Palestinians have a far more robust propaganda machine than the Iraqis or Afghans, so in effect, they do matter more, because their ability to manipulate public opinion is fascinatingly effective.

As far as religions of the sword go, I think I simply utilize a more narrow set of guidelines - political expansion under the Umayyads was hardly religious, anymore than Napolean's wars were religious. The Crusades on the other hand, we distinctly religious, but Salahdin's defense was not. The jihadi today may have political ambitions, but those political ambitions are shaped and driven by a religious fervor.

Northern Ireland was most certainly religious, no doubt, but couldnt you well argue that the NI issue has been 'fading away', and the religious context has played less of a role in the last 20 years?

Will Christians always bomb abortion clinics? Well, not apparently - hasnt been one in nearly 10 years. Does that mean it won't happen next week? Not necessarily, no.

Boy, I sure hope it doesnt, or I'm going to feel real bad.