Times Square Terrorism

Although politically I am more likely to side with the Middle Eastern constituents who continue to resist American imperialism, I've never been able to empathize with people who are willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent civilians in order to make a political point. Maybe I don't understand the whole picture, but this whole failed attempt in Times Square has made me less and less willing espouse to the cause. I'm all for raging against the machine, but at the cost of innocent lives?