I see religions as simply darwinistic systems acting as organisms that will fight for resources defend their kind and provide a mechanism and structure for growth, breeding and advancement of their cells ie people. They are all natural experiments. There will be conflict as societies have huge inertia and are difficult to change direction when they interact. The middle east has been a killing field for thousands of years - an example of the perpetual clash of cultures.
Newer more enlightened systems have evolved in the west such as the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ etc where traditional religion is fading and rationalism succeeding. Many corner churches are now replaced with McDonalds - position, position, position!. Religious states such as Iran, Saudi, even Israel and the USA are losing the battle of retaining the dogmatic religions that they were based on and gradually evolving to newer styles. Women in Saudi are now allowed to drive cars, but only with a male or HIS permission - its a small step forward.
The internet has linked the world like nothing before it, as revolutionary as the Gutenberg Press. Much of the 19th-20th century colonialist third world poverty has evolved to middle class affluence, not through religion but trade and economics. This has happened through China and Asia, and is now happening in Africa.
It is only through study and science the real truths can be revealed, where mathematics, physics and chemistry rule instead of mythical beasts and gods. Most are moving forward toward some common place, but in every group there exist the small but loud groups of fanatic luddites that believe the old systems are still the only relevant system today and are therefore dangerous as they drift further from the main stream. The Islamic Taliban and ISIS, The Christian Brethren, The Jewish Hasidic Traditionalists, etc These are all religious "BOMBS" so not just Islam.
These social experiments are a long never ending process, but the world today actually seems to be more united and generally all heading in the same direction.
But also remember, many of the worlds biggest states need war to support their huge weapons manufacturing industries, that are an integral part of their exports and wealth. Use a bomb once and you need another one the next day.
The emergence of a new breed of alpha male, egocentric, narcissistic, national leaders USA Trump, Turkey Urdawan, China Xi Ping, Philippines Gutierrez, Russia Putin, North Korea Kim Jung Un, many of whom have basically declared themselves virtual permanent dictators is of serious concern as the lives of millions are governed by the whims of one with no transparency. South China Sea?
BTW I consider Communist, Socialist and Capitalist societies as neoreligious ideologies.
What it will end up like, deep into the future is anyone's guess.
Where will all these interactive social experiments end up?
Will these religions survive, merge or become extinct?
Is Islam the only "bomb"
Cheers
