Al-Qaeda As A Drug Cartel?

So, I've written before of my idea that terrorists should be considered under the piracy model. I read today of somebody else who suggests that we look at terrorists like we look at drug cartels. The article has some good points, namely:

1) Both entities operate in lawless areas.
2) Neither entity is particularly popular with the locals.
3) Significantly, unlike the drug cartels, Al-Qaeda doesn't have a lot of money.

Now, where I disagree with the author is that the military does have a role to play in law enforcement. Specifically, if the bad guys have too much firepower for the police to handle, then send in the Army. Also, sometimes just shooting the bad guy is a better all-around solution then attempting an arrest. Simply put, if an arrest is not possible, don't bother. Consider it Tuco's Law - when it's time to shoot, shoot. Don't talk, shoot.