Is there a way to build bridges between religious groups in order to bring peace?
Yes, absolutely. Personally, I don’t believe that violence on our part is the way to battle Muslim extremism. In fact, I think it only continues the cycle of hate and violence. What we have to understand is that the hatred of the West – particularly America – is taught in fundamentalist schools from a very early age. Every year, there is a new crop of young men prepared to go out as suicide bombers, and give their lives for their cause. The only way to break this cycle is to find ways to reeducate these people. In this respect, the moderate Muslims (the vast majority) are our best resource. This kind of initiative takes time – something Americans have difficulty understanding or even believing. We’re part of an instantaneous society that wants everything immediately. In the meantime, we do have to be vigilant and beef up our security organizations. The best way to do that is to find the people who are fluent in all forms of Arabic, who are Arabists, who really understand the people who
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