Citation

Kushner HW. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 1996; 19(4): 329-337.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576109608436013

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Muslims have been using religion sanctioned suicide as an effective tool against the West for several centuries. In keeping with this practice, Islamic suicide bombers attack a superior Israeli military and government. Suicidal terrorism is actually an act of martyrdom that can trace its origins back 13 centuries to the Battle of Karbala. Appealing to tradition, recruiters enlist potential bombers from schools and mosques in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Bombers study religion, politics, and explosives. Students willingly become martyrs to secure a future for their families. Understanding that suicidal terrorism is not anathema to a significant proportion of the Muslim population is the first step in countering the problem.

Language: en