Abstract The paper examines various factors including the etiology of an average suicide, the history of suicide attacks, how suicide bombings are committed and the profile of a suicide bomber. The paper also discusses cultural support for suicide bombings, the correlation between finances and suicide bombings and the relationship between political freedom and suicide bombings. The paper shows how there is no single profile for a suicide bomber. The paper relates that it looks like the most significant factor for creating a suicide bomber is that he or she come from a culture that supports martyrdom. The paper also reveals that the most important elements in creating a suicide bomber appear to be feelings of oppression combined with a lack of political freedom.
From the Paper "Since 9-11, there have been several, competing theories, in which people have attempted to explain the psychology of the suicide bomber. Some people maintain that suicide bombers do not differ significantly from other people who commit suicide, and are marked by behaviors indicative of depression. However, there is little evidence to support such claims. In fact, more recent studies tend to suggest that suicide bombers do not suffer from an underlying affective disorder like depression, which would lead them to engage in suicidal behavior. Furthermore, there is no evidence that suicide bombers, at least at the time of recruitment, suffer from any type of psychopathology that would distinguish them from the general population."
Abstract The paper examines how Canada played a large part in the bomber command offensive missions of the Allies against Germany. The paper examines what prompted the Allies to bomb non-military targets and carry out what many consider to be immoral missions and then discusses the argument of many, that the bomber command offensive missions were necessary for the Allies to win the war. The paper also looks at the research regarding these attacks and asserts that one cannot prove that the bomber command missions were necessary for the Allies to win the war. The paper contends that since these missions were greatly immoral, Canada should have refused to take part and should have concentrated their efforts towards other areas of warfare.
From the Paper "During World War Two, the world witnessed the use of air warfare in numbers and consequence unlike any time before. The ideas of strategic air power started during the First World War. It was the Germans who thought of it first. British civilians were accustomed to being sheltered from the ravages of war as Britain was largely insulated by the English Channel. As a result the sight of German Zeppelin over London naturally frightened British civilians. The British made sure they were prepared when it came to the Second World War. They wanted to be ready to fight the battle in the air. Bomber Command was made up of groups of allied airmen who carried out a strategic bombing offensive on Germany in World War two. These Bomber Command attacks have become a highly debated topic of World War Two History. There are strong arguments to support both sides of the debate."
Abstract This paper looks at the B-2 Stealth Bomber program which is funded by Congress and supported by different administrations. The B-2 Bomber is noted for its use of stealth technology, which makes it virtually invisible to radar as a means of detecting its presence. It examines how critics have pointed out a number of flaws in this technology and in the entire program together with a report from the General Accounting Office in 1998 was especially critical and generated a response from the Air Force in an attempt to counter the critics. It shows how an evaluation of the project suggests that while the technology could be useful, it is not yet sufficiently developed to be utilized at the level the Air Force would like and the costs would support.
From the Paper "The B-2 bomber might be useful in certain situations, but the number that are already in operation could suffice for such operations. The Pentagon originally stated that it needed only 20 B-2s for all purposes, and it has more than that now. The manufacturer claims it can make the bombers less expensively, but this does not mean they are needed (Thompson 41). While high cost might be a consideration in determining whether such a system is needed or not, the primary rationales should be need and effectiveness. In the case of the B-2, not only is it expensive, it is also probably not needed and does not work as advertised in any case. Given that there is no evidence at all that the bombers can be fixed or that they will suddenly become needed, the program should be ended. Even if there were such evidence, the costs might not be justified by the small return that would be achieved."
Abstract The paper uses four articles, ("Thousands flee Assam tribal feud", S. Bhaumik,"Cataloguing US abuses" BBC News, Dec 2004, "Suicide bombers held in Bosnia", N. Hawton and "Suicide Bombers", http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_bomb) to demonstrate the need for more cross cultural understanding and training. The paper discusses cultural interpretations and motivations among inter and intra cultural groups and explains the origins of many cultural difficulties between these groups. The paper explains how cultural conflicts and misunderstandings commonly occur within homogeneous populations and among people of varying cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The paper concludes by suggesting that more communication and collaboration can improve the inter and intra-cultural differences and problems and offers suggestions on how this can be achieved.
