Origins of Suicide Bombing and Misconceptions about Jihad

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This chapter explores the origins of suicide bombing and challenges the misconception that it is solely associated with Islamic fundamentalism. It discusses the invention of suicide bombing by the secular Tamil Tigers and the majority of attacks in Lebanon being committed by secularists. The chapter also delves into the concept of jihad, highlighting its limited mentions in the Quran and dispelling the notion that it solely refers to warfare.

Karen Armstrong has written over 16 books on faith and the major religions, studying what Islam, Judaism and Christianity have in common, and how our faiths have shaped world history and drive current events. She came to the Intelligence Squared stage to talk about her forthcoming book 'Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence'. Journeying from prehistoric times to the present, she contrasted medieval crusaders and modern-day jihadists with the pacifism of the Buddha and Jesus’ vision of a just and peaceful society. And she demonstrated that the underlying reasons – social, economic, political – for war and violence in our history have often had very little to do with religion. Instead, Armstrong celebrates the religious ideas and movements that have opposed war and aggression and promoted peace and reconciliation. Armstrong was in discussion with journalist and broadcaster Tom Sutcliffe.

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