You examined the phenomenon of suicide bombers. These terrorists present an unusual challenge for counterterrorism and law enforcement officials. Examine the following aspects of these cases:
What would make people surrender their lives for a cause?
Do suicide bombers make a rational choice to sacrifice their lives, or does “brainwashing” have a role in making people agree to execute suicide attacks?
In what ways does suicide terrorism present a unique threat to freedom and peace?
What do terrorists have to gain from using such tactics of mass destruction and loss of human lives? How does killing innocent civilians help any cause?
Explain the concepts of jihad, fatwa, and shahadat. Does the religious aspect of these concepts help to legitimize behaviors that would otherwise be prohibited?
Full Answer Section
On the one hand, many suicide bombers appear to have made a conscious decision to die. They often leave behind letters or videos explaining their motivations and bidding farewell to their loved ones. Additionally, some suicide bombers have even refused to detonate their explosives when given the opportunity to do so.
On the other hand, there is also evidence that some suicide bombers are coerced or manipulated into carrying out attacks. For example, some suicide bombers are recruited at a young age and subjected to intense ideological and psychological conditioning. Additionally, some suicide bombers are threatened with violence or even death if they refuse to cooperate.
It is likely that a combination of factors, including ideology, desperation, and coercion, play a role in motivating people to become suicide bombers.
In what ways does suicide terrorism present a unique threat to freedom and peace?
Suicide terrorism presents a unique threat to freedom and peace in a number of ways. First, suicide bombers are often willing to die to achieve their goals, which makes them difficult to deter. Second, suicide attacks can be indiscriminate, killing or injuring civilians without regard. Third, suicide attacks can create a climate of fear and distrust, which can undermine social cohesion and democratic values.
What do terrorists have to gain from using such tactics of mass destruction and loss of human lives? How does killing innocent civilians help any cause?
Terrorists hope to achieve a number of goals by using suicide attacks, including:
- Intimidating the population and forcing the government to make concessions.
- Spreading fear and chaos.
- Recruiting new members to their cause.
- Gaining media attention and international recognition.
However, killing innocent civilians does not help any cause. It only serves to create more hatred and violence.
Explain the concepts of jihad, fatwa, and shahadat. Does the religious aspect of these concepts help to legitimize behaviors that would otherwise be prohibited?
- Jihad: Jihad is an Arabic word that means "struggle." In an Islamic context, it can refer to both the inner struggle against evil and the external struggle against injustice.
- Fatwa: A fatwa is a legal opinion issued by a Muslim scholar on a particular issue. Fatwas can be issued on a wide range of topics, including religious law, business ethics, and social issues.
- Shahadat: Shahadat is the Arabic word for "martyrdom." In Islam, martyrdom is the highest form of sacrifice and is rewarded with a place in paradise.
The religious aspect of these concepts can help to legitimize suicide bombings for some people. For example, some suicide bombers believe that they are carrying out jihad and that their deaths will be rewarded with shahadat. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of Muslims do not condone suicide bombings and believe that they are a violation of Islamic law.
Conclusion
Suicide terrorism is a complex phenomenon with no easy answers. However, it is important to understand the factors that motivate people to become suicide bombers and the unique threat that they pose to freedom and peace. By doing so, we can better develop strategies to prevent and counter suicide attacks.
Sample Answer
What would make people surrender their lives for a cause?
There are a number of factors that can motivate people to become suicide bombers. These include:
- Ideology: Suicide bombers often believe that they are fighting for a just cause, such as religious freedom or national independence. They may also believe that their death will inspire others to join the cause.
- Desperation: Some suicide bombers are driven by desperation, such as poverty or oppression. They may see suicide bombing as a way to escape their difficult circumstances or to strike back at their oppressors.
- Coercion: Some suicide bombers are coerced into carrying out attacks by threats to their own lives or the lives of their loved ones.
Do suicide bombers make a rational choice to sacrifice their lives, or does “brainwashing” have a role in making people agree to execute suicide attacks?
Whether suicide bombers make a rational choice to sacrifice their lives or are brainwashed is a complex question. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument.