Originally Posted by Bigfella

If you want to make broad brush assertions about 'the Muslims' & the history of Islam OR if you want to pretend that Islam is somehow uniquely violent/expansionist/bloody etc. etc. than expect to be challenged at every step.

Originally Posted by S-2

It's all B.S. Religion is the opium of the un-educated masses and is exploited as such. It has great value but is just another tool of political mobilization in the wrong hands and a pliable audience.

Education, free press, unfettered and free trade, good laws, strong courts, and respect for institutions. Hard to achieve. Always worth it. The only answer.