American ISIS

by Trevor Aaronson

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Audiobook, War

Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptionally good Audible original that analyzed the life and movements of American-born Russell Dennison through the impetus of his conversion to Islam and eventual entrapment/death by coalition bomb in Baghuz, Syria.

Aaronson did a remarkable job in delivering a balanced picture and observation of the power forces at play, accurately showing how America's so-called "war on terrorism" has fueled just that. One country/culture's intolerance has bred the same in another, if you will.

Favorite quote: "In the US, with our wars and conflicts, we've trained ourselves to sanitize and even ignore the violence and misery we cause. We now fight wars from the air with so-called "smart bombs." We don't often view what happens on the ground. We can pretend that we don't kill civilians, that we don't burn them alive, crush them with falling debris...but we do...It's their response to our acts, which they see as equally evil."

This series allows us to take an objective view into "What is the definition of extremism?" (as in, whose definition is valid) and "what social and governmental forces compel a person towards extremism?" as well as the unspoken issues of governmental/media use of propaganda to characterize religion and events.

A solid 5* - I can only hope for a subsequent episode if/when Dennison's wife, Umm Yousef and children surface from the Al-Hol camp.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible original, free to subscribers. Aaronson managed to interview an American who converted to Islam and then joined ISIS. The story covers years. Aaronson isn't sympathetic to Russell Dennison but his presentation is balanced mainly because much of the book is Russell explaining himself. Russell Dennison is drawn to Islam and joins ISIS because he sees it as the state that is closest to upholding the teachings of Allah. He admits to disappointment in the direction ISIS takes, but never leaves. Two marriages. Sniper. Shot twice. One of the last holdouts.

Aaronson's editing of the tapes is excellent. His own comments are never intrusive. Russell Dennison is articulate as well. Glad I listened--

[Foxglove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Aaronson is a masterful writer and journalist, but his sympathy for Russell Dennison baffles me. Dennison was a monster who defended slavery and believed in religious fascism, who dreamed of a world where Aaronson would be chattal at best. It's a great story, but I admit, knowing Russell Dennison got what he deserved made it even better.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American journalist has a long standing long distance conversation with an American citizen who converted to Islam and went to Syria. A fascinating look into the mind of a Jihadi.

[David Lillico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn't tell you much of anything, am no wiser on the why's and wherefores