To the Mountains: My Life in Jihad, from Algeria to Afghanistan

A first-hand account of the Afghan—Soviet war and its role in rallying Islamists from across the globe. Selected as one of the 'Biggest Non-Fiction Books of 2019’ by The Times

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

One of the earliest Arab fighters to join the Afghan Jihad, Abdullah Anas, a prominent Algerian Islamist, forged close bonds with future al-Qaeda leaders, including Abdullah Azzam and Osama bin Laden. He also cultivated relationships with influential Afghan resistance figures such as Ahmad Shah Massoud. Anas, who counted many of these individuals as his brothers-in-arms, disagreed with their narrow interpretations of political Islam and distanced himself from their extremist movements.

Co-written with investigative journalist Tam Hussein, To the Mountains offers an intimate and insightful portrayal of the networks that emerged during the Afghan-Soviet war. In this revealing memoir, Anas challenges some of al-Qaeda's foundational myths and reimagines what it means to be a Jihadist in the modern world.

Anas' journey sheds light on the complex dynamics and shifting alliances within the Afghan Jihad, highlighting the diverse perspectives and experiences of those involved. His memoir provides a valuable perspective on the early stages of the global jihadist movement and the role played by individuals like Anas in shaping its trajectory.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787380110