I'm no expert (and I don't know what thread this stemmed from, so it might have already been mentioned), but isn't time a major factor in this? It seems to me like fundies run in packs and each pack has its moment in the sun. Right now, the violent Islam fundie position is hip just like the violent Christian fundie position was hip during the Crusades. I don't see why the religion itself should be blamed if both religions have had peaceful fundie camps at some period in time. My World History's a bit rusty, but I don't think Islam has ALWAYS been like this. Didn't they start off with years of conquest and then kinda settle down?
EDIT: Bad word choice.
[This message has been edited by Tsegamla, 12-26-2003]