Austin, Texas

The Austin, Texas, bomber was found and he killed himself with his own bomb.

The debate is whether this is terrorism. In a sense, of course it is. His bombs terrorized and killed. But if it isn't part of a group dedicated to achieving a goal--even if the goal is just killing people different than the terrorists--and with the potential of appealing to a broader (even if limited) audience to support the goal, it is hard to call it terrorism.

But it is very different from the IED campaigns of Iraq and Afghanistan that plagued civilians and troops fighting the terrorists.

There was an entire IED industry in Iraq, for example, that had large teams composed of scouts to determine locations for bombs, people who made the bombs, people who emplaced the bombs, and people who detonated them. Each bomb was a battle plan.

That kind of effort required a certain level of support in an area to carry out over time.

The Texas bomber was apparently a lone bomber (unless that is just to lull accomplices still being pursued) who did all of it himself. And quickly tracking him down indicates no support in the community.

So while the intent may well be terrorism, it is not at all like an organized terror campaign. I suppose we'll find out what likely motivated the man. Then we may know if it was terrorism, mental illness, a grievance, or a serial killer.

And this being early, we'll find out if he truly acted alone as it seems. Much could change so I'm necessarily speculating on thin information.

But thank goodness he is dead. Hopefully no more bombs kill more after the bomber's death.