zen_tom

The issue is radical theology (not necessarily limited to Islam), but the tendency to embrace radical theology is, among other things, tied up in socio-economic status. It's just easier to embrace a radical theology if you live a difficult life. The IRA, professional soldiers, criminals or anyone who engages in premeditated violence has to believe in something pretty radical. It's not limited to any particular faith, or indeed faith at all. Whilst there are those in the US Army who are from wealthy backgrounds, the vast majority are likely to be from poorer neighbourhoods where there were fewer employment opportunities. Ustwo's Muslim counterpart is well within his rights to denounce the 'American Imperialist Fanatics' who pose a credible danger to his security and who have already killed many of his kin in their ideological crusade, just as Ustwo is well within his rights to feel the way he does.

Of course, neither of their opinions is going to do the rest of us any good whilst they support the usage of violence against one another, unless we happen to be in either the weapon or the coffin business.

In response to your post on Martyrs, why not read some of the things the mothers of dead American soldiers may have said, are they not proud that their sons died in combat 'protecting freedom' etc?