Suicide Terrorism: A Logical Choice?

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Robert Paper argues that, in a way, suicide terrorism can be a logical choice for the individual carrying out the attack. When contemplating whether or not suicide terrorism can be a logical choice, you must be able to put yourself in the place of the “terrorist”. Whether or not someone is considered a terrorist can be a very subjective view, especially from the viewpoint of the person or group that is being terrorized. This requires the observer to exude empathy.We may look at Osama Bin Laden as a terrorist, but to him, he was doing the work of his “God”. The person considered to be a terrorist could be revered as a martyr in their community; someone who ultimately gave their life to perpetuate a particular faith or ideal. While, being a citizen of a country that has endured many tragedies, both on the homefront and abroad; makes these actions disgust me, there are two sides to view from. This subjectiveness is at the heart of figuring out whether or not this is a logical choice. Exploration of this topic shall lead to a greater understanding of the “how” and “why” terrorists commit these devastating activities, and allow those defending from such attack be able to do so. This would allow further safety in the area of homeland security.
Unfortunately, the United States has experienced such attacks far too many times. One of the darkest of these experiences may be that of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Including the attacks on both World Trade Centers, the Pentagon, and the failed attempt that crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. These attacks were later found to be the work of Al Qaeda under the leadership of Osama Bin Laden. These attacks would lead us on a crusade that would continue long over a decade, known as...

... middle of paper ...

...speration will cause the “illogical” to seem logical.

Works Cited

Coll, S. (2005, December 12). Young Osama. The New Yorker. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/1
Esterbrook, J. (2002, April 3). Salaries for Suicide Bombers. CBS News. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/salaries-for-suicide-bombers/
Gilbert, P. (1994). Terrorism, security, and nationality an introductory study in applied political philosophy. London: Routledge.
Lamb, R. (2009, March 11). How Suicide Bombers Work. HowStuffWorks. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/suicide-bomber1.html
Pape, Robert A. "The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism." American Political Science Review 97.3 (2003): n. pag. American Political Science Association. Aug. 2003. Web. 4 Apr. 2014. .

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