An alarming and enlightening first-hand account of what's really going on behind the borders of the Islamic State. ISIS, IS, the ISLAMIC State. It's an organization that has taken on chilling associations due to the horrific deeds committed in its name. ISIS beheads journalists--and yet one, Jurgen Todenhofer, was invited to visit its fighters in Mosul, after months of negotiations. Accompanied by his son, Frederic Todenhofer, who photographed the journey, he asked them to explain their beliefs, motivations, and goals. This book, the most in-depth research conducted on the terror group so far, is the result of those conversations. My Journey into the Heart of Terror shows how the organization grew from its al-Qaeda roots and the role the West has played, both past and present. Along the way, Todenhofer offers startling insights into what ISIS thinks, what it wants--and how it can be defeated. Only by understanding our enemies, Todenhofer believes, can we combat ISIS's radical, un-Islamic vision and the terror and destruction it brings.

ISIS, IS, the Islamic State. The name is chilling. The images are horrific. This is a group that beheads journalists--and yet one, the German Jurgen Todenhofer, went out of his way to get an invitation to visit ISIS fighters in Mosul in 2014 to ask them to explain their beliefs. This book is the result of his conversation. My Journey into the Heart of Terror: Ten Days in the Islamic State shows how the organization grew from its al-Qaeda roots and takes a harsh look at the West's role in its past and today. Along the way, Todenhofer offers startling insights into what ISIS thinks, what it wants--and what must change if it is to be defeated. Only by understanding, Todenhofer believes, can we move forward and combat ISIS's radical, violent interpretation of Islam and the terror and destruction it brings.