"But it does seem that the "successful" terrorist has the highest body counts. Why else would 9/11 be hailed as such a heroic feat in islamic countries (and on some American college campuses)?"
Body counts obviously add to the "terror", and give more publicity. 911 was meant to be the opening shots of a worldwide conflict, not a goal in itself.
A single beheading is hailed, it dosen't matter how many are killed.
Terrorism failed in the recent Iraq elections - They could not muster enough to cause major problems -
They are losing, and they know it. Like the Democrats, they will become more fanatic as their power slips away...
Agreed.