text: Yes and no.  There has been a 'west vs. islam' battle going on for well over a thousand years predating even the crusades.  The current 'war on terror' is really a return to this ancient battle of cultures.  The only time that this was not in the forefront was the 80 some-odd years of fighting against communism.\n\nI pretty much agree with you and have been saying this to people since I watched the towers come down from my office in Manhattan.