Patterns Within Nine Preattack Phases That Emerged in Israel Suicide Bombing Cases

Patterns Within Nine Preattack Phases That Emerged in Israel Suicide Bombing Cases by Aaron Richman MBA, University of Leicester, 1999 BA, Temple University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2017 Abstract From 2000 to 2013, Israel had the second highest number of deaths from suicide attacks and was on the list of countries that may experience increases in terrorism due to ongoing conflicts. Suicide bombings present highly complex situations for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency professionals. Using Freeman, Tucker, and Merton’s framework of 9 preattack phases as the primary theoretical construct, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore specific patterns that consistently emerged in the adversary planning process for 6 successful or failed suicide bombing cases in Israel. Secondary, archival data were acquired through a data use agreement with a private security organization in Israel and a maximum variation sampling procedure was used to identify cases. These data were subjected to Straus and Corbin’s open and axial coding procedures. Coded data were analyzed using Merriam’s cross case analysis procedure. Findings indicated that although the nine preattack phases emerged in both the successful and unsuccessful attacks, they were more consistently present in the successful bombing cases. For the successful attacks, general planning, financing, and operational preparation received theFrom 2000 to 2013, Israel had the second highest number of deaths from suicide attacks and was on the list of countries that may experience increases in terrorism due to ongoing conflicts. Suicide bombings present highly complex situations for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency professionals. Using Freeman, Tucker, and Merton’s framework of 9 preattack phases as the primary theoretical construct, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore specific patterns that consistently emerged in the adversary planning process for 6 successful or failed suicide bombing cases in Israel. Secondary, archival data were acquired through a data use agreement with a private security organization in Israel and a maximum variation sampling procedure was used to identify cases. These data were subjected to Straus and Corbin’s open and axial coding procedures. Coded data were analyzed using Merriam’s cross case analysis procedure. Findings indicated that although the nine preattack phases emerged in both the successful and unsuccessful attacks, they were more consistently present in the successful bombing cases. For the successful attacks, general planning, financing, and operational preparation received the most occurrences. The implications for positive social change are directed at counterterrorist decision makers and operators as focusing on the early planning phases of a terrorist attack will help them to better identify essential opportunities to prevent suicide attacks from occurring. Patterns Within Nine Preattack Phases That Emerged in Israel Suicide Bombing Cases by Aaron Richman MBA, University of Leicester, 1999 BA, Temple University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University November 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my wife and best friend, Ety. She is a constant inspiration and has enabled me to make such long journeys and adventures happen. Every adventure has many hills, peaks, valleys, and bumps along the way. Ety has given me the support, guidance, motivation, and common sense to break through the obstacles. When we decided that I would take this journey to obtain my doctoral degree, she never hesitated in her support and desire for me to accomplish such a major project. Ety, I thank you for your understanding, patience, and overall support as I completed this dissertation and for every adventure we have taken and continue to take together. Acknowledgments I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues from my past law enforcement career. We experienced a lot together and we learned the value of life while responding to various incidents similar to the case studies in this study. The dissertation process was long and at times frustrating; however, findings in this dissertation are important as it provides additional information that will help thwart terrorist attacks and save lives. My family are my biggest fans, especially my children Liad, Eitan, Shachar, and Yuval and little Noam. I am blessed with such special children who make up our amazing Richman team. My wife, partner, and best friend Ety has given me unrelenting support from the first day we met, through the military and law enforcement, building our home, raising our children, establishing our business, and completing this PhD journey. The patience my family has and the support and excitement in everything we do, keeps me standing straight and running forward. In our home, we call this the nonquitting spirit. I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Melanie Smith, for her support and patience. She made the research process efficient, focused, and realistic. I would also like to thank my committee member, Dr. Michael Brewer, for his support, and posthumously thank my former committee member, Dr. Ian Birdsall, for his amazing contribution. Thanks to my university research reviewer, Dr. Tanya Settles, who provided detailed feedback and guidance. Thanks to my coach and mentor, Dr. Carolyn Rose-Smith, who motivated me with timelines and feedback that showed her passion for my project and our common goal for me to complete the dissertation journey.