text: is this right? could i compare middle east to south la and the various factions are like gangs?   i am qualified to answer this question.  why did not your former presidents bush, regan, carter or ford dispatch the military to police the high crime inner american cities?  terrorists and gangs have nearly the same tactics but different goals in mind.  terrorist groups have access to heavy weapons and high-explosives through rogue governments.  gang factions have access to small arms and are smart enough to manufacture explosives.  their goal is monetary to make money through various criminal enterprises.  terrorist groups are politically motivated.