[Ibn_Sina]

It is not as simple as "Muslims just being intolerant worldwide because they feel its the right thing to do", although, the Western media would want you to believe that.

Yes, in ancient times, many Islamic societies treated non-Muslims fairly and equally.

However, it is not happening nowdays and you are asking why that is the case?

Two reasons that I know are:


1. Almost all the Muslim countries have been colonized and the colonists were non-Muslims. Now, colonists had not only oppressed but also tried to impose their religion (Christianity) on the native populations. Colonists perceived forceful conversion as their God-given duty, which would "civilize" the natives. Even though, colonnialism ended, it still affects many societies culturally, economically and politically. Thus, in a sense, some Muslims do not trust non-Muslims.

2. Islam is always being discriminated by non-Muslim and you cannot deny it. Whether its the cartoons of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), or Israeli women drawing a pig reading the Quran or the German man who printed Quranic verses on toilet rolls. Religion is an emotional thing for people and playing with someone's emotions can lead to consequences.

3. The media is always alienating Muslims. George Bush would say: Iraq war is a "crusade" against terrorists and God had ordered me to do so. Muslims all over the world would hear it. You expect them to feel good?

Religious discrimination cannot be justified. However, one-sided criticism of Muslims, without taking relevant factors into account, is simply putting forth a racist argument (fallacy actually)...