Understanding and addressing suicide attacks : the faith and politics of martyrdom operations / David Cook and Olivia Allison ; foreword by Edward P. Djerejian.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [179]-192) and index.

1. Historical and Islamic roots of suicide attacks - martyrdom operations -- 2. Shi'ites pioneer the military use of suicide attacks -- 3. Are suicide operations the weapon of the disadvantaged? -- 4. Self-sacrifice against the "Great Satan" : Al-Qa'ida and martyrdom operations -- 5. Spreading martyrdom operations; purifying the Muslim community -- 6. Are suicide attacks "catching"? : militant media organs' publicity efforts -- 7. Success of terrorist messages in the American media -- 8. Correcting the suicide-bombing discourse -- 9. Fighting suicide bombing and the culture of martyrdom.

"This book examines the historical and religious roots of suicide attacks among radical Muslims and explores the implications of these attacks."--BOOK JACKET.