Since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, there has been a very noticeable increase in suicide terrorism. Originally, this started in Lebanon and Kuwait, but soon after that, the newly found form of attacking spread out into the Middle-East. Most of these suicide attacks are Islamic; 31 of the 35 organisations employing suicide attacks are Islamic and responsible for 8 percent of all suicide attacks since 9/11.
In his article, Hoffman describes how the core characteristics of suicide terrorism can be seen as advantages in comparison to other forms of mass attacking. To start with, suicide bombing is cheap and efficient. If we take 9/11 as an example, we see that ‘only’ 19 terrorists were killed, while killing up to 3000 civilians. The expenses in terms of money were between $400.000 en $500.000, which is relatively cheap for an attack of such an extend and scale. The consequences for the U.S. and even the world economy, however, were massive. Also, suicide bombing can be considered uncomplicated and uncompromising when compared to most forms of mass attacks. This is mainly, because it does not require an escape plan for the attackers, who obviously will not survive the attacks themselves. Arranging a safe getaway for the attackers is a important and complex part for terrorist organisations, that now can be ignored altogether. A very important ‘advantage’ of suicide bombing is that it guarantees big scale media attention, which is the main goal for most terrorist organisations, who feel unsatisfied and deprived. Again, if we take a look at 9/11, we still hear, see, feel and therefore re-live the attacks, with books, music, movies, research, articles, discussions and charity that remind us almost daily. Hoffman eventually mentions suicide bombing as a powerful psychological weapon. The 9/11 attacks destroyed the believe of many American people – as well as non-American people – they were untouchable, invulnerable and that their country had a superpower status, solidly surrounded by two vast oceans. They felt attacked, robbed of their loved ones and robbed of their safety. Moreover, the whole western world – not only the U.S. – was suddenly in shock, because something like this could happen, in such a manner, which such disastrous consequences, without at all foreseeing it. Therefore, it makes terrorist attacks, and suicide bombing, an effective way of making people feel unsafe and threatened.
Suicide terrorism is also used as an instrument of war. For the terrorist organisation Hamas it is simply the next step in a logical progression. One of Hamas’ leaders says: ‘it’s easy, it costs us only our lives, and it is the best weapon there is. Even nuclear bombs can’t beat human bombs’. It is also an ideological way of looking at things: ‘We are proud of our strength, we are proud of our arsenal of believers, who are willing to give themselves to Allah completely’ To these organisations, suicide terrorism is based on two beliefs: 1. It is the only way to convince Israeli decision makers that the Palestinian people will never yield to coercion; 2. It makes the Palestinian resistance finally discover Israel’s Achilles' heel.
Yet, there is another side on this story: Though many Muslims may be willing to give their lives for their religion, for their country; in general, people in the Jewish culture are said to be loving life too much to sacrifice themselves. They would rather leave their country. Enemies of Israel feel like the Israeli army is strong, has technological superiority and strategic capabilities, but its citizens are unwilling any longer to sacrifice themselves for national goals. That is what is called a society according to the Spider Web Theory: It looks strong from the outside, but touch it and it will fall apart.
Also, most terrorist organisations use religion and theology as a justification, and often as the core reason, for their deeds. Palestinian terrorists try to make society view suicide terrorism in a positive manner by use of media, by making it look like ‘the ultimate expression of selflessness and altruism’. And though suicide is forbidden in the Islam, the Koran provides motivations for suicide attacks: 1.seeking for Martyrdom; 2. hurting the Enemy; 3. encouraging Muslims; 4. weakening the Spirit of the Enemy. To them, suicide terrorism is being accepted by Allah, ‘as long as it is in the framework of Islam’.
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