Publication

This publication examines the relatively new phenomenon of female suicide terrorism. It provides an overview of politically and religiously motivated suicide attacks carried out by women over the past two decades, and demonstrates that they have become increasingly frequent. Focusing in particular on terrorist attacks in Iraq since 2003, the author discusses the tactical advantages of using female bombers, and the distinct message female suicide attacks convey to both the international community and to followers and supporters. The latter, the author concludes, will lead to an increase in support for Islamist terrorist organizations.