What causes suicide bombings?

July 19, 2005 @ Michael Hampton → 5 Comments

Just what is it that drives suicide bombers to strap explosives onto themselves, walk into crowded areas full of innocent people, and kill a few dozen of them? Robert Pape has been studying this question for 25 years.

Pape is an associate professor at the University of Chicago, and has published a new book, Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism, covering the real reasons people choose to employ suicide terrorism. He recently gave an interview with The American Conservative where he revealed some of the facts he has learned:

The Palestinians got the idea for the suicide vest from the Tamil Tigers, the rebel force in Sri Lanka who invented it, and who have carried out more suicide attacks than any other group in the world.
Over 95% of all suicide bombings have the political objective of forcing the occupying power to withdraw. It is almost nonexistent in other circumstances.
Most suicide terrorists had never been involved in a terrorist group nor been criminals prior to their attacks.

And much more. Makes for a very interesting read. Thanks again to Bruce Schneier. I know not how he finds this stuff.

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5 Comments → “What causes suicide bombings?”

N. Mallory

Jul 20, 2005

I wonder if by adding this to my Amazon wishlist, I am getting my name put on some government watchlist…if it wasn’t already.
Laura

Oct 25, 2005

I wanna Die but i wouldnt harm any one but myself but i know i want every pretty girl to die because i am a very jealous person and i hate it when they walk by me and my man and my man stares girls need to do something else with there life and stop trying to get attention!!!!
Laura

Oct 25, 2005

loves it!!!!!PEOPLE DONT BE STUPID BE HAPPY YOUR ALIVE!!!!!FUCKING PAKIS AND NIGGERS!!!!!!
Ahmed

Dec 21, 2006

HEY LAURA, why fuck pakis….fuck you and ur family right in ur mouth……..
Rei

Dec 24, 2007

I agree with laura stop bombing us and we might have some respect for your kind, but you still bom us, so we don’t give a fuck ’bout you.

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