Islam, The Qur'an, and The Five Pillars

I've read "The Qur'an" recently. Some thoughts and questions to follow:
There is no doubt that those who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001 placed their acts of violence within the context of their religious belief system. It is more accurate, I think, to put their actions into a particular political framework. This is nothing new. People have used God's name to achieve their view of what the future should be like for thousands of years. You don't have to be a Muslim to embrace this type of mentality. In this the September 11, 2001 attack contained nothing novel. If you read Lord Kinross's book "The Ottoman Empire" you will discover that the attack on the World Trade Center was, by comparison, not very brutal at all. Surprised? Don't be. Or, if you are...study some European history from 1000 AD to the present day. Check out some Asian history too. There are some pretty horrible historical events done in the "Name of God" that may surprise you. I am constantly in a state of amazement the more I read and learn about what fallen mankind has done in the past. Some of what makes us who we are, what we believe, where we live, what philosophies we embrace, what religion we subscribe to, are in part or totally the result of such sad, sad events.

There are so many issues in "The War on Terror." Here are some that have come to my mind:
*Can people of the same religion have vastly different political views and agendas?
*Can just a few people vastly change the lives of billions?
*There seems to be little common ground between major religions? Is this true?
*Is there more common ground between political views than religious?
*Is it best that religious views drive political systems?
*Is it better that political views be driven more by political philosophies?
*Is separation of Church and State a religious view or political philosophy?
*Is most fear based upon ignorance, knowledge, or experience?
*Under what circumstances should we act "in the name of God?"
*Can millions and millions "have it wrong?"
*Just because someone "has it wrong" does it mean they necessarily should be feared?
*Does anyone "have it ALL right?" both religiously and politically?

There are more issues, but that seems to be enough for now. The photos of Muslims practicing their faith are quite beautiful, don't you think? Look up and understand what are the Five Pillars of Islam. You might be surprised.