Opinion | Editorials
Bribes don't always work
Sri Lanka's plan to buy off would-be LTTE suicide bombers is flawed.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:16 March 29, 2008
In an attempt to reduce militancy, the Sri Lankan government has conceived a plan to "bribe" would-be Tamil Tiger suicide attackers. They are offering rebels Rs10 million (Dh341,342) and a new life overseas if they will cease their activities.
Doubtless the idea is well-intentioned, but there are flaws in the plan. First, it undermines the convictions of the Tigers and assumes they can be tempted out of their rebellion by wafting sums of money in front of them. It is a doubtful assumption, since anyone prepared to give their life to a cause is likely to be least interested in pecuniary advantage. Second, how can the government be sure the recipient of the funds is actually a pending suicide attacker?
Perhaps the "rebel" will take the money and run. Lastly, the government is assuming another country will accept them.
It looks very much like an idea that will not run.
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