Poverty not the root cause of terrorism?

For years, especially since 9/11, the preconception among many is that poverty breeds terrorism. If we raise living standards in those countries most afflicted by terrorism, and throw lots of money into programs, terrorists will disappear, right? Not true, according to an upcoming new book called "What Makes a Terrorist". This is starting to become like a book club, as this is my 2nd day in a row telling you about a new book. But anyway, as this article says, the average terrorist or suicide bomber is more highly educated than most of the people living around him or her. Although the author's true reasoning is not revealed until the final paragraph, that suppression of civil liberties is the true root cause of terrorism, it makes sense. When people aren't given a practical and workable outlet for airing their grievances and problems, they do things like strap bombs to themselves. I don't think it works, I think it creates a broader cycle of repression, but to people living in the Palestinian terrorities or Saudi Arabia, it's the only thing that probably makes sense.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118358989440157536.html?mod=hpp_us_editors_picks