When you embrace Islam, you become part of a much, much wider Muslim family, a family which goes beyond international borders and puts God and Muhammad way, way above country of birth. In this regard, they can be seen as a 'people' rather than a race, and view themselves that way, I believe.

Where Western governments fall foul of Islam is their assumption that an American or Euro Muslim will always put country first.

Christianity, of course, is a different kettle of fish (and loaves). While there are many shades of Islam, there are still more versions of Christianity, each with its own unique tenets. Unfortunately, in the West, we are brought up to put country ahead of religious belief, which is why we usually end up all pointing guns at one another.

The Ashley video is a spoof (according to something I read somewhere else today), but I just wanted to use my classical education.