The lessons of history are lost because we are careful to compartmentalize them to the time they happened and treat them as museum pieces. Our governing myths of progress and the perfectibility of man instill in us the conceit that whatever happened “back then” could not have any meaning today because we know so much more and the world is so much different.

"When John McCain (R-AZ) complains that Obama "waited too long [regretting] that we didn't act much more quickly", and when Lindsey Graham (R-SC) bristles that "we're taking a backseat rather than a leadership role", both are ignoring post-Iraq realities in the Middle East. And those GOP hawks who have now upped the ante, arguing that unless “we take Qadhafi out” the mission is a failure, are likewise treading on dangerous ground. They may long for the day when America fashioned itself the “cowboy sheriff” or “the white knight on a charger", but what they forget is that during the last decade George W. Bush shot the horse and tarnished the knight's reputation."

"An honest, open, and good faith dialogue on all key issues is the only way forward. As that occurs, the GCC can design a more comprehensive economic package for Bahrain - as an incentive to move the reform process forward, as a sign of GCC solidarity with the Bahraini people and government, and as a way of demonstrating that Arab problems can be solved by Arabs"

"In the end, the King hearings were a bust - a shameful and wasted exercise. They created fear and hurt among Muslims, provided no useful information for law enforcement, and deepened the partisan divide. They weren't even a good example of "McCarthyism". Instead they were ideological folly - a suborning of an important Committee's resources to serve the Chairman's obsession with America's Muslims, calling into question his ability to provide effective leadership on matters of homeland security."

"The danger here is that to the degree that this issue has become a partisan and, in some cases, a proven vote getter for the GOP, it will not go away any time soon. The longer we are plagued by this bigotry, and the displays of intolerance it breeds (the anti-mosque building demonstrations or the anti-Sharia law efforts now spreading across the country) the longer young Muslims will feel that the "promise of America" does not include them - and they will feel like aliens in their own country."

"There are lessons to learn from these experiences. First and foremost, when people are respected and empowered they can find common ground. They may not always agree, but through engagement they can learn from one another. As Jesse Jackson used to say, it is this uniquely American experience that ought to be exported. In this context, it is also important for political leaders to understand the valuable resource that exists in the richness of America's diversity. Though self-evident, this lesson is too often not heeded. The groups learn from one another but are too often ignored by policy-makers. With direct familial ties, cultural sensitivity, and deep and personal knowledge about the history and hopes for their ancestral lands, these communities, if tapped by policy-makers, could provide valuable insight and direction. Too often, sadly, they are not."

"There is actually serious talk about the Holocaust® being played out. More than 180 films have been made about the Jews under Hitler, more than any other topic. What, if anything, is left to say? I’ll tell you, nothing! Holocaust® fatigue has finally set in.” -- Miriam Kale

"Unless our political leaders can put aside “politics as usual” and end their callous disregard for the suffering of Palestinians; unless leaders are willing to challenge their political fears and do what is right, instead of what is convenient; unless we can stand up against the Islamophobes who threaten to tear apart the fabric of our nation; unless we can restore our commitment to fundamental freedoms and constitutional protections; and unless we can stop ignoring Arab concerns and truly listen to what Arab voices are telling us about their needs and aspirations - we will continue to operate clumsily, and, at times, brutally on the wrong side of history....As Arabs seek change at home, the challenge we face is to question how we can bring real change to America and to the way America deals with the Arab World and its people. This is what Barack Obama promised when he said that he would lead the effort to "change Washington” and, in the process, “change America and change the world.” This is still the change we need. Unfortunately, it hasn't happened yet."