Suicide Bombers


1. In the case of very dangerous military operations it is known to a certainty that some will die. Why should there be a moral distinction between this certainty that some or many will die, though exactly who will perish is unknown, and the certainty that a known person will die, as in the case of a suicide bomber? This question has nothing to do with intention or with risk, but isolates the salience of knowing in advance who will die.

2. In high risk military operations individuals make every effort to stay alive, even though it is known to a certainty that some will die. Why should there be a moral distinction between trying to survive a risky endeavor so that, if successful, others will die instead, and making an effort to die oneself?

3. From the perspective of intention and desired objective, what is the moral distinction between strategic bombing and suicide bombing?