Crimean war , Figes , Religious hatred

In 2011 Figes published a book on the Crimean war, here some interesting quotes from his review : "The war itself was initiated when religious squabbles over holy places in the Ottoman towns of Jerusalem and Bethlehem prompted Russia to march troops into present-day Romania, threatening the partition of Ottoman lands. ......" the conflict was essentially a religious war, and he ( Figes) is frustrated that most writers have neglected that theme: “If the Balkan wars of the 1990s and the rise of militant Islam have taught us anything, it is surely that religion plays a vital role in fueling wars.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/books/review/book-review-the-crimean-war-a-history-by-orlando-figes.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0