NCJ Number
218208
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 303-325
Date Published
April 2007
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article examines Islamic jihadist terrorists' rationales for using the beheading of hostages as a tactic.
Abstract
The authors argue that jihadists have used the beheading of hostages for a range of reasons, including obtaining ransom payments for future hostages, obstructing foreign investment in Islamic countries, discrediting transitional states, and recruiting supporters. The videoing and dissemination of the beheadings of hostages for public viewing is intended to broadcast to both the Muslim and non-Muslim public contempt for and power over "infidels." Muslims who feel oppressed by adversaries are energized by the total control shown over perceived enemies, which motivates new recruits to the jihadists' cause. For non-Muslims, it is intended to strike fear and submission in those who would challenge jihadists' goals. A distinctive use of the beheading tactic was uncovered in the United Kingdom in early 2007. British authorities disrupted a jihadist terrorist cells allegedly plotting to kidnap and behead British Muslim soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and then broadcast the filmed executions on jihadist Web sites. This plot was aimed at producing fear in Muslims living in the United Kingdom, so they would not support or serve the British Government in its campaign against jihadists. The authors view jihadist beheadings as an evolution of the historic practice of terrorist hostage-taking. 90 notes