Yes, they can be.

But first, we must listen and learn.

As an American-Muslim, I have watched how my country and the world changed after 9/11. There is so much misunderstanding, so much discord!

We must do better.

Many new Muslim organizations, free from the rigid ways of traditional Islamic organizations, have sprung up after 9/11, offering Muslims and adherents of other faiths fresh viewpoints and inspiring them to think creatively about their own religions and Islam. These organizations have the self-assurance to discuss the many ways in which we fall short of our religious ideals and yet bold in uncovering the hypocrisy and bigotry of those (a minority) who paint Muslims in broad brush strokes and label us all as extremists.

We Muslims want to engage in frank and creative give-and-take with our fellow Americans in creating a better society for us all.

In A Muslim's View, I present some thoughts and ideas on current events from an Islamic perspective. Based on many discussions and conversations I have had with my fellow-Muslims over the years, I think these are representative of the thoughts and ideas of many moderate Muslims. We may disagree on a few details but we agree on the larger issues. My hope is that these could be the basis for a dialogue with people from all faiths. (You can also read my blog here.)

Features contains ideas and opinions to challenge and provoke. In the first article, two powerful minds ponder the future of computing.