There are many root causes of modern, Middle Eastern terrorism which include structural, facilitator, motivational, and triggering roots. These roots must be understood, so that we can understand the realities of modern Middle Eastern terrorism and dispel the myths, which are potentially leading to an increase in terrorist activities. Some of these myths include strongly linking poverty to terrorism, linking state collapse to terrorism, and the thought that terrorism is a very effective tool that works and should be feared. Middle Eastern terrorism is misunderstood by the general population, and my findings will lead not only to a better understanding of these misunderstandings, but also an investigation of where they originate and how to dispel them. Ultimately, my research and analysis suggests that we consider the following ways to aid our country in the fight against terrorism: better, more responsible reporting of terrorism by the news media, absolutely refusing to reward terrorism in any way or give them any kind of legitimacy, and a serious effort to respond and re-establish effective government in collapsed states.