I know saying "peer reviewed article" on reddit with no source makes it true, but, disproving terrorism with studies is ineffectual and a waste of time. There are some things you can't stick behind an article and say "See, doesn't work! It's a fact!" because the "goal" of terrorism is never clear, is always nebulous, and always will be (in re: religious terrorism). Even if they have a "specific goal" there is ALWAYS a secondary goal which is inciting outrage, provoking conflict, stirring up racial tension. This goal is met every time. And, also? Wave your "article" in front of the family of a victim and tell them terrorism doesn't work.

They aren't animals, they're human. Humans are capable of this. Everyday people do this. People who once had families and boring lives like most people. This isn't to defend terrorists, or to take any of the blame from them, but to drill into your head that labeling murderers as animals does nothing but make people think it could never happen to them.