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I'm sorry, but there are any number of internet sites, and books that say differently

Yes there are. They are all wrong. Some are written by western apologists with no real understanding of Islam, such as yourself. Others are examples of Al-Taqiyah written by Muslims themselves. I am confident that you have never read the Quran, since it is clear that you have no understanding of Islam. As an example, the statements that you have made to "defend" Islam (i.e., that the Quran is open to interpretation and the words don't really mean what they say) would get you killed in any area of the globe under Sharia law.

I don't think you're completely accurate in what you are saying about the Islamic religion

I know (that you don't think this). And that is the problem. Westerners believe that Islam is just another religion, a facade that Islamists support until their numbers in an area are strong enough to change the local political system. Even when a movement like Islam insists that their intent is to destroy you and when they make clear statements to that effect, you still won't believe them, and think that some "compromise" can be reached that will allow both sides to live in peace. History is full of the graves of people who thought the same way.

Once again, I emphasize the fact that different religions, and the understanding of different religions, is based on interpretation

And once again, I emphasize that Islam doesn't worth that way. Islam is more than just a "different religion", it is also a political movement, and one that demands that it be the sole political (Sharia law) authority as well as the sole religious authority. You might as well try to categorize Ebola or Smallpox as a religion; doing so will make you no more immune to their ultimate effects.

Your interpretation of the Islamic religion, is not the same as many others

Mine isn't an "interpretation", it is merely statement of theological dogma common to all forms of Islam. And it IS THE SAME as that of the Muslims themselves. There is no way to "reinterpret" the relevant statements as metaphor in the context in which they are written. Trying to "interpret" such statements as "slay the idolaters wherever you find them" in a peaceful context is about as useful as trying to reinterpret the Nazi party's antisemitism as being a statement about immigration policy.

As an example, the statements that you have made to "defend" Islam (i.e., that the Quran is open to interpretation and the words don't really mean what they say) would get you killed in any area of the globe under Sharia law.

Yes or no..........

Westerners believe that Islam is just another religion, a facade that Islamists support until their numbers in an area are strong enough to change the local political system.

Bullseye...........

Even when a movement like Islam insists that their intent is to destroy you and when they make clear statements to that effect, you still won't believe them, and think that some "compromise" can be reached that will allow both sides to live in peace. History is full of the graves of people who thought the same way.

And once again, I emphasize that Islam doesn't worth that way. Islam is more than just a "different religion", it is also a political movement, and one that demands that it be the sole political (Sharia law) authority as well as the sole religious authority. You might as well try to categorize Ebola or Smallpox as a religion; doing so will make you no more immune to their ultimate effects.

BTTT to you friend.............you've nailed it.