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DYING TO WIN: THE STRATEGIC LOGIC OF SUICIDE TERRORISM
BY PROF. ROBERT A. PAPE; UNIV. OF CHICAGO
Random House: London King 212 572-2693 loking@randomhouse.com
It seems that hardly a day goes by without some of US troops being killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq. No one, until now, that I know of has really studied suicide terrorism. The author, Robert Pape, an associate Professor of Political Science, has compiled a database of every suicide bombing and attack around the world from 1980 through 2003- 315 in all. Suicide terrorism however is not new and is not restricted to Islamic fundamentalists. According to Prof. Pape’s research, which is well documented by the way, determines that it is actually the Tamil Tigers; a secular Hindu group in Sri Lanka, who has committed the most acts of suicide terrorism. According to Prof. Pape, his research indicates that suicide terrorist attacks are committed for a secular strategic goal; to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from territory that the terrorists view as their homeland. Pape believes that this is the root cause of suicide bombing and not religious fundamentalism. Prof. Pape also presents a bold new strategy to defeat suicide terrorism. First he recommends that we immediately tighten border and immigration controls. Secondly he recommends that the US should return to a policy of “ offshore balancing” as the best strategy for maintaining our interests in the Persian Gulf without stationing a single combat soldier in the region. This recommendation I am sure will stir much debate. Whether his recommendations to defeat suicide bombers will work is of course speculation at this point. While there may be points that everyone may not agree with, I still feel that this is an excellent book. The book provides an excellent history of suicide bombers and gives insight into who the suicide bombers are, who they have targeted and why.
Courtesy: Elliott Grollman
Maj. (USAR) Ret.
Adjunct Professor
Email dated 28.9.2005 from Mr. Elliott Grollman.
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Building security: Handbook for Architectural Planning and Design
By Barbara A. Nadel – reviewed by Bob Cizmadia, CPP
Dedicating her work to the victims of 9.11, author Barbara A. Nadel, a well known architect and advocate of security planning, has prepared a strategic reference guide that both chronicles and advances the state of security knowledge. With the input of more than 50 industry professionals, the book presents numerous security perspectives on the design or renovation of various building types and related security upgrades of facilities and systems. It consists of 17 chapters on security planning and design elements for various types of facilities, including sports complexes, convention centres, commercial high rises, hospitals, courthouses, museums, and retail stores. Other chapters cover such topics as engineering principles and costs relating to the design and protection of critical electrical, mechanical, and fire protection systems – A refreshing proactive approach!
Security Management – October 2005
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