Radicalization of sympathizers and supporters promote extremist beliefs and ideology-based radical movements worldwide. To be successful, operational hunt for terrorists must be complemented with the correction of the misled ideologies. Reducing the support for terrorism is paramount to reduce and manage the threat of terrorism and its parent, ideological extremism. There are two causal reasons that may contribute to the decrease in support for al Qaeda and bin Laden—(1) Violence against civilians by extremist groups has led to a considerable decline in support for suicide bombings and (2) US humanitarian, intelligence, logistical and financial support to where al Qaeda operates is significantly correlated to the decline in support for extremist groups and bin Laden. There are two fundamental reasons correlated to increase the support for al Qaeda and bin Laden—(1) Opposition to US led war on terror has dramatically increased since 2003 and many Muslims surveyed believe that US-led war on terror has contributed to their deteriorating economy. In addition, there is little enthusiasm for drone attacks targeting extremist leaders mainly because many civilians believe that these attacks are conducted without the approval of their governments and (2) Lack of awareness about political conditions that give rise to terrorism and increase support for extremist ideologies have led to the rise of extremism in the world. When people are stripped of their human rights, alienated and are subjugated by various negative social circumstances, they are more likely to become vulnerable candidates for radicalization and recruitment to participate in terrorism. To tip the scales in favor of counter-terrorism efforts, there is still much to be done through a global integrated approach to minimize supporters and sympathizers. Partnership should be built between the governments, academia and Muslim communities. We must think beyond security measures, understand why individuals become radicalized, and address social conditions favorable to the increase in support for extremist leaders and groups.

Operational terrorism is a vicious by-product of ideological terrorism. Many individuals identify terrorism as a sadistic social phenomenon that has evolved considerably over the years. However, to those who engage in it, terrorism is a continuously evolving political `weapon' that is designed to obliterate while producing constant social and psychological warfare. In contrast to contemporary negative labels often used to characterize terrorists, countless violent political movements distinguish themselves in positive terms and use techniques of neutralization to justify violence in defense of Islam. "A terrorist group is only the apex of a much larger pyramid of sympathizers and supporters."Radicalization of supporters and sympathizers promote extremist beliefs and ideology-based radical movements worldwide.

Reducing support for terrorism is paramount to reduce and manage the threat of terrorism and its parent, ideological extremism. Heightened extremism leads to advocacy, support and eventually participation in terrorism and other forms of political violence. Curbing individual and group support for extremist ideologies and the resultant terrorist activities determines public safety and state security. Individualistic and collectivistic views of the public auxiliary determines communal attitude toward terrorism.

International Relations Journal, Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden, Muslim Communities, Political Movements, Ideological Terrorism, Operational Terrorism, Foreign Policies, Islamic Extremism, Obama Administration, Global War, US Foreign Policies, Al Qaeda Training Camps, Pakistan Government, American Foreign Policy, US Counterterrorism Strategies, International Humanitarian Agencies, Central Intelligence Agency, Religious Organization, Communication Process.