Most terrorism is about keeping the funds flowing for the guy sending the other guys off to blow themselves (and/or any bystanders who happen to be in the vicinity) to smithereens.

The IRA wanted a united island of Ireland, for example. They didn't think they'd "won" because rubbish bins were removed from stations. Complaining that the terrorists are "winning" because the TSA makes us take off our shoes at airports or our civil liberties have eroded somewhat is to miss the point completely.