Palestinian Suicide Bombers Revisited

Author: Basel Saleh

Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 01/18/2005

Category: Analysis

PALESTINIAN SUICIDE ATTACKS REVISITED: A CRITIQUE OF CURRENT
WISDOM

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After the September 11 attacks scholars from various disciplines were resolved to uncover the secrets to the human bomb. This ambition was motivated by the urgency to preclude future attacks given the scope of tragedy inflicted by 19 individuals who were determined to die. For that purpose, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict represented an opportunity. Palestinians- in the West Bank and Gaza Strip- have launched a campaign of suicide attacks as part of their operational tactics since 1993, especially after the start of the current intifada in September 2000. Since the 9/11 hijackers and Palestinian suicide attackers share a common religion and ethnic origin, and the obvious potential this would have on unraveling the mysteries of suicide missions, it was essential to examine Palestinian suicide attacks[1]. But with the exception of few studies, most research focused primarily on the dynamics of suicide attackers recruitment and venues of prevention. The policy implications derived from these studies were centered on two counter-insurgency tactics: intercepting the funding for militant organizations and smashing their leaders. But these are tactical responses that don t address the intermingled root- causes of terrorism. Even after the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq, there has been a crescendo in suicide attacks that spread to Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Spain, Russia, and Indonesia[2]. The most important player in the suicide mission, the executioner- the suicide bomber, went unnoticed. What is seriously lacking and urgently needed is information about the lives of suicide attackers which can identify risk factors that, directly or indirectly, may have led them to opt for a mission that ends with death. A scrutiny of the lives of Palestinian suicide attackers is important and as Jennifer Harbury said listening to the other side does not dishonor the innocent victims. Failing to listen will lead to more bombings and more victims.[3] Reverend Naim Attek also wrote:

When healthy, beautiful, and intelligent young men and women set out to kill and be killed, something is basically wrong in a world that has not heard their anguish cry for justice. These young people deserve to live along with all those whom they have caused to die.[4]

 

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Footnote:

Bio: Basel Saleh is Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University and can be contacted at bsaleh@csbsju.edu