While I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, religion is being used as a weapon the same way racism is used. Take groups who already don’t align because of prejudice, and light the fire. So while the people pulling strings may have a more sinister agenda, the people who are actually involved on the ground are seriously doing this because of religion, racism, and a long long history of taking an eye for an eye.

This happens all over the world for various reasons. “Don’t let the baddies get in! Those people stole your land! Vote for me! Buy my product! Worship this god! Freedom!”