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I haven't read the entire Quran in Arabic - I've read portions but never the entire thing. As with any religions, the current practice is largely directed by the interpretations of the clerics.

One of the major "selling points" that the Islamics use is the lack of a centralized leadership; in essense, Islam has no pope. (Disclaimer: the Islamic Republic of Iran has instituted a clerical hierarchy that contravenes this.)

However the absence of a legitimized hierachy, a cogent leadership to speak of, decentralizes the interpration of the doctrine. This means that anyone with enough charisma can interpret Islam and people will follow those interpretations based on the charisma of the leader rather than the rationality of the interpretation.

This is how Bin Laden has become so dangerous. He exudes charisma to his Islamic followers. To them, he is the epitome of what a good Muslim should be. So they listen. I think when all is said and done, the history books are going to show that it is not Bin Laden who is the real power behind Al Qaeda but instead is Ayman Al Zawahiri. Zawahiri has no charisma. So he aligned very early with Bin Laden. The alliance between the two has proven lethal.

Anyway, yes. The same Islam that teaches violence and jihad, tells stories of a gentle Mohamed who cut off his robe to keep from disturbing his pet cat. The same book of hadith that teaches that also authorized murder and mayhem against apostates and infidels. Lots of contradictions. So interpretation is critical.

The people I met when I was in Egypt were for the most part warm, loving people who did not wish me any harm whatsoever. I really never felt that I was in any danger from the general Egyptian population at all. It's not like the people are evil - I have wonderful memories of Cairo.

What has to happen for moderate Islam, a kinder and gentler Islam so to speak, to take hold is a leader with charisma. Right now there is no one that I see who can fulfill that role.

Our leadership needs to focus on finding a person to fill this role and nurture him. And yes, for cultural reasons it will have to be a him. The Islamic world will not follow a female, IMHO.