4. Is there a mechanism by which Muslims in America and Muslims worldwide are in dialogue together? Was this in place before 9/11 and all that has occurred since then and is it still viable? How has it changed? How are American Muslims viewed by Muslims in other parts of the world? Are they considered a strong part of the faith as a whole or are they considered lesser in some way because of their strong ties to the westernized world?

Shalom,

Barbara Vann
Memphis

5. If Americans find it difficult to understand Muslimism, isn’t it true that Muslims also find it hard to understand the benefits of either being a Shia Muslim …or a Sunni Muslim in America?
What is the percentage of Sunni Muslims in America vs. Shia Muslims?

In the February 3, 2007 issue of The Economist and their article on “The Widening Gulf” from their Cairo bureau and Subheads of the article is the following…”Amid Sunni fears of a growing ‘Shia Arc,’ tensions between the main Muslim sects are widening, while some governments are exploiting them."

Will America permanently be in the middle, with our presence in Iraq and after we leave?

Compton S. Jones.
Georgetown

6. A lot of coverage has been given recently to the Somali Muslim cab drivers in Minneapolis who refuse fares that carry alcohol, and the airport's reaction to them. Keeping that in mind, my question is this: to what extent should employers seek to accommodate Muslim beliefs and customs and to what extent should Muslims seek jobs that would not require them to break Koranic commandments?

Jeff
Cary, NC

7. What can be done to have more Muslim and Muslim-American writers and other artist introduced to American public? I am an European Muslim living here for 11 years,, and I can say only that American school system, media, and politics had ignored Islamic Culture more than any other. Americans are totally ignorant about Islam and Muslims. Does anybody have a data base with Muslim artists in the US to try to promote their work? Art is the best way to reach people.

Sanja