Review
Backed by an astonishing body of research, Your Sons Are At Your Service is a sweeping, authoritative history of Tunisian jihadism, with new revelations on almost every page. Aaron Y. Zelin is one of the most respected scholars studying terrorism at the top of his game in this debut book. - J. M. Berger, author of Extremism
Zelin presents a striking and unique study of the Tunisian jihadist mobilization in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, its historical roots in the 1980s and in the global jihadist movement. He has conducted extremely valuable and innovative research, collecting data and speaking with activists and leaders in the extremist circles on the ground in Tunisia. The book cements Zelin's reputation as an expert in his field, prized for his independent voice on this critical subject. - Jytte Klausen, Brandeis University
In this meticulously researched book packed with new discoveries, Zelin provides a comprehensive history of Tunisian jihadism, one of the least studied branches of the jihadi movement. But Your Sons Are at Your Service is much more than a country case study; it provides important insights on broader topics such as post-revolutionary politics, Salafi activism, foreign fighting, rebel recruitment, jihadi ideology, the Islamic State, and the war in Libya. This book should be on the shelf of any serious student of the modern Middle East. -Thomas Hegghammer, author of Jihad in Saudi Arabia: Violence and Pan-Islamism since 1979
To understand modern jihadism as an ideology and a dogma, the Tunisian jihadi movement provides a unique case. They were among the first, the most dedicated, and the most radical international recruits, challenging authorities at home and abroad. Some challenged the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and even the Islamic State. Zelin gives a glimpse into the past and future of jihadism through the Tunisian scope. - Wassim Nasr, France 24
Few books are as accomplished as Zelin's detailed and insightful history of the Tunisian Jihadi-Salafis and how they contributed and participated in the struggle for the creation of an Islamic state over the last four decades... The book is an impressive achievement and should be required reading for all those interested in Salafism, political violence and the history of a much neglected aspect of Tunisian politics and society both before and after the 2011 revolution. -Francesco Cavatorta, Université Laval/Laval University
About the Author
Aaron Y. Zelin is the Richard Borow Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a visiting research scholar in the Department of Politics at Brandeis University. He is the founder of the website Jihadology.net, a primary source archive of global jihadi materials.
