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.
Are there adherents of other faiths killing in the name of their religion?? of course there are. Budhism, Christianity...I am sure examples of each can be found. But Islam, unfortunately, exceeds them all.
Are some of these regions "the most economically, socially, and poltiically desolate regions of the world"? Sure. But part of that is their own doing. When they throw acid on girls going to school, car bomb their own cities and markets, light their own oil fields on fire...
Yes there is way to much foreign military involvement in these areas and those countries, even my own good'ole America, shares part of the blame. But so do these groups that want there domains to remain in the stone age. And do whatever is necessary to ensure that.
I look forward to the day when the Muslim world says enough and we see the true leaders of the Muslim face lead a revolt of 10s of millions and throws this disease down and usher in the Muslim world to the modern era. Humanity needs it.
I think we are starting to see the fight for that coming up. Govs and people are starting to take notice and get involved. Iran, Saudi, Turkey, Jordan...