From the Paper "Cross cultural conflict often occurs when members of varying cultures share different beliefs, values and understandings of events, issues or proper ways of behaving. It is vital that cultural differences be examined to help members of society develop better methods for addressing cultural conflicts. A better understanding of cross cultural differences may enable more communication and collaboration and less violence.
"Cross cultural events often result in violence when people of varying cultures are not able to come to agreement regarding the appropriate course of action to follow in a given situation. Below we'll discuss cultural interpretations and motivations among inter and intra cultural groups and explain the origins of many cultural difficulties between these groups."
Abstract This paper puts forward the premise that terrorism is not an exclusive act, isolated to those of the September 11 bombers, but rather an act employed by many different people, for many different reasons, throughout the centuries. It looks at how the terrorist attacks against Americans and Israelis, in particular, are done to change the policies of those nations, just as those nations use violence to change the policies of others. It shows how the aggression by the Islamic groups involving attacks on innocent civilians is directly correlated to their abilities to coerce.
From the Paper "This analysis of terrorism is not limited to the attacks on the World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon, but it is also applicable to the majority of the acts carried out in the Middle East, presently. One of the most popular methods of Islamic terrorism (particularly carried out against Israelis) is the use of suicide bombers. Young Palestinians strap makeshift bombs around their body and detonate them in concentrations of people. Again, the ultimate goal is coercion of the government or group of people being attacked, using the only effective means available."
Abstract Hamas was formed in 1987 as a means to achieve a unified, separate, Palestinian state. The organization has used political and violent means, including terrorism, to pursue this goal. Hamas's violent wing, al-Qassam, has carried out many suicide bombings since 1993, and Hamas makes it a point to take credit for its accomplishments. The purpose of this paper is to look at the violent wing of Hamas, al-Qassam, as both a "total institution" and an organization and, in the process, understand how suicide bombers are socialized.
From the Paper "Erving Goffman formed his definition of "total institution" through a five-fold description. We will define al-Qassam as a total institution based on its active struggle to "pursue some worklike task and justify itself" only based on its desire for a Palestinian state. There must be a split between two groups of people in order for a total institution to exist. I assert that there is a hierarchy in the framework of al-Qassam. At the top must lie the Muslim clerics and high-ranking officials of the organization. Both have clout in determining the specifics about suicide bombings, but whereas clerics can only recommend people for missions, it is more likely that the officials have the final say."
Abstract This paper provides a review of the relevant and peer-reviewed literature to develop an overview of the impact that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It gives an overview of the organizational initiatives of Islamic extremists groups. The writer discusses women in Islam in general, and an examination of the operational use of women by Islamic extremists in recent years to include in particular their role as suicide bombers. A summary of the findings is provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Organizational Initiatives for Islamic Extremists
Women in Islam
Operational Use of Women by Islamic Extremists
Conclusion
From the Paper "The research showed that Islamic extremism is on the rise, and the implications for women - both Islamic and otherwise -- are profound and severe. Women, now often used as fodder by Islamic extremists, are themselves the startling and disturbing method that is used to achieve ideological goals. Unfortunately, the research has shown that, because of their inherent vulnerability in Islamic societies, women and children are used as suicide bombers. This analysis, though, only describes one aspect of women's willingness to participate; often, they enjoy a brief elevation in status (before their death in the line of duty), and believe that heavenly rewards await them after their task is completed. Their effectiveness is also very real - recognized by both Islamic leaders and their enemies. Female suicide bombers have already raised Israel's concerns; these activities will continue to create a more problematic and militant environment for Israeli authorities in the future. The situation only promises to become worse, as Islamic extremists have apparently not used women to their best advantage. One cannot know the true roles that women do play in these organizations, however, because Islamic extremists are very secretive. While the various positions that women hold within an organization remains speculative at best, it is quite obvious that they are being used as an effective tool of war, often sacrificed on the altar of jihad."
