Now there is a lot I do not know...

I will be the first oadmit this. I know relatively little about the world. But I do know that it is changing rapidly. Faster than it has at any point in human history. When I decided that I would learn Arabic it was with the idea that I'd be competitive in the new world order. Let's face it: Being fluent in German is not as important as the emerging economies of Asia!

I never thought it would lead a co-worker to call me a "Dune-coon lover". I was a little flabergasted to hear this monicker as it is racist and outdated. Dune-coon was a term used in the Gulf War to my dismay but fell to disuse rather quickly after. To be a Dune-coon lover is something I'd never heard.

I suppose I could be. I am drawn to the Middle East because it is so rich in history and steeped in mystery. I also seem to be attracted to Middle Eastern men. Call it a fetish or a strange yen... but I do.

Still, I refuse to think I'm a "Dune-Coon lover" merely because I have chosen to learn about people that I wish were not my sworn enemy. I'd say I've yet to meet a muslim I didn't like. Those I have are warm, happy people who'd be happy for you to learn about their land, their customs and their language. I don't think terrorism is as rampent as some would have you believe.

So, wherever you are Steve, you can bite me.