Suicide Bombers in Iraq: The Strategy and Ideology of Martyrdom
“Brilliantly considered, crisply written, unsparing in its conclusions, Suicide Bombers in Iraq is an absolutely essential contribution to understanding the factions that are warring over the future of that shattered country, the region, and Islam.”“Rich in information and balanced in comments, this volume helps understanding how terrorism and repression feeds each other, reducing the chances for a peaceful evolution in Iraq. Social movement theories help interpreting radicalization processes by focusing attention on the interaction between direct experiences with violence and sentiments of victimization. Hafez combines the analysis of macro-historical conditions, inter-organizational competition and individual paths into the underground, without loosing sight of the diverse strategies of both oppositional groups and state agencies.”"It is hard to think of a more compelling question today in the international arena than the question of the who exactly is carrying out the suicide attacks in Iraq that have done so much to turn the country into a failing state. Mohammed Hafez has done the world a favor by producing this balanced, clearly written and well argued account of who the suicide attackers in Iraq are and why they are carrying our their deadly missions."“Mohammed Hafez has produced a compelling book, which is both wide-ranging in debating the phenomemon of suicide bombing in Iraq and pertinent in terms of the future of this pivotal state in the Middle East. The work combines a forensic approach to the reasons why suicide bombings occur with an analysis of the myriad motives of the suicide bombers. This is a trenchant text for all who wish to understand the complex politics of Iraq.”"No better or more detailed analysis exists in making sense of the raging violence within Iraq and the nature of the terrorists. Mohammed Hafez mastery of the Iraqi insurgency and who are the forces behind it is unrivaled. No one better explores in detail the issue of foreign fighters in Iraq and the local forces of the insurgency. This seminal work is essential reading for anyone wanting to truly understand what is going on in Iraq and why it is so intractable.""Suicide Bombers in Iraq makes a signal contribution to the literature.  Hafez has written what is to date the most detailed and authoritative account of suicide terrorism's impact on Iraq along with its broader international implications. It is especially noteworthy for both its meticulous research and incisive analysis. Suicide Bombers in Iraq is required reading for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of the conflict in Iraq and the concomitant rise of this devastating tactic."