... well not any moreso than one could claim that individual bloodthirsty Evangelicals here in the U.S. are representing their Religious institutions in totality.
Here's an interesting article from the BBC that looks to explain Jihad and how Terrorism is exploding in the Muslim world thanks to U.S. actions in Iraq... how the reality of terrorism is more secular (ulemas) rather than religious (madrassas)... that is, as secular as things get in Muslim countries anyway.
"The situation in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine is radicalising young people," says Mufti Rafi Usmani, one of Pakistan's highest-ranking clerics."
Well Duhhh....
But Mufti also goes on to say that many in the West misunderstand Jihad. According to him, Jihad is not an obligatory sanction imposed by religious clerics. It is an optional decision... and there is no basis for Jihad in London or New York in retribution for acts in Iraq.
Jihad 'not obligatory'
Mufti Usmani says that even in such circumstances, jihad is obligatory only on as many Muslims as are required to defend the community under attack.
"If Pakistan is attacked but its army is sufficient to deal with the threat, then Pakistani civilians are under no obligation to join jihad," he said.
The second principle relates to the conduct of the jihadis. Under no circumstances are Muslims allowed to attack women, children, the old and the meek, the sick, those that are praying and civilians, say these ulema.
Muslim militants argue that if innocent Muslims are killed in enemy action then Muslims are allowed to kill innocent people in retaliation.
But clerics strongly disagree with this line of thinking, arguing that Islam does not allow Muslims to respond to "a mistake" by another mistake.
"Islam is absolutely clear on this issue. Two wrongs do not make a right," Mufti Usmani said.
"If they feel that the US or the UK are killing innocent civilians in Iraq or Afghanistan, it does not give them the right to kill innocent citizens in London or New York," he said.
He goes on to say that it isn't the religion that's creating terrorists in the madrassas any more than in the past. This does not explain the sudden dramatic rise in militancy amongst students. In fact, reputable madrassas are unable to help the young angry students when they come to their teachers with desires for Jihad. The students are turned away and forced to go to "less reputable" ulemas (local religious/social leaders... like the Taliban).
[Angry young Muslims] go around to all kinds of ulema with dubious credentials to seek religious sanctions