Reasoned discussion of the strategic value of the Paris attacks is an entirely separate issue from whether they should be condemned on a moral or religious basis. Strategically, in my opinion, it is a mistake, and potentially disastrous.
But, as I have written many times, jihad theory is undergoing a gradual transformation, and jihadi groups are still struggling to reach beyond the tactics and strategies which modern power dynamics have rendered obsolete.
Inflicting mass casualties, or indeed, any casualties among an enemy civilian population is, at best, ineffective, at worst, counter-productive. According to the alleged Da’esh claim of responsibility, the targets were “carefully chosen”, however, targeting of specific corporate interests, in my opinion, would have been a far more effective strategy.
There is no strategic value in targeting the civilian population of any country, because they have no significant role in decision-making; they are marginalized and excluded from the crafting of policy. Their lives do not matter to the people in power; they are, in fact, the primary enemy of their own governments.