It's tough to rewrite history Charles.  

I agree with Friedman, if you keep asking about the source of violence, it's often scarce resources.   These countries aren't looking for 3 car garages, they are looking for food and basic shelter.     Not exactly a new problem in the middle east over the centuries, but increased population and increasing desert area put a ton of pressure on people with few options.   Often more than enough to justify violence against competing factions.

IMO