Sacrificial Bodies: Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, Torture

In this paper, I illuminate the underlying demonology of religious terrorism. I argue that counter-terrorist practices mirror the demonology that they are designed to resist. This argument focuses on our system of detention and torture. I suggest that the terrorism–counter-terrorism discourse relies on sacrificial bodies: the bombed body, and the tortured body. To find a creative response to terrorism, and to restore human rights, we need an alternate narrative for global violence. I suggest that this alternate narrative exists. I trace it through citizen resistance and a case study.