Three decades of study on terrorism has taught with certainty that terrorism is not a simple phenomenon with an easy explanation and direct solutions. Terrorism is a highly complex subject whose understanding is undermined and corrupted by myths and half-truths. One approach that has emerged to deal with the problems of ill-judged assumptions and myths, applicable to terrorism is the rational choice approach. This approach argues that it is often more useful to view criminal activity as having an underlying rational basis. To illustrate the value in the rational choice approach, this article focuses closely on a real life incident: the 1993 Shankill Bombing in Northern Ireland. The article highlights the lessons and insights that can be gained with the rational choice approach and how these can be used to prevent and counter future acts of terrorism. A good understanding of terrorist atrocities ultimately provides in itself solutions for the prevention of further atrocities. 62 Notes