No it’s not religion this time. Money, power and natural gas, the new oil.
It does not have to be an either/or proposition. It can be a both/and situation.
Take a look at the interim leaders various Governments have ready to assume control of Syria...they either are very much in the court of Islamic Shariah law.. as the political measure for Syria...or they favor it and supporting others who do. The oil issue is what will keep whoever retains power in the position of power.