War is at the heart of all religions

To clarify JC Wilcox’s point about a clear relationship between atrocities thousands of years ago and those of today, the ideology of Islamic State is embedded in the teachings of Muhammad and the Koran. While those teachings might seem to apply to all Muslims, that is not necessarily the case. Different Muslim sects have taken different messages from the Koran, just as various Christian denominations have adopted different aspects of the Bible to support their beliefs. It should be remembered that there have also been many wars in the name of Christianity. 

Hence, in reality, all religions have a basis in war focused on 

ideological conversion and religious cleansing.

Meanwhile the response to the brutal and inhumane Islamic State must go beyond force, to combating the wealthy backers or countries that are equipping the organisation with arms and vehicles. Cut off the money supply and IS will wither and die. 

Ray Gregory