also understand how his family dynamic made him into the man he has become. So this part of the book is necessary but not that enjoyable.
As Morten moves through his militant Islamic phase the lack of sympathy continues - Morten is arrogant and dogmatic, and of course this is the point. Even here we see Islamic preachers changing their interpretations of Islam to suit self interest, and the book's main antagonist Anwar Al Alwaki does this, becoming more extreme the more his extremism is rewarded.
And that seems to be what the personalities in this book, including Storm himself, have in common. They are motivated by a desire for importance, status and respect. It is no surprise that the extremist dogma pulse strongest through the most deprived communities of the UK.
The spy section, the biggest section of the book, is also the most exciting. The danger of Morten's mission and duplicity of the intelligence services - especially the CIA - combine to create real tension, and it is in this section that Morten comes into his own. His mental toughness and strength of character, even his arrogance become virtues that show him as a genuine hero.
Even though this is Storm's own perspective that obviously is intended to portray him in a good light, it's pretty hard to deny that this guy is a genuine hero.
A really good book.
April 25, 2025
Morten Storm'un hayatını anlatan Agent au coeur d'Al-Qaïda kitabı, gerçek bir casusluk romanı gibi sürükleyici ve gerilim dolu. Storm, Danimarka'daki ufak bir sahil kasabasında büyüyen ve zorlu bir çocukluk geçiren bir genç olarak başlıyor hikayesine. Zor bir yaşam sürecinin ardından İslam'a geçiş yaparak radikalleşiyor. Kitap, okuyucuya onun bu dönüşüm sürecini ve radikalleşmesine dair derin bir bakış açısı sunuyor. Bununla birlikte, aşırı uçlardan geçen bir hayatından sonra, Morten'in istihbarat servisleriyle iş birliği yaparak ajanlık yapmaya başlamasıyla ömrü bambaşka bir yöne evriliyor. Hikaye, onun istihbarat dünyasına nasıl sızdığını ve içsel ikilemlerini titizlikle ortaya koyuyor. Kitap, okuyucuları hem radikalizmin karanlık yüzüyle hem de uluslararası istihbarat servislerinin işleyişiyle yüzleştiriyor. Morten Storm'un içsel keşfi ve dönüşümü, okuyucuya, insan doğasının kendisini nasıl değiştirip dönüştürebileceğine dair derin çıkarımlar sunuyor. Özetle, Storm’un hayatı, aşırılıklar ve casusluk içinde sıkışmış kargaşalı dünyasını gözler önüne seriyor, okuyucuyu düşündüren ve sorgulatan etkileyici bir belgesel niteliğinde.
April 26, 2020
Very interesting book. An eye-opener if you don't know anything about Islamic extremists. It was a great read because so much happens and it's told at a fast pace. I couldn't keep track or pronounce many of the names but there is a guide in the back of the book. You really get a sense of the networks of groups (al-Quida, QDAP, al-Shabaab, etc) ready to invoke violence to kill anyone who does not follow Allah. Many desire to perform suicide attacks. They want Islamic law everywhere. Morten was a very valuable intelligence agent because he was one of those extremists for 10 years until he started questioning what the extremists were preaching and came to his senses. This terrorism is a very dangerous and fluid war we are fighting. I see now how important the intelligence agencies are.
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