Assassination

What is Assassination and Who Are the Assassins?

Assassination is the willful killing of a person, often prompted by political, ideological, or personal motives. Have you ever wondered who these individuals are that carry out such acts? The term ‘assassin’ comes from the Italian and French word for the Order of Assassins, a group active in the Near East from the 11th to the 13th centuries.

Historical Context and Early Instances

Assassination dates back to ancient times, with recorded instances including the Egyptian pharaoh Teti (23rd century BCE), Amenemhat I (20th century BCE), and Ramesses III (1155 BCE). In ancient China, Jing Ke attempted to assassinate Qin king Ying Zheng in 227 BC. The practice was also common in ancient Rome and other civilizations.

Medieval Europe and Beyond

In medieval Europe, regicide was rare but did occur in the Eastern Roman Empire. The sicarii, a group of Jewish assassins, predated the Middle Eastern Assassins and Japanese shinobis by centuries. The term ‘assassin’ entered Medieval Latin from the mid-13th century, with the earliest known use in printed English dating back to 1600.

Assassination Motives and Methods

Acts of assassination have continued throughout history for various motives, including political, ideological, or personal reasons. Have you ever pondered how these individuals plan their attacks? From the Four Hitokiri in Japan to the assassinations of US presidents, each case is a testament to the complexity and danger involved.

The Order of Assassins

The Order of Assassins worked against various political targets, including members of the Abbasid, Seljuk, Fatimid, and Christian Crusader elite for political and religious reasons. The etymology of the word ‘assassin’ is debated, with some scholars arguing that it was influenced by the word hashish, while others believe that drug-taking was not a key feature behind the name.

Modern Methods

Modern methods used in assassinations include firearms, explosives, grenades, remote-triggered land mines, and sniper rifles. The use of these tools has become more prevalent with the advent of effective ranged weaponry and later firearms. Handguns are commonly used due to their ease of concealment, while dedicated sniper rifles are expensive and require high levels of precision machining.

According to a major study about assassination attempts in the US, most prospective assassins spend time planning and preparing for their attempts. However, delusional attackers are less likely to succeed, and around two-thirds of attackers had previously been arrested or had a history of serious depression or substance abuse.

Targeted Killings vs. Assassination

Assassinations and targeted killings are distinct acts; the latter is viewed as justifiable homicide. Is one more morally acceptable than the other? The use of the term ‘assassination’ implies murder, which is prohibited in the US, but not when done in self-defense. Targeted killing is not synonymous with assassination.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Experts and scholars distinguish between the two terms. The Israeli policy of targeted killing is not considered assassination because it does not constitute an illegal killing. However, some argue that targeted killing can violate due process and international law, particularly if carried out without charge or trial outside armed conflict zones.

Defenses Against Assassins

Defenses against assassins have evolved from bodyguards to modern security measures. Early forms of defense included employing bodyguards, who would keep a lookout for potential attackers and shield the target if necessary. As gunpowder was introduced, ranged assassination via bombs or firearms became possible, leading to increased security measures such as armored cars, limousines, and bulletproof vests.

Modern strategies have focused on restricting access to famous people, with checks and metal detectors in place. Most modern assassinations occur during public performances or transport due to weaker security and lapses. The use of protective measures has sometimes evoked negative reactions from the public. US President William McKinley was assassinated at a public reception.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assassination remains a complex issue with deep historical roots and modern implications. Whether it’s an individual acting alone or state-sponsored operations, these acts continue to shape politics and history in profound ways. As we navigate the challenges of security and justice, understanding the motives and methods behind such actions is crucial.