You can't generalise an entire group of people based on their religious beliefs.

Does this statement above in any way defend Islam?

I am not ignoring the fact that some parts of Islam's teachings (not necessarily the Koran) is a catalyst in such violence whic are committed by extremists against the innocent. But understand that Islam is not the only cause of these activities. It is retaliation, hate and revenge in response ro the exploitation and invasion of a country in the best interest of another