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I am indifferent about the religion itself. In my opinion, nearly everything in life has a duality to it.

For example, a computer can be used to make wonderfully sweet birthday cards, and can also be used to plan a terrorist attack. A hammer can be used to build a finely crafted desk or put a roof on a house, or it can be buried in a victim's head in a crime of murder.

I know enough about Islam to understand the inherent flaws in it (having read all of Bernard Lewis's books, which I highly recommend) but I also know that there were times Christians and Muslims could live together in a tolerable situation. People will argue that "true" Muslims view the tolerant Muslims as apostates, for which in their religion, a special circle of hell is reserved.

(There are several groups of people against who jihad can be practiced: Infidels, Apostates and Thieves with the priority in that order. I probably left some group out...but you get the idea)

I know some American muslims, and they are decent people who want their kids to grow up right, get a good education and make a good living.

So, while many may think Islam is inherently bad, I would disagree with them. Like anything else, it can be constructive or destructive, it is all how the adherents interpret and practice it. Lately, the track record of the ones who are attracting the most attention is NOT good.