Religious extremism all over the place

Robert Fisk, from the Independent, full article via Selves and Others. Too long to print the whole thing here, but give it a read. Here's a small bit.

...If Muslim violence is to be condemned, it is not because Mohammed is misunderstood but because it violates basic human rights. "West Bank settlements, Christian anti-Semitism and Muslim terrorism... are not morally wrong because theologically questionable - they are theologically questionable because morally wrong."

And it is true that most Christians, Jews and Muslims draw on the tolerant, moderate aspects of their tradition. We prefer not to accept the fact that the religions of the children of Abraham are inherently flawed in respect of intolerance, discrimination, violence and hatred. Only - if I understand Mr Shepherd's thesis correctly - by putting respect for human rights above all else and by making religion submit to universal human values can we " grasp the nettle"....