How does "it's about religion" imply "they're trying to spread their religion"? It's about cultural dominance. It doesn't have to make heretics convert, it just

How does "it's about religion" imply "they're trying to spread their religion"? It's about cultural dominance. It doesn't have to make heretics convert, it just has to make them scared of heresy. Terrorist attacks aren't about defeating the enemy, they're about terrorizing the enemy and inciting them to make the wrong decisions -- like mistreating peaceful Muslims and thereby supporting the Islamists' propaganda that this is a jihad in defence of Islam. The easiest way to gain sympathy is to portray yourself as the victim and your attacks as righteous self-defence.