To present a comparative analysis regarding the difference between a criminal and a terrorist one needs to explain the issue in relation to the social, political and economic environment we are living in.  In the present world thanks to the secluded lifestyle of modern individuals and disintegration of the social life crime has peeped deep into the so called civic society and now hardly any day passes that we are not informed about a brutal criminal act just around where we live in. In complete conformity with this tremendous upsurge in crime and criminal anguish in our society terrorism has also shoot up to pose a greater threat to our life and living hood, so much so that now globally terrorism is considered to be the greatest danger to all the social, political and economic institutions of our civilization. “Global war against terrorism”-this rubric which is widely preferred as a common expression of commitment for the peace and progress is a sure proof of this massive threat. But considering all we must acknowledge that there is an ocean of difference between a criminal and a terrorist. Though in many ways their mode of operation can be same, in many cases the brutality of their act may seem to bear the same signs of vengeance or even in few cases their immediate objective may resemble to a great extent, but in essence and in core values the difference between a criminal and a terrorist is huge on which we will discuss here.

The basic difference in regard to objective
A crime in simple terms is what is done with a objective which is not socially permissible and detrimental to the society and one or more than individuals in numerous ways. Burglar, thief, rapist, common murderer, serial killer, drug peddler, smuggler, extortionist, kidnapper, snatcher, are a few of the common categories of criminal who apart from their small individual objective of satisfying their greed or fulfilling their urge of revenge or venting their aggression do not share any role in the bigger objective of society. In complete contrast a terrorist is not just a mere individual in his drive to achieve his goal, he is unlike a criminal is part of an organization or group of people that claim to represent the social or political will of a section of the masses.

A terrorist enjoys veneration, compassion and contempt, all to the fullest extent, but not the criminal
Most major difference between a criminal and a terrorist lies mainly in their attitude to life and their public image. A venomous criminal act is scorned all across the world irrespective of social class, creed and cultural differences, but when it comes to acts of terrorism it can show differences that encompass the stark contrast of hellish darkness of oblivion with shimmering light of posthumous pride. Thus many freedom fighters of yesteryears used to be called terrorists by the ruling class, while in the eyes of their compatriots they were the immortal heroes. In many cases a so called terrorist becomes inspired to dedicate his life for simply the promise that assures him in his heart of his immortal fame as a martyr for a great cause. So while a criminal is destined to be lost into contempt of oblivion, a terrorist even in his most brutal endeavors lives with the hope of his immortal pride.