Just so. But neither is it unknown for *paramilitary/semiorganized insurrections* to utilize terrorism as one tactic in the toolbox, if not always as the primary one.
You can argue as to whether or not civil wars fit the definition too. Id say sometimes. [Russia, 1918; Finland 1918, Cuba 1958]
The Federal Bureau of Investigation defines terrorism as “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” Sept 13, 2011
Sure. But what we're seeing today is simply organized murder as their sole tactic. I cannot imagine even they believe it will work. More likely, it will cause a backlash (which probably would be happening already but for 0bama). Their murder campaign has been going on long enough (20+ years) to begin seeing some progress for them. But there is no progress.