The Heat interviews a journalist who spent 10 days embedded with ISIL

The Heat

German writer Jurgen Todenhofer took on a dangerous expedition spending days embedded with fighters of the Islamic State — and he lived to tell the tale.

The 74-year-old author recently got extraordinary access to one of the world’s most notorious groups. Todenhofer lived with and talked to members of the Islamic State for 10 days and was allowed to interview prisoners and even pose questions directly to ISIL fighters. The Heat interviewed Todenhofer to learn more on his chilling journey and revelations.

What will it take to stop the extremist group ISIL, and how much does the Muslim world need to engage? For more insight into the ISIL threat, the Heat interviewed a panel of experts:

  •  Tawfik Hamid, an Islamic thinker, reformer, and a former member of a Muslim militant group who now advocates against religious extremism.
  •  Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shaffer, a retired U.S. army officer who played key roles in operations with the CIA and FBI. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for his combat tours to Afghanistan.