[Moneyguy1]

That was, I think the point I was trying to make. Perhaps, by attempting to change attitudes through education, given the availability of global communications and the few Middle East nations that seem at lest willing to listen, the results would be better than marching in and forcing (at least in the eyes of the citizenry) an alien mode of behavior. How long that would take? Only God knows. And, you are absolutely correct. Not only is their religion central to their existence, the interpretation of same changes to suit the occasion. For example, the Quoran specifically states that all are to be treated with respect and honesty. A Muslim I know told me that current belief is that Muhammed actually meant that other Muslims are to be treated that way, but not "unbelievers". And, even with the "Convert, submit or die", originally meant that a conqured people could convert to Islam, submit to the authority of the conquerers, or if they chose to do neither, then die. Islam in the beginning was quite tolerant of other belief systems. The Quoran goes on to say that Jews and Christians are "Brothers in the Book" and are to be protected. Only my opinion, but I see current Islam as the ultimate tool for controlling hundreds of millions of people (not that other belief systems haven't had their time doing the same!!!)

The strange thing is I do not believe that much of the terrorism has anything to do with religion. or if it does, not the sane application of it. It is the result of the fear of change; the fear that some of the inconsistencies might emerge and reduce the power of those who pull the strings, the fact that basic tenets have been bastardized to conform to the ends of the leaderships. Simple politics and power. That is, of course, only my opinion. Spending time over there will do that to you. Not my favorite place.