Is Islam really a peaceful religion?

[i4indyguy]

The best statement that I can make, that strikes a balance between open-mindedness/non-demagoguery and historical honesty is this:

All religions I have encountered, especially monotheisms, that rely on a sacred book, text frozen in perpetuity from the bronze age till now (omit translations), as the basis for instructing the world view of adherents, carry within their nature a significant risk for ghastly perversion.  Many religions widely regarded as 'peaceful' now were for long stretches nothing of the sort. Much like the time when Christians pillaged the entire western hemisphere under the auspices of 'divine right', ISLAM is now going through a period of incitement towards violence. 

It is my earnest wish that the most despicable of acts done in the name of/with authority given by/ Islam are nothing but a fad.  Such has been the case for other religions, which have managed to mature and moderate in their theology (somewhat).   

I am willing to consider that environmental/economic/political gripes are playing a role in the number of muslims who seem to cherish destruction of the current world order. But these greviences fall far short of justification for much of the violence that has been carried out in the name of political islam.

Are arab muslims really the only people who suffer under dictatorships?  Lack economic opportunity?  Education?  Feel disrespected and dismissed by the strong world powers?   
PLEASE...  I would like to introduce to you 4 billion people who have legit reasons to B%T%H.

It seams to me that the vast majority of (crazy) violence carried out by muslims is done by people whose roots come from just a portion of the global footprint of this faith. And a small subset of people from those regions and cultures, at that.

None the less, I cannot help but conclude that there are particular doctrines, within the Quran and within the religious tradition itself, that are PARTICULARLY dangerous, vulnerable to corruption or misuse, and represent a threat to the current security and governance order wherever there are people who adhere to them.

To the initial question:   Is islam a religion of peace?   
The Dalai Lama and the Japanese kamakazi pilots claimed a common faith (in label at least).
 Do Not Forget That.

I believe Islam is a religion that can be adhered to peacefully. (Most muslims testify to this)  But I have enormous concern that within its doctrines lie the catalysts for truly destructive inspiration; the danger and popularity of these doctrines significantly outstrips concerns I have with any of the other monotheisms.