Jeff,from what is known so far,these guys aren't terrorists. Terrorism has a political/religious goal,and the goal of these two seemed to be profit. This makes them nothing more than regular criminals. The fact that they are Muslims means nothing.
I have no doubt that by the time their trial starts they will have morphed into "true believer Muslims",though. That way they can try to claim "political prisoner" status,and gain a little sympathy from the ignorant.
I believe there is a tie ... and I do not believe it is just coincidental or tangential. Just my opinion though.
Here's what I would be saying about this guy ...
"John Muhammad, a long time convert to Islam, a follower of Louis Fara Khan and an individual who vocally approved of 911 was arrested in conjunction with the Beltway Sniper case this morning at a rest stop on I-70 in Maryland."
I disagree, if people were terrorized, then the tango was a terrorist.
On top of that - muslim and osama/atta follower/sympathetic. It is a no brainer to me. - terrorist