Suicide Terrorism [Paperback]

Suicide terrorism in its modern form made its first appearance in Lebanon in the early 1980s. Over the last quarter century, terrorist attacks perpetrated by suicide bombers have spread to many corners of the world and have become a major threat for both the governments and citizens of numerous countries. Can this devastating phenomenon be attributed to a specific religion or culture? What are the causes and motivations that lead ordinary people to embark upon suicide attacks? How are potential bombers trained for their mission? And is it possible for democratic governments to effectively cope with this challenge?

In this compelling book, Ami Pedazhur investigates the root causes of suicide terrorism and its rapid proliferation in recent years. Drawing on a variety of sources, the book explores the use of human bombs in Lebanon, Israel, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Chechnya, Iraq, and the ostentatious attacks of Al-Qaeda and the global jihad. It is the only book to offer such an in-depth, up-to-date, cross cultural analysis of suicide terrorism in the twenty-first Century.

Acknowledgements

List of Figures

Chapter 1 What is Suicide Terrorism?

The Symbiosis between Terror and Death

What is Suicide Terrorism?

General Features of Suicide Terrorism in the World

Tactical Features of Suicide Terrorism

Methods of Operation

Targets of Suicide Terrorism

Plan of the Book

Chapter 2 How Can Suicide Terrorism Be Explained?

Strategic-Rational Decision-Making

The Social-Cultural Aspect

Recruitment of the Potential Suicide Bomber

The Organisational Procedure

Summary

Chapter 3 Tls$