We've heard about suicide bombers for a number of years primarily Palestinian attacks within Israel, but after 9/11 the phenomena has spread to other parts of the world—most frequently in Iraq. What could possibly possess so many to resort to using themselves as a deadly weapon? How could anyone calmly strap on an explosive belt, walk into a crowded bus or restaurant, and detonate the device?

Unless we're Palestinians with access to videotaped "farewell" messages, we've usually only seen news references to largely anonymous suicide bombers—glimpses of the horror, but without substance about their motivations. Glib references to fanatical "Islamic kamikazes" who believe they are religious martyrs remains about as "deep" as the mainstream media ever ventures. Fictional movies have done a better job at exploring the subject—brief sequences in Syriana and an especially nuanced character study in Paradise Now that details the Palestinian viewpoint.

But the most insightful real-life perspective to date comes from Pierre Rehov's remarkable Suicide Killers. What sets this documentary apart are its source material—notably interviewing failed bombers and terrorist facilitators now incarcerated inside Israeli prisons, bombing survivors, and a masked bomber preparing for his coming mission. Additionally, Rehov interviews psychologists, sociologists, and other experts for fresh perspectives on the phenomenon.

Many of the interviews boggle the mind. Outside one would be bomber who refrained when he saw a mother nursing a baby, the others still remain committed to martyrdom should they ever be released. Fanatical interpretations of the Koran to justify terrorist bombing have previously been explored in a number of venues, and Paradise Now already vividly illustrates the frustrations that Palestinians feel towards oppressive Israeli restrictions, check points, etc. But various experts explore new terrain for additional consideration.

Most suicide bombers are men, and more than one expert theorizes that sexuality issues lie at the core. In Islamic society men and women don't mingle socially before marriage, but that certainly doesn't prevent young men from lustful longing—especially in a westernized environment like Israel where scantily clad young women can be seen frequently. The restrictive limits placed on sexual expression become motivating factors when terrorists use this to attract men to their cause—the idea of guaranteed passage to paradise where the martyr will forever lounge with 72 beautiful virgins proves extremely seductive.

If you find this preposterous, you'll consider this more when viewing the dreamy looks in the eyes of two young failed bombers.

Three Islamic women are also interviewed; each remains committed to become a martyr, and one even reveals her target—a pizzeria in homage to another martyr. While the idea of being among the 72 virgins in paradise does appeal to one, the other two talk primarily in terms of more esoteric religious motivation. The experts theorize, however, that women's liberation may be a major factor since Islamic women are able to see Israeli women enjoy more freedom than what they are allowed. The idea that these highly restricted women can actively participate becomes a motivating factor—more appealing to certain women than staying inside cooking and cleaning.