What was Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s motive behind Boston Marathon bombings?

American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing, a new Netflix show, has reignited interest in the motives behind the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. The attack, carried out by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, left three people dead and injured over 260 others.

The Tsarnaev brothers were ethnic Chechens who had been living in the United States for several years before the attack. Tamerlan, the older brother, had become increasingly radicalized in the years leading up to the bombing. He had traveled to Dagestan, a republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia, in 2012 and 2013, where he reportedly became involved with a group that espoused violent jihad. It is believed that Tamerlan was the mastermind behind the attack and that he had radicalized his younger brother, Dzhokhar.

The Tsarnaevs’ motive for carrying out the attack has been the subject of much speculation and investigation. The brothers did not leave behind a manifesto or any other explicit explanation of their motives. However, a number of factors have been identified as potential contributing factors.

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One possible motive was the brothers’ opposition to U.S. foreign policy, particularly its involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tamerlan reportedly posted videos and articles on social media that were critical of U.S. actions in those countries. The brothers may have seen the Boston Marathon as a symbolic target, given its significance as a major sporting event in the United States.

Another possible motive was the brothers’ desire to strike out against perceived injustices against Muslims. The brothers were reportedly angered by the U.S. government’s treatment of Muslims, including the detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay and the use of drones in Pakistan and other countries. Tamerlan also reportedly believed that the 9/11 attacks were a U.S. government conspiracy designed to justify war in the Middle East.

Finally, the Tsarnaevs’ actions may have been driven by a desire for attention and recognition. The brothers reportedly idolized Osama bin Laden and other jihadist leaders and may have seen the Boston Marathon bombing as a way to make a name for themselves in the global jihadist movement.

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