yes - that is the motivation behind the powers that be
but the easiest way to rally a people behind a cause is to generate a sectarian divide between them and a chosen enemy. ireland during the troubles was a classic example of this - grass roots supporters saw their political divide easily identified by flags and religion, however the higher echelons of the paramilitaries saw there was huge revenue to be gained from rackets, drugs, and prostitution blighting the very communities they were supposed to be defending. it is for this reason the peace process was derailed so often. peace provides no profit for paramilitaries.

and what about jihad - that knows no boundaries, that is about global islamic conversion, if force by necessary.

governments simply use religion as a tool to manipulate the people. kuwait and iraq was about oil, but americans thought it was about freedom, the american way and the fear of the man in the beard and robes - quite happy to stay pals with Saudi though, the nation who provided most of the 9,11 operatives. most US citizens believe theirs is a christian nation. but the very founding principals of america is that is a secular, not a christian nation. however however all politicians know very well atheists don't get elected.

as the man said - imagine no religion
( spimf ™ is whoever you want him to be, Mon 17 Oct 2011, 12:17, Reply)