Suicide attacks are not new. They have a history that goes back as far as the 11th century.
In the West it is common to associate suicide bombers with two aspects: the Middle East and Islam. it is a misconception to assume that either or both are the breeding grounds for suicide attacks.
It is important to look at the rationale behind these brutal acts of self-sacrifice. Only then is it possible to understand why and under what conditions they continue to take place across many parts of the world.
The Psychological Intent to Harm
There is no doubt suicide attacks are horrific and dramatic. At a basic level they are a mode of defense with a psychological intent.
Conventional warfare has a straightforward goal: kill the enemy. Suicide attacks, in contrast, have a two-fold strategy: kill as many people directly so that indirectly fear and anxiety spreads beyond the immediate target.
Cultural Explanation of Suicide
In the Western world sacrificing one’s life for a collective whole is not culturally accepted. Suicide is entirely individualistic, perhaps even egotistical. It is not considered honorable. Nor is it seen to benefit the greater community or as a viable means of defense.
In some parts of the world- and more specifically in some Asian and Eastern cultures- there is an altruistic sense of suicide. The Japanese kamikaze pilots at the end of the Second World War or the Filipino Muslims who retaliated against the Spanish Catholics in the late 19th century are two examples. They were ready and willing to show the most extreme display of communal solidarity by giving up their own lives.
Social Cohesion
Suicide terrorism is about social cohesion. From the point of view of a hedonistic western culture this is part of the perplexity. What drives someone to the point of desperation and hopelessness where only their own loss of life is seen to bring about 'greater' good?
This is a confounding question. It induces a curious sense of bewilderment towards suicide attacks - a mixture of horror, disbelief and even admiration to an extent. What provokes such extreme acts of loyalty?
Beyond Religion
Contrary to popular belief suicide attacks are not about religion. The highest rate of suicide attacks comes from the Marxist and secular Tamil Tigers of Elam. As Riaz Hassan explains in a YaleGlobal article, “(they) adamantly oppose religion but are not loath to using suicide bombers to achieve their nationalist goals… (which) are purely secular”.
Response to Foreign Invasion
The underlying commonality, linking suicide attacks around the world and throughout history, are the situational factors. The adverse circumstances that drive suicide terrorists are the constant threat of living under occupation by foreigners.
University of Chicago’s Professor Robert Pape has carried out extensive research on suicide bombers in Iraq. A July 6, 2005 Business Week article included his quote: "the mere presence of foreign troops is the instigation for the (Iraqi) attacks, so lengthy stays to secure democracy actually make attacks more probable and help boost recruitment”.
Understanding Loss of Hope
It is dangerous for Western media to support anti-Islamic rhetoric by reporting suicide attacks without the necessary context or historical explanation. This feeds into the public's fear of terrorism and Islam. It also continues to build anxiety upon on its own ignorance.
Making progress on a global scale means clarifying misunderstandings. Only then is it possible to comprehend what "loss of hope" actually means, and better yet how this despair was instigated in the first place.
Amanda Fortier - Amanda has a Masters in media and globalization from the Erasmus Mundus international programme in Denmark, the Netherlands and ...
