The Spy Who

The Spy Who Lived Inside Al-Qaeda | The Struggle Within | 2

Nov 4, 2025
Morten Storm navigates the treacherous landscape of Yemen to spy on jihadi preacher Anwar al-Awlaki. His complex relationship with al-Awlaki intensifies as he attempts to build trust through a marriage proposal involving a strategic asset. Ethical dilemmas arise among handlers debating the risks of this operation. As Storm deals with the fallout and personal struggles, urgency mounts following al-Awlaki's narrow escape from a drone strike. The hunt intensifies, merging intrigue with moral conflicts amidst discussions of lucrative bounties.
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ANECDOTE

Risky Meeting In Yemen

  • Morten Storm drives into Yemen with his wife to meet Anwar al-Awlaki despite fearing a trap.
  • He conceals his spy role from his wife and worries about the risks throughout the visit.
ADVICE

Evaluate Ethical Risks Before Operations

  • Consider risks and legal/ethical limits before agreeing to operations that put innocents in harm's way.
  • Heed warnings from allied handlers who refuse participation and reassess participation accordingly.
ANECDOTE

Recruiting Amina As A Asset

  • Storm recruits a European woman, Amina, via Facebook to become al-Awlaki's third wife to gain his trust.
  • He provides cash, tickets, and a suitcase with a hidden transponder to help the CIA track her to al-Awlaki.
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