Abstract The paper discusses what the author of the article believes to be taking place in military relations today. Peters accuses the US of trying to 'Americanize' the whole world, with the war being fought in the 'American' way. The paper explains Peter's belief that America cannot fight Iraq with regular weaponry and soldiers; the suicide bombers work differently and thus are prevailing. Peters warns that the US has a very fragile infrastructure that relies on other countries and many people simply enjoy it without realizing how vulnerable it makes their country.
From the Paper "The media is not the main concern of the article, however. The main issue for Peters is that the way the war is being waged is not really the way that it needs to be accomplished. For this idea, Peters uses the example of suicide bombers, as they are often on the news and are 'stars' of their own drama, however briefly (Peters, 2006). These individuals do not generally seem that concerned about who they target. They may have a specific goal in mind, but if it falls through they will not completely abandon their mission - they will simply pick an easier target. All too often, these easier targets are women and children; innocent civilians that just happened to find themselves in harm's way (Peters, 2006)."
Abstract This essay studies the book "The Anatomy of Motive", a book by an FBI profiler that is concerned with the reasons that people can kill senselessly and so have to be hunted to begin with. The book examines some of the most widely known murder cases ever such as: Andrew Cunanan, who killed the designer Gianni Versace in Miami Beach in 1997; Timothy J. McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber; the Una bomber, Theodore Kaczynski; and more.This book is a careful study about the similarities shared by these cases and yet also the many ways in which they are unique. "
From the Paper "One of the hardest questions for most people to answer is why people kill each other? We are not, of course, talking about what makes people kill in self defense, because we can all understand this (even if we ourselves might not do so) or those will in the line of duty as soldiers. Again, we might (because of religious or moral concerns) choose not to do so ourselves, but we can understand why someone would kill in a situation like this. But what can possibly be the motivation for people to commit the kind of murder that is usually considered to be a senseless one. What are ? what can be? ? The motivations behind serial, mass, and spree killings? John Douglas and Mark Olshaker try to answer these questions for us in their book The Anatomy of Motive, a book by an FBI profiler that is actually less concerned with the mechanics of profiling than with the reasons that people commit these kinds of crimes and so have to be hunted to begin with."
Abstract This paper compares the World War II bomber movies, "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo", and "Memphis Belle". Though both films center on a single bomber crew flying a particularly dangerous mission, they are quite divergent in their emotional impact. This paper examines these differences.
Abstract This paper studies the corruption of the Muslim faith as one of the primary correlating factors that compel some young people to resort to suicide as a terrorism tactic. It looks at how there are some powerful forces at play that make suicide bombing a culturally, socially and religiously acceptable alternative for many young Muslims today. It also shows how these include the availability of educational and employment opportunities, the extent of compensation available for successful suicide bombers, the religious upbringing of the individual involved, as well as the propensity of others similarly situated to resort to the practice.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
Game Theory Overview
Application of Game Theory to Islamic Suicide Bombers Suicide as a Terrorism Tactic Board Game
Conclusion
From the Paper "The chances of a young person being recruited to become a suicide bomber for a terrorist organization in the Middle East today are greater than ever, and the recruiting tactics have become both more effective and the inducements more economically attractive for many young Muslims faced with few jobs prospects, fewer educational opportunities and perhaps a family wracked by poverty. In this regard, Cohn (2002) suggests that, "The killing of innocent civilians by suicide bombers must be roundly condemned. But individual terrorist acts by people living in hopeless despair cannot be compared to the State terrorism" (p. 25). Notwithstanding the political issues involved, the moral implications of using suicide bombers as a terrorism tactic are truly profound. "
Abstract The paper introduces and analyzes the topic of organized crime, specifically concentrating on the Hells Angel's motorcycle crime group. The paper highlights the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) as a notorious motorcycle group that evolved into a gang engaging in criminal and organized crime activities. The paper notes that the group, formed in 1948, is notorious today for its violence, drug dealing, and extortion practices. The Hells Angels Bomber Squadron of World War II inspired their name, but none of the bomber squadron members became members of the HAMC.
