Purple believes hostility between Islam and America must be resolved by finding a mutually beneficial way of living in harmony. His 7th grade Math teacher taught: "One cannot solve a problem without stating it." That surely applies here.

Purple first met Dr. Mohamed Khodr, an American citizen Muslim, at a church forum exploring the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. Dr. Khodr, of Winchester, born in Yemen, entered an American school there at six. He later came to America with his diplomat father, a representative to the UN. He earned his MD at The American University in Beirut, with subsequent training at Johns Hopkins. His wife, May, was born in Lebanon to Christian Palestinian parents, exiled from their home in 1948 to make room the West's establishment of Israel.

The Christian Season of Advent seemed an appropriate time for further discussion with the Khodrs. Here is a summary:

Purple: "Why do the Arabs dislike America's Israeli – Palestine policies? Several US Presidents have worked hard for peace there."

Dr. Khodr: "Although Jewish-Americans constitute only 1.7% of US population they are disproportionately represented in Congress (13 Jewish Senators, no African-Americans), in ownership of major media outlets, Hollywood studios, and large financial and banking institutions. Some Jewish-Americans are major donors to political campaigns through the lobbying organization AIPAC, thereby gaining political allegiance to pro-Israeli policies that often run counter to American interests."

Mrs. Khodr adds: "The US Religious Right has also taken an anti-Arab stance." They offer supporting quotes. Examples:

"The United States should seek to allay the deep resentment against it that has resulted from the creation of the state of Israel. In the past we had good relations with the Arab peoples … there was mutual confidence to mutual advantage." Secretary of State Dulles, 1953

"If the American people understood what grip these people (the Israelis) have on our government they would rise up in arms." Admiral Thomas Moorer, Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1999

"You can't have an Israel policy other than what AIPAC gives you around here." Sen. Fritz Hollings, D, SC - 2004

These may seem unbalanced to some, but in the Reagan Administration Purple encountered strong pro-Israel bias, particularly in the Defense Department. He was also cautioned against opposing AIPAC. Tea Party members calling President Obama a Muslim underscores Mrs. Khodr's point. Anyhow, the Khodrs are describing the mind-set with which peace-seekers must contend.

As for 9/11, Dr. Khodr explains that the Qur'an forbids suicide and killing civilians. He says Muslim terrorists are Muslims by birth, not faith.

We next discuss Iraq and Afghanistan. While Dr. Khodr understands why we pursued Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, he considers attacking Iraq illegal and unjustified. He believes it was done at Israel's request. Many Americans agree that the war was wrong, but speculate more broadly on the motives for starting it.

Dr. Khodr believes Iran's suspected nuclear program is intended solely as a deterrent to Israel's nuclear arsenal. "Other countries have occupied parts of Iran intermittently for 100 years. The US backed the Shah, who killed thousands of his own people. Now America, Israel's ally, has armies on Iran's east and west borders."

On American culture: "Islam dislikes the violence and sex in American entertainment. Their elders believe it is corrupting and taking away their young (to which Purple mentally adds 'Amen, same here')."

Dr. Khodr believes that solutions to America's difficult problems must rest with "We the People", not with special interests. He proposes public financing of campaigns "to restore integrity to our political system."(Again, "Amen").

Then the Khodrs sum it up: "Islam is inclusive and welcoming. It respects freedom of religion and speech. It honors Moses and Jesus. But politics are divisive and create extremism in both societies. Islam and Christianity accept the same God and moral principles, but ignorance and political agendas prevent peaceful unity."

The problem has been stated. Peace-keepers have work to do. But Isn't Advent all about new beginnings?