"[...] This is no less than a clash of civilizations.  The perhaps irrational, but surely historic receptions, of an ancient rival against our - (whenever you hear the word our you wanna head for the exit)* - Judeo-Christian heritage, our secular present, and the world-wide expansion of both, it is crucially important that we, on our side should not be provoked  [...] "

* Edward Saïd commenting on Bernard Lewis' 1990 article 'The roots of muslim rage'

Best observation in a long time.