TEXT:

Reading
1. Moral Psychology of Terrorism (2013) Introduction
2. Horgan, J. G. (2017). Psychology of terrorism: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist, 72(3), 199-204. doi:10.1037/amp0000148
Original Question:
For this week’s Forum, respond to the following:   We take a look at suicide bombers this week in our reading and discussion. As we ponder the motivations one might have for engaging in such fatal acts of terrorism, consider the following comments from Ivan Strenski’s (2003) article, Sacrifice, Gift and the Social Logic of Muslim Human Bomber.
“….it would seem to make more sense if, instead of killing themselves in the process of making their attacks, the ‘human bombers’ could have gone on killing many more…in subsequent non-suicidal attacks” (Strenski, 2003, p. 3).
Keep in mind, the following references made to Osama bin Laden were prior to his death; however, the points highlighted within the article are powerful considerations in the discussion of the topic. “Osama bin Laden surely continues to inspire more terror today as potentially alive than he would have had he died in a martyrdom…” (Strenski, 2003, p. 3).
On the other hand, among supporters of suicide terrorists, the acts carried out by the ‘human bomber’ is seen as “self-sacrificing”. Strenski (2003) suggests a relationship between the concepts of sacrificing one’s self and suicide.
Considering the course materials for the week, think about the motivations suggested in the readings explaining why terrorist actors engage in suicide terrorism.
· Discuss the psychological effects the ‘human bomber’ has as a vessel in carrying out acts of terrorism.
· Provide details of your view on the goals of suicide terrorists; whether the primary goal is to inflict maximum causalities (physical or psychological) or if it is to engender a sense of martyrdom in the name of religious zeal, sacrificing themselves for the cause.
Reference
Strenski, I. (2003). Sacrifice, gift and the social logic of Muslim “human bombers.” Terrorism and Political Violence, 15, 1-34.
Reply to the following response with 200 words minimum. (please make response as if having a conversation, respond directly to some of the statements in below post. This is not providing an analysis of the original post. Respectfully address it and even ask clarifying or additional questions.)
1.
Suicide bombers and bombings is an interesting topic to approach from the perspective of psychology. After reading some source material it has opened my eyes, per se, about the process of suicide bombers and the rationale regarding them. It is not sound logic to simply say that they are crazy for blowing themselves up. Because the question can be asked how that conclusion can be made and the only response is that only someone crazy would blow themselves up. That is essentially “circular reasoning” (cite) and does not go in-depth about what is actually happening in their minds.
From a deeper analysis, one must understand that humans have always had a savage fascination with cruel treatment and inflicting harm on themselves. Furthermore, the power of society is great and the identity that it gives each individual within it is specific to many factors including values. Typically, when an individual grows in a society they accept its values and live by them in one way or another. So, for our example, a society that includes suicide bombings is no different in this context. In addition, there are also societies that possess the values that their beliefs are the only true beliefs and anyone who does not believe as such is wrong; no question. So, when the factors of a human allure to bloodshed, powerful societal influences, and individuals with the one true belief, the idea of a suicide bomber is not so outlandish. Although it is intense, it is a human adaptation (cite).
In my opinion, suicide terrorist’s primary goal is to follow what they truly believe (in most instances). Furthermore, they seek to both inflict as much physical and psychological damage as possible while maintaining a sense of martyrdom in the process. Additionally, I will add that there are always those cases of suicide bombers engaging in an act of terrorism against their will but that is an entirely different mental process and discussion.
-William
References
Shpancer, N. (2010, September 23). Understanding the Suicide Bomber. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/insight-therapy/201009/understanding-the-suicide-bomber
2.
A suicide bomber, or human bomber, is an individual who commits a violent attack upon others in which they will take their own life. These suicidal terrorists have been known throughout history, dating back to World War II. Death and destruction by a suicide bomber is often more severe than that of other types of terrorist attacks because they can conceal the bombs easier and can make last minute changes to their plans or escape route. There are several psychological effects that a human bomber carries within themselves which makes them commit these types of acts. As Kruglanski (2009) explains, suicide bombers fall into one of three categories, which are duty and obligation, personal causes, or ideological reasons. When it comes to personal causes, suicide bombers will at times carry out these acts due to the loss of a loved one, or an attack on their country. These bombers take it to heart and will want to retaliate. Human bombers will also act out due to ideological reasons such as beliefs so radical, that they will go to great lengths to stand behind their belief.
When it comes to ideological reasons, religion tends to be the main issue between the bomber and societies; therefore, that individual will take on the role of a suicide bomber (Kruglanski ,2009). Duty and obligation plays a major role when it comes to suicide bombers. For example, many countries such as Pakistan and Israel use women and children as suicide bombers. Many women are forced into being suicide bombers, but there are also several who volunteer for this role because it shows dedication to the cause, and it can even change the status of their family. In my opinion, I feel that the primary goal of a suicide bomber is both to gain a sense of martyrdom either for their religion or their country. Of course, the suicide bomber wishes to have as many casualties as possible; therefore, I feel that both of these goals go hand in hand. When an individual has ideologies so radical, nothing can stop them from trying to make a statement, including the decision to become a suicide bomber.
References:
Kruglanski, A. W., Chen, X., Dechesne, M., Fishman, S., & Orehek, E. (2009). Fully Committed: Suicide Bombers’ Motivation and the Quest for Personal Significance. Political Psychology, 30(3), 331-375.
3.
This week we are exploring the reasons behind why terrorists become suicide bombers?  According to our lesson, researchers classify suicide bombers into three different types of categories.  The first, the ideological reasons, second is their personal cause, and thirdly, is their sense of duty and obligations to their country (Strenski, 2003).  For those who have decided to participate in this type of cause will tend to fall into one of these categories.  This is the reasoning behind their psychological effect as to why they have decided to sacrifice themselves.
Religion is another reasoning behind their decision to become suicide bombers, and they are motivated by their ideological reasons which is the need to have a type of support from their societies, and religions is the main factor.  The other reasoning behind their decision is the loss of a loved one and destruction of where they lived by intruders (Strenski, 2003).
Suicide Bombers associate themselves with Hamas as their main motivator to which they believe that they will be rewarded and have a chance to meet Muhammad.  Muslims tend to justify they action because of their beliefs in Jihad.  Here are four different ways in which a suicide bomber can fulfill Jihad’s blessings, 1) is by having faith in his heart 2) is by preaching 3) is by doing good deeds with his hands 4) is by confronting those who do not believe with a sword (Burkay, 2006).  For those that decide to become suicide bombers believe that they are not dead but consider themselves to be with God.  However, according to the Quranic belief, taking one’s own life is prohibited.
April Pierotti
Works Cited:
Strenski, I. (2003) Sacrifice, gift, and the Social logic of Muslim “Human Bombers” Terrorism and Political Violence, 15. 1-34 Retrieved From http://edge.apus.edu/portal/site/366636/tool/difebo59-3c2c-4776
Burkay, David (2006) The Religious Foundations of Suicide Bombings Middle East Quarterly Retrieved From www.meforum.org/1003/the-religious-foundations-of-suicide-bombings
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