Perhaps understanding the world as gray is our present, while black and white is our past. After all, when black and white meet, you get gray. So I uphold the idea that progress includes change -- for all. Ahmed Tharwat attempted to move us all forward in his commentary about Americans and the Muslim world ("Shouting fire in the global theater," Sept. 20).
Looking at our own shortcomings is the only way forward. Everyone knows their own next step and whether they are acting out of love or fear. I do fear for all civilians when war is extended to dwelling places. How can we change the course of escalation of war, the dynamic in which some like to point a finger at places like Israel and Palestine, by de-escalating the droning of civilians abroad? Whoever knows the most is responsible for creating progress; that is incumbent upon President Obama and the White House.
BARBARA VAILE, MINNEAPOLIS
