Palestinian militants lure youths into suicide bombing

[Posinegativeman]

By Ali Daraghmeh / Associated Press

NABLUS, West Bank — Islamic militants tried to recruit a 15-year-old as a suicide bomber, at one point locking him in a dark room, but also luring him with clothes, a cell phone and promises of paradise, his family said Tuesday.

The story of ninth-grader Tamer Khweirah, who was rescued by an alert older brother, underscores the growing use of children by militant groups and has stoked debate over what is permissible in the fight against Israel.

Tamer is one of four teens arrested by the Israeli military in Nablus in the past week on suspicion they were recruited by militants. One of them, Hussam Abdo, 16, was caught at an Israeli checkpoint with 18 pounds of explosives strapped to his body.

The youths — who all remain in custody — knew each other, relatives told the Associated Press. Tamer, Hussam and a third youngster attended the same high school.

The Israeli military said Palestinian militants are increasingly targeting youngsters, in part because they arouse less suspicion at Israeli checkpoints.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/nation/0403/31/a10-108589.htm

[ZR2]

1. What's really strange

is that none of these militants use thier own sons for this process.

[displacedtexan]

2. Schorr's edtoon addresses this issue today.