From the Paper "In addition, many other criminal investigations have turned up large amounts of money, weapons, drugs, and evidence of other illegal activities, such as extortion and coercion by club members and in clubhouses across America and the world. The club Web site maintains that "1 percent of their members are bad, and ruin the reputation of the remaining 99 percent", but the evidence continues to point to the fact that many HAMC activities are gang and crime related, and that many of its members join the organization for reasons other than a passion for motorcycles."
Abstract The paper explores whether Islam was truly the cause of the London Underground bombings. The paper explains the idea of Jihad, or holy war, that is central to the view that Islam can be held accountable for the bombings. The paper further explains what led to the radicalization of the values of the four bombers. The paper therefore concludes that to say Islamic ideology was the cause of the bombings is highly incorrect, rather, Islam was an instrument that was skewed and radicalized to serve as legitimization for a conflict that was already deeply entrenched in the tumultuous social terrain of multicultural Britain. The paper shows how this environment, when mixed with personal conflict, created the suicide bombers of July 7th.
From the Paper "It was 8:50 AM, July 7, 2005 when three trains in the London Underground suddenly exploded in close succession. Nearly an hour later, the explosion of the Number 30 bus culminated in the death of a total of 52 people, and the injury of another 700 ("London Bombings: Reaction Timeline"). After false initial reports and days of uncertainty, the public finally learned the startling truth. Not only had the explosions been carried out by terrorist bombers, but they had been carried out by citizens of the United Kingdom who had grown up in England amongst the very people they sought to injure. The British public was baffled. They could not understand what could have prompted the four young men to turn their back on their fellow citizens in such an act of violence, and thus turned to the most immediate characteristic that set three of the four bombers apart from themselves; Islamic Pakistani origins."
Abstract This paper is about Preston Tucker: his life details, his products and his company. It also describes his dreams, as depicted in the movie "Tucker" and how he embraces the entrepreneurial aspects of American business.
From the paper:
"Preston Tucker was a car salesman and inventor. Anticipating WW II, he created a high-speed armored car with a gun on a turret. The army thought that the car was too fast but loved the turret, confiscated the patents and used them during the war. Tucker was given contracts to build turrets for bombers and made his fortune. Tucker dreamed of building a passenger car with innovations such as seat belts, disk brakes, rear engine, safety glass, pop-out windshields, a fully automatic transmission, and self-correcting headlights. The car that he designed and produced was ahead of its time in terms of safety and performance."
Tags: car, production, labor, Second, World, War, Ford, General, Motors, Chrysler, American, Motors
Abstract This paper uses of the characters in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," as examples of deceit and naivete, and parallels them with examples from current history. Naivete is illustrated using examples of how both Caesar and the US were unaware of the warning signs of an impending attack. Deceit is illustrated using the fact that the terrorists lived in the US and no one knew, and that Caesar's friends plotted and he never knew. Columbine High School, where two "normal" students went on shooting rampage, is used to illustrate deceit and is compared to Caesar's supporters also going on a rampage and killing him. The author illustrates how Caesar never had chance to change while on the other hand, American is changing and needs to evolve with these changes.
From the Paper "Deception, of course, correlates with the terrorist attacks, too. These Taliban members lived within our communities, shopped at our grocery stores, slept next door and might have even dated a few of our women. All the while, they were secretly plotting a nationwide attack for September 11, 2001. Caesar is also betrayed, though the Senate is supposed to be his supporters. Brutus is his best friend, his confidant. Yet all the while, Brutus is being persuaded to conspire against Caesar. Brutus does conspire, as well as others who once supported Caesar. The conspirators lie, sneak around and deceive their family and friends in order to do what they feel is right for the state of Rome. Eerily, the suicide bombers of September 11 also lied, and snuck around. Perhaps one of the most damaging results of their ultimate deception is that now Americans don?t know who to trust, which leads to many citizens preferring not to trust anyone. (Webb, EDN)"