... With Islamist violence brewing in various parts of the world, the set of rules that seek to guide and justify the killing that militants do is growing more complex.
This jihad etiquette is not written down, and for good reason. It varies as much in interpretation and practice as extremist groups vary in their goals. But the rules have some general themes that underlie actions ranging from the recent rash of suicide bombings in Algeria and Somalia, to the surge in beheadings and bombings by separatist Muslims in Thailand.
Some of these rules have deep roots in the Middle East...
Rule No. 1: You can kill bystanders without feeling a lot of guilt...
Rule No. 2: You can kill children, too, without needing to feel distress...
Rule No. 3: Sometimes, you can single out civilians for killing; bankers are an example...
Rule No. 4: You cannot kill in the country where you reside unless you were born there...
Rule No. 5: You can lie or hide your religion if you do this for jihad...
Rule No. 6. You may need to ask your parents for their consent...
The Guidebook for Taking a Life
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