No they weren't.
'Simple Definition of terrorism
: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal'
Terrorism | Definition of Terrorism by Merriam-Webster
They weren't trying to frighten people for a political goal...they were trying to flat out conquer countries.
And only the leaders/hard core fanatics were evil...the rest were mostly just normal people fighting for their country. Whereas every terrorist in an organization is pretty much evil/nuts/fanatical.
America has had a 'War on Terror' going on for almost 15 years now and she is still no closer to 'exterminating' it then she was when she started...and a heck of a lot of innocent civilians and brave Americans have died while she tries (not to mention trillions of dollars wasted in the effort).
Plus, the Middle East is FAR LESS stable now then in 2001 directly thanks to what America has done. Heck ISIS was primarily created from the pathetic invasion/occupation of Iraq by - wait for it - America.
The War on Terror is failing...miserably.
It is virtually impossible to beat major terrorist organizations in combat. Especially if they are not based in your country.
The Middle East is NONE OF AMERICA'S BUSINESS...let the locals fix their own problems. Offer them humanitarian aid and maybe peacekeeping assistance and if they want more...tell them they are on their own. No money, no weapons, no troops, no airstrikes, no drone strikes...nothing.
Neocons are the originators of the stupid War on Terror. They are the ones that continue to try and 'police' the world...and fail. They are the reason for Gitmo, and the mess in Iraq/Afghanistan and ISIS and on and on.
They are cowards, unpatriotic, un-American and get others to die and pay for their global goals...while they sit back and get richer and more powerful. They disgust me.
I sense your mind is closed on this...then further discussion on this is pointless, IMO.
We are done here.
Good day.