For this week’s discussion, consider the following comments

For this week’s discussion, consider the following comments from Ivan
Strenski’s 2003 article, “Sacrifice, Gift and the Social Logic of Muslim ‘Human Bombers'”:

“Even from a strictly military point of view, it seems strategically of dubious efficiency to undertake operations that in effect guarantee the loss of one’s fighters in every assault. Ideally, for a movement aimed at actual military victory, 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. Osama bin Laden surely continues to inspire more terror today as potentially alive than he would have had he died in a martyrdom operation in Afghanistan…the strictly military rationality of these operations does not seem necessarily or undividedly the only priority of these self-inflicted deaths (pg. 3).”

Need someone to help me respond to two of my classmates. Thanks
Response 1 Need 150 words
Suicide bombing and the use of suicide soldiers has been used by many different terrorist organizations. As stated in the text above, it is not necessarily a military tactic. Though suicide attacks have been used as a tactic, namely the Japanese Army and Navy used it against the American and Allied Forces during World War II. In this rare instance, it was a matter of Japanese pride and love of country that these men would sacrifice themselves in hopes of destroying Naval vessels and killing more of the enemy than them. These Kamikaze pilots were highly trained and truly dedicated.
However, the use of suicide bombers in terrorism is done with different intentions. They aren’t used mainly as part of military strategy, mainly because there enemy isn’t an organized offensive. It is political and social targets that are typically unaware of the impending attacks. The use of these suicide tactics won’t gain any military advantage, but the psychological effect is the main resonating force that is left in the wake of a successful suicide bombing. It is the mere destruction, damage, death and the aftermath of the shock imposed by the attacks that make suicide bombings terrifying.
For most people, the idea of sacrificing themselves in such a horrific way is an asinine idea. Those that can not fathom the thought process fear those that are willing to use their life so haphazardly. This, in of itself, is why it is so effective.
The motivations can vary, but for most, it is the idea that sacrificing themselves for their beliefs and cause will result in some supernatural advancement. Like those infamous and, in their minds heros, that live on in name because of their martyrdom. The hopes of being in the “elite” echelon of their organization could also be considered a motivating factor.
In order to recruit those that may be willing to sacrifice themselves, a strong establishment of their faith would need to be a high priority. Invoking the sense of entitlement and elitism would be essential in grooming future suicide bombers. By having them buy into the cause, unwavering in promoting their after life potential, and convincing them that their courage would change the world and be remembered in the future are all strong elements in recruiting and developing suicide bombers.
Response 2 Need 150 words
Suicide bombers and suicide attacks have its place in history. It is not an uncommon thing nor is only subject to terrorists. Historically, those who have died in battle are glorified from the days of the ancient Spartans to the Japanese Pearl Harbor attacks to the attacks on 9/11. Why these people have decided to sacrifice their own lives all hold a common belief. It is that their cause is greater than their life. It seems that it is really only in American, or western, culture that our own life is valuable and it is crazy to think to sacrifice our own life for a cause.
In the battle of Thermopylae king Leonidas and his Spartan soldiers fought to the death, knowing that they must die in order to reach Spartan victory. It was clearly a suicide event which an oracle told King Leonidas that because of the new moon a Spartan king must die in order for victory. King Leonidas sacrificed himself as well as his soldiers in order to fulfill the oracles prophecy.
Next, the Japanese used what they called a “kamikaze” attack on Pearl Harbor December 7th 1942. To the Japanese this was not really known as a suicide attack because kamikaze is usually translated as “divine wind.”(2) These were men who were mentally ready to die for their country without any question. They too had a strong belief in their cause in attack. However, they attacked a military base unlike the terrorist of 9/11.
The terrorist of 9/11 were another “kamikaze” attack where terrorist crashed planes into the World Trade Center. They however attacked civilians to instill fear and disorder within a country. In terrorist organizations the loss of identity is gone which makes it easier for a terrorist to commit acts of suicide bombings. It seems paradoxical however it seems as if they believe that those taking their life will give their meaning life and they will be blessed by Allah.
In conclusion, it is interesting to see how historically suicide and suicide bombings in combat often have a common thing. Whether it was the Spartans dying in battle, the kamikaze attacks on Pearl Harbor, or the attacks on 9/11 the soldiers, or terrorists, have a common theme of having a strong belief for their country or cause and are mentally ready to die. Suicide bombings and suicide attacks gives meaning to those people’s lives who conduct these types of attacks.

Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code "Newclient"