I totally agree with you in what you write above. And every other Muslim will agree with you too.
You mention the Irish problem. Was that really Catholic against Protestant? No. It was Ireland against GB. Had nothing to do with religion. It had to do with nationality. But it was easier to say, that it was the Catholics against the protestants cos the Irish were Catholic and the English were protestant! It all has to do with politics! And it has to do with fanatics. Fanatism is wrong. No matter what color or religion you are. Unfortunately many, specially young kids, are being taught by fanatics who are usually strong people and then, because they are young and gullible, follow them. This has been happening throughout history. Hitler was one fanatic, and see how the people followed him. But he was an evil person. Like most fanatics.
To harm women, children and cilvians is WRONG. Islam does not teach this. It condones it. But unfortunately it happens. The same as it happened in Ireland, the same as it happens all over the world. That is why we should become more united and fight this evil together rather than waist our time quabbling about minor issues. Keep our energy so that we can battle the evil together. That is what Islam teaches us! That is what common sense teaches us! So lets use common sense. Please.
Aisha-Taweela