What makes for a "terrorist"?

Reuters and a prominent Canadian paper disagree. I'll pay some attention in the next few days to how the various Irish media describe militants vs. insurgents vs. terrorists vs. freedom fighters, etc.

I find the the "loaded moral judgement" implied in using the word terrorist completely bogus. Fine, admirable even, if you don't apply the word to all involved in any conflict with a broad brush, as surely there are different motivations, backgrounds, and tactics of different groups. But pick a definition, rigorous as you like, and then use the word. It's an important word, especially in today's world.