"Any form of public death--be it an execution, a disaster, a brutal murder, or a suicide--sends shockwaves through society and stimulates a great deal of emotion, especially among the witnesses." (44, Sociology in a Changing World)

Suicide bombing, or suicidal terror, is an effective means of achieving political and psychological devastation to societies and cultures the world over. This violent tactic is the weapon of choice for Islamic militants seeking to undermine the American dominance in the 21st century. Obviously, the brutal acts appear to be the work of insane, desperate human beings. Nevertheless, many suicide bombers, such as those affiliated with al-Qaeda, are part of a middle class socioeconomic status (SES) and they are often educated in some of the best western institutions. Contrary to the cultured and skilled al-Qaeda killer, the Palestinian suicide bombers are typically very poor and lack most basic...