Let's Hope This Helps

Saudi Prince Gives Millions to Harvard and Georgetown - New York Times:

In making the two gifts, the prince focused on the importance of uniting disparate cultures.

Harvard's news release quoted him as saying that he hoped Harvard's Islamic studies program 'will enable generations of students and scholars to gain a thorough understanding of Islam and its role both in the past and in today's world.'

'Bridging the understanding between East and West is important for peace and tolerance,' he said.

The Georgetown release quoted him as saying, 'We are determined to build a bridge between Islam and Christianity for tolerance that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.'

It's a bold move by someone who is "liberal by Saudi Arabian standards." I have no doubt that better understanding is required on the subject. Whether this method leads to that end is yet to be determined, but it probably couldn't hurt.