The security measures are the last link in the chain of thwarting terror attacks. But in the absence of sufficient intelligence or where the operational capability against the terrorists is limited, the importance of this last link in the chain becomes exceedingly high.

Psychological Measures - Another important facet of fighting suicide attacks, as mentioned before, is countering the moral damage of these attacks.

Of foremost importance is the task of supporting and strengthening the civilian population in dealing with suicide terrorism. It should be borne in mind that the main victims of terrorism in general and suicide attacks in particular are civilians, and it is they who are on the front line in the fight against terrorism.

States faced with suicide attacks must do whatever can be done to strengthen the spirit of the people and their feeling of security, and thus convey the message to the terrorists that these attacks do not serve their goals. In this regard there must be cooperation between the administration, the media, decision makers and politicians, security personnel and other sectors which can work together to lessen the psychological damage of the suicide attacks by means of propaganda and education.

In summary, suicide attacks are the latest "fashion" in terrorism in the Middle East and other countries worldwide. However, just as in the past waves of terrorism waxed and waned, so too this wave of terrorism will eventually die out.

In contending with the phenomenon of suicide terrorism we should bear in mind that the suicide attack is not an act of a lone lunatic or desperate terrorist who decides to attack as an act of revenge. Rather it is a well-planned terror attack, which demands extensive preparations and the involvement of a number of activists and leaders.

Therefore, countering this wave of terrorism requires a combination of effective intelligence, operational activity, security and psychological measures combined with international cooperation in the fight against the organizations responsible for such attacks.

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