9/11 was a terrorist attack. But really look at what happened in Afghanistan between 1979-1989. The Mujahadeen to be precise and how we left them. It left a bad taste in their mouth. To compound on the 1950s installing the Shah of Iran. Basically our actions in ME led to a rancor giving rise to groups like al Qaeda. Which led to the attacks on o/11.
As to religion vs relarionship, I hope you're ready to fork over taxes and forfeit first amendment rights.