ABSTRACT
The search for the root causes of terrorism has been both controversial and confusing. It is controversial because some argue that given the reprehensible nature of the acts, where terrorists target non-combatants including innocent men, women and children, there is no need to understand the causes that led them to commit these heinous crimes. In fact, the critics fear that any attempt at understanding the root causes may lead to sympathy for the perpetrators. For instance, in June 2005, the presidential advisor Karl Rove criticized the liberals for trying to “understand” the reasons for the 9/11 attacks.3 In fact, Rove’s argument is typical of regime supporters facing threats of terrorism all over the world. This view, however, does not have much credence in the academic community since the steps separating understanding, sympathizing, and advocating are well marked.
