I've lived six of the last twelve years of my life in the Middle East. And the Middle East does have a way of changing you. Some of my friends, not to mention my parents, tell me I've become more pessimistic over time. I think they're right. My experience studying the region and living in the region has left me with a somewhat darkened view of human nature.
But I've also come to appreciate more and more the power of religion, its role in public and everyday life. Let me give just one example.
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