Is Islam a peaceful religion? NO!
A mosque, if it were actually a house of worship, then it would be protected by our military. But is more like a "Mask" a place to hide behind to promote their agenda of hate and attacks on our people and the people of Iraq. So, No. they are nothing more than a place for the enemy to hide. I know, you already said that. Just in a few less words than what I did :)
Historically Christianity has also been quite belligerent. People hurt during the Crusades could say the same thing. I don't think we should lump all of Islam into one judgment.