Misconceptions

I have a problem with Misconception 1. I can't think of anyone I know who thinks Islam is a peaceful religion. This also contradicts Misconception 7 that says "Islam tollerates the killing of inoccents". I have never heard of two contradicting misconception. I think this is rather suspicious. Maybe my views are warped since I am an American. Isn't it a good thing to be thought of as a peaceful religion?

Middle East Background

http://amaz95.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/noble_quran1.jpg

Since a lot of the Middle East practices Islam, I looked into the study of Allah. Allah is more like the Old Testament God, cruel and vengeful, though he is also not. Since Allah is indescribable, he is everything: evil and good, violent and peaceful, creator and destroyer. It is impossible to understand Allah. This is basically stated in the phrase "Allah akbar" meaning, "Allah is greater". This says that Allah is greater than anything ever made or will be made. When someone understands something of Allah, it changes. (http://www.light-of-life.com/eng/gospel/g4105efm.htm)

Middle East Freewrite

When a person from the United States thinks of the Middle East, they usually think of a turban wearing guy with belts of dynamite strapped to him screaming "Allah akbar!" into a crowded market. This is perceived to be normal because this is what the media focuses on. The Middle East in general is a dangerous place, between little water, terrorists, and smugglers, but it is also a place of great history. The Holy Land is centralized in the Middle East for three of the biggest religions in the world: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Allah ascended to heaven there, Christ was born and crucified there, and Moses along with other important Jewish figures lived there.

The thing I think I might be surprised to learn about the Middle East is: actual borders.