"I am given to understand that the modern usage of "jihad" refers to the internal struggle for self-improvement, not violence against non-muslims."
Not so modern Richard - the term is debatable - some writers compare it with 'Crusade'.
Fundamentalists take it as a justification of violent action, just as fundamentalist Christians have used Christian scriptures (plenty of them if you care to look) to justify violence.
Try Googling "Peaceful Jihad" - makes for fascinating reading.
It's one of those buzz words for bigots.
There's a fascinating debate going on at the moment in the letter pages of The Irish Times regarding the Christian view of Capital Punishment.
I know that at least one contributor here is a keen advocate of the good ol' practice and would happily adapt whatever his holy book says to fit it in to his outlook on humanity
Jim Carroll