Possible Parrelels of Isamic extremism and Maccabees

One passage I found to be very interesting in the ENT was the topic about how the Maccabean revolt resembles many of the Islamic extremists movement. The Hasmoneans faced a "pagan" society that is wealthy, influential, and in some cases, even the occupying force. Resentment was felt throughout the traditionalist sects and rebellion was even praised and honored by men and (local understanding) God. This is a time when history should warn us about potential problems and conflicts that might occur when our Western Civilization is the powerful, "pagan", and current occupiers of two Islamic countries. Traditionalists and rebels will be exalted by many. Westerners might see these suicidal muslims as nuts but to traditionalists and (local understanding) Allah, they are heroes! Just like the Maccabees in the 1st and second century b. c. !