Citation

Hafez MM. Terrorism Polit. Violence 2007; 19(1): 95-115.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09546550601054873

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The jihadists in Iraq strategically deploy emotional narratives to construct the myth of heroic martyrdom, demonize their intended targets, and appeal to potential recruits from around the Muslim world. These culturally astute jihadists know well the themes that resonate with the wider Muslim public, and have done an extraordinary job in harnessing three narratives to mobilize for martyrdom: humiliation of Muslims at the hands of foreigners, impotence of official Muslim governments in the face of hegemonic powers, and redemption through faithful sacrifice. This study explores how jihadists weave together these three narratives to suggest a deleterious condition that requires an immediate action, offer an explanation of the causes of this persistent condition, and present the necessary solution to overcome the problem. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

Terrorism; Iraq; Suicide bombers; Al Qaeda; Insurgency; Jihadists