the relgious texts of the Islamic faith have not changed for more than a thousand years. Why is it only now that the faith seems to be more extreme in its handling of citizens of other faiths, than other faiths?
Answer: Islam is practiced in some of the most economically, socially, and poltiically desolate regions of the world. If it wasnt religion that was used as the fuel to the power-hungry, it would be nationalism (or another proven method of rallying support).
These extremists are Muslim. I would never say they arent. However, it is their environment that is causing their actions-- not their faith. Too many people fail to understand the nuance of this. If everyone converted to Christianity tomorrow night, but the economic conditions didnt change, things would not change.
Buddhism is a pacifistic faith, no? Then why are there macabre Buddhist monks in Myanmar killing Muslims by the thousands?
Answer: their societal backdrop.