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Things get a little muddled in the Ottoman Empire on this account. The Sultan established a successor to the Greek Orthodox Church with a court and prison to judge and punish Christians. The Jewish community received simliar treatment.

I think that tolerance of different religions was more a matter of the leaders of the Empire than the religion itself. Isn't that always the case? Can you say Pogrom? That Islamic rulers were more often intolerant than tolerant is another question. As is the current status of tolerance in modern Islamic nations. Saudi Arabia, for instance and from what I've heard, won't even let a Bible into the country.

I think these tales of Islam trying to conquer the world are mostly "boogy-man" stories.

Look at the hijackers from 9/11. While in this country they spent all kinds of money on booze and women. All strictly prohibited by Islam.

In my opinion this is a criminal enterprise using religious beliefs to build it's army.

For example. To build an army costs money. But by using religion, you can easily persuade people to join a cause, thus they not only come willingly, but will often donate what wealth they have.

Islam is a perfect vehicle for this aim. Just like Hitler used the scapegoat of the Jews to motivate his people, Islam too uses the scapegoat of the Jews, Isreal and the so-called "non-believers" to justify it's atrocities.

Look at where Islam has controlled countries, such as Afghanistan. What was their main export? Drugs. Look at Iran. They are just as corrupt or worse then previous regimes.

Religion is a powerful motivator, especially for the poor and illiterate.

Like communissim the problem Islam faces is whenever Western ideals and lifestyles are experienced, people will naturally choose it over the barbaric facism of Isalm.

People will, and have chosen freedom and democracy whenever they could.

As Western philosphies spread, Islam retreats. and that's probably the greatest concern to those who preach Isalm.

They probably see this as their last stand and criminals are using this fear to build their enterprises.