[the near-east] muslims and non-muslims in perfect accord

There were two photographs I could have displayed here. One depicted a red and white head-wrapped man, with a loaded gun in one hand and a displayed Qu’ran in the other. Or I could have run the photo I have done, of Muslim girls having a picnic with non-Muslims, everyone friends with everybody and not the least racial or religious tension – in fact a great deal of inter-marriage. How is it possible? The short answer is that there is no catalyst here, no agent-provocateur in the region. People wish to improve their lives, that’s all - and they’re left alone to do it.