Once again, Daniel Pipes sees beyond the obvious.

Submitted by Dan Holloway (United States), Feb 14, 2006 at 14:20

Thank you, again, Mr. Pipes for your exceptionally good work.

I am extremely busy; but I find the time to dutifully read your column because of my well-founded interest in Islam's influence on us, and vice versa.

Article #649, regarding the protests over the cartoon, is one of your best efforts to assist all parties to see clearly the paths we are taking.

Though we recoil from the endemic violence of radical Islam, we cannot afford to assume it can be wisely or safely disregarded.
Conversely, as fragile as Islam's standing may seem to be to Muslims, they cannot afford to assume they can wisely or safely disregard their need of us.

Moreover, history and simple sense dictate that resolution among the competing claims is not unattainable so long as men of courage and insight may be heard.

Mr. Pipes, both sides should begin real dialogue while we still can.

If you will initiate and oversee the arrangement for such discourse, I herewith volunteer to participate.

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