Bob
I don't know enough about Islam to refute what you say, but I draw the obvious parallel (as you have) to the past sins of Christianity. What I understand of Islam is that it is somewhat contradictory (and therefore open to interpretation) but that the overall angle is anti-violent.
Besides, as you point out, the Middle East has elements of radical leadership and anti-Western beliefs. However, through Asia, there are millions of peaceful Muslims. I get the feeling (and hope) that rather like the Catholic/Protestant conflict in Ireland that the problem is rooted in culture rather than religion.
There is a great degree of difference between faith and religion. Faith is internal; the product of hope and a belief in certain elements that one holds to be internally consistent and true. Religion is a code of conduct created by and large as a measure of control. Do good, as defined by the code and you will be rewarded. Do bad as defined by the code and you will be severely punished. As such, religion is not divinely inspired, it is a product of man. Moses, J.C. and Mohammed would not recognize what man has done to their original ideas and concepts.
We disagree on this, but I'm not going to argue with you
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