I think the current GWOT is very very parallel to the 300 years Indian War on the N. American continent, in theme. Two conflicting cultures which are non-compatible;

The role of "young bucks" committing acts of terror, regardless of their elders.

The back and forth "embracing of the noble savages" alternating with "kill all the bastards" attitude..

Yep, very familiar.

The settling of the West was not a planned, purposeful event, uniformly supported. The farther you headed East, the more sympathy there was for the Indian, and blame for the settlers. The rhetoric in the press was similar, also. Lots of "noble savage" publishing, but Easterners could get worked up right after an Indian massacre.