Martyrs

[Homer55]

Is it just me that thinks by all the publications of the July 7 bombers only fuels more islamic extemists to become suicide bombers, if the media didnt put their names in the paper then surely they could not become martyrs, as no one would know who they are, or am I getting confused?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, frankly. The publication of the names and the public examination of the backgrounds of the bombers provides an element of transparency. Without it, rampant speculation would be rife, but yes, there is a potential case they may become martyrs. Equally, you can argue that it has caused a greater scrutiny of extreme Islamic teaching in this country and the degree to which radicalisation is endemic (or not) in such communities.

You also need to factor in how hard it would be to keep their identities secret - 'four blokes go missing on the same day as suicide bombings' is going to start alarm bells ringing and unlikely to remain secret for long.

[Octavius]

I must admit, it always aggravates me that the world's media show video footage of pre-meditaded murder bombers and the regular TV/video blurtings of Osama BL et al.

I acknowledge that we need to be aware that these rantings go on, but this - just as you say - fuels the aggression for the extremists.