LazyGun
@Sandy - I do not think anyone would argue that there is a strong link between religion and politics within the Islamic world.Your contention that the violence stemming from islam is mostly politically motivated requires much more example and evidence though. I think that most observers would conclude that religion shapes policy, rather than the other way around.
In the example you gave - that of the fatwah issued against Salman Rushdie- the crime was a spiritual crime, for which a death penalty was issued. It seems to me that religion holds primacy over politics.
Look at Iran - the Supreme Leader is a Spiritual Leader, elected by a college of experts - a body comprised of imams and religious figures. The president of Iran, the politician, is subordinate to the supreme leader.
Defending faith by claiming it is being warped by politics doesn't work.
11:17 Tue 04th Sep 2012
Another great post, LG. But isn't it also true that both religion and politics regularly resort to blaming the tail for waging the dog when the chickens come home to roost?