[Steve_Seattle]

"Murder/suicide in no way equates to martyrdom."

I expect this to be dismissed as psycho-babble, but I think these suicide bombers are actually very conflicted about Islam; I think they are attracted to the West but can't reconcile that with their beliefs and self-image, so they become self-destructive. After all, their psychological motivation is to enjoy the company of women in Paradise, an enjoyment they deny themselves in this life. On 9/11, Mohammed Atta dressed up in his nicest clothes and put on a lot of cologne, like he was going on a date; and in his sick mind, he was. So, deep down, I think these men are beginning to think they have become the unthinkable - infidels - so to prove their Islamic bona fides, they kill.

[MizSterious]

You've been watching Oprah again, haven't you? ;)

[iconoclast]

I expect this to be dismissed as psycho-babble,

Far be it from me to disappoint you. ;-)