As Americans, most are Christians so we like to think of religion as a way of life that allows everyone to love and respect each other. Read the Sermon O the Mount and imagine how nice it would be if everyone followed those teachings. Muslims that follow the Koran are close to Christianity in their belief unless they include

Sharia law into their belief. Thats when they turn into primitive beings. The stoning of women, female circumcision, honor killings etc. are done mostly by the followers of Sharia Law. Think of Turkey where sharia law has been outlawed and you will see a moderate Muslim lifestyle. Many of the people from Afghanistan and Pakistan still live in primitive conditions; hence the tribal regions are where Islamic radicals set up camp. Iran has internal problems because the general population of Iran is becoming more and more advanced yet their Political leader is supported by Radical Islamic Clerics.

Moderate Muslim: OK
Radical Muslim: Bad

Moderate Christian: Good
Tim McVey Type Christian: Bad

Most religions have a freak or two in shadows, its just that Muslims have tens of thousands of the bad ones. That is why (in my Opinion), that the moderate Muslims are afraid for their life if they speak up to denounce the bad ones. Break that habit and we can uncover Osama Bin Laden and the rest of his hooligans. Or we could all convert to the Muslim faith and the problems would be solved. I'm not interested in that, but its just a thought.