[quote=So Boerd]
We could always make this a discussion of sonething controversial. For example, the Arabs had stolen Judea from the Christians. In effect, they started the religious wars and the Christians were retaliating. Why do we not equally vilify the conquests of the Rashidun or the subsequent caliphates?
[/quote]

Or for that matter, why is Israel villainized as the real life evil Empire of Mordor?