Inside the Mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber
27 June 2005, early evening
Reading Dinu’s site I found a very interesting interview with an Iraqi suicide bomber: Inside the Mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber. I’m always amazed at the things people can do and rationalize in the name of religion. It is scary, though not surprising, that the suicide bomber had to wait almost half a year to get on the list of suicide bomber volunteers; the article isn’t completely clear why, though the implication seems to be because the list is so long. It should also come as no surprise that the occupation, as well as the influx of Mujahedeen from neighboring countries, is also helping to fill the ranks of the insurgency. Rumsfeld has said he expects the insurgency to go on for years. I think ultimately Iraq will go the way of Viet Nam; it will be a horrible debacle for the US, which will leave Iraq scarred for years to come.
I think the most interesting thing to me was that he granted the interview with orders from his commanding officer. This is practically a calculated PR piece. The rebels are learning pretty quickly that the media is very important, their quick adaptation to its use is impressive. I mean, with all objectivity, he comes off as intelligent and reasonable. Despite Time’s use of terms such as “suicidal murderer” and constant references to “extremism”, the guy doesn’t seem like a lone nut. Just someone willing to fight very strongly for his beliefs.
“We expected them to bring Saddam down and then leave,” he says. “But they stayed and stayed.”
Few would agree with his methods, but his motivations aren’t too far off.
by Dinu on June 27 2005, 11:02 pm #