CNN is praising suicide bombers now

[Electric Monk]

Some Libyan rebel packed a car full of gas cans and blew himself up to take out a Libyan Army barracks, but don't fret, now it's cool. It's a valid tactic when the "good guys" do it.

[kenny blankenship]

1. You do get that he didn't blow himself up in the middle of a bunch of civilians, right?

[tekisui]

2. It has long been a tactic in asymmetrical warfare.

I really don't see much of a distinction between suicide missions and asking soldiers aged 18-25 to kill and die for war. It is only a difference of certainty.

[Bucky]

3. fuhgeddabowdit

[True Earthling]

4. It's an OK tactic to use against an army in a war

Not OK to use it against unarmed civilians.

[aquart]

5. Whoever wins will write the histories and then you'll know if it's good or not.

It's a tactic. It has consequences. If your side wins because of it, HOORAY! If not, oops. It's used by the side with fewer military and negotiating options to strengthen its hand. How do you think the Palestinians wound up with embassies in 96 countries and the UN? The downside for them is that they get frisked everywhere.

[CJvR]

6. As long as...

...the target is military and the attacker is a valid combatant there is nothing illegal about it. It is just slightly more dangerous than being the first man over the top.