Is the unease in the Middle East motivated by religious believes?

US foreign policy must deal with the fact that in the Middle East, religions of various peoples affects the events in that crucial area of the world. US foreign policy recognizes that two major factions among Muslims may cause problems. Inter action among Jews and various denominations of Christians all play a role in the Middle East. It's difficult for US foreign policy makers to deal with the almost everyday conflicts and other events in this part of the world.