I found the discussion very illuminating, and I would recommend others attending. You want to make clear, as you did the other night, that Dialogue with Islam is free standing, is not a front for any other group... I thought the audience was the best part of the evening: it is true that some were hostile, but by and large they seemed willing to listen to my answers patiently and respectfully and that is all anyone can ask of any audience...
Good luck with your work. You were very kind to have us over to your event. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed meeting you.

Philip C Bobbitt (Former US Director for Intelligence)

Philip C Bobbitt was invited to speak on "The 'War on Terror': Does it make Sense?".

I think the debate was of a high standard-- all participants had clearly thought deeply about the matter. My only regret was that I did not appreciate at the time that Professor Dawud's remark about the projected oil pipeline through Afghanistan is part of a conspiracy theory which is designed to suggest that 9/11 was all part of an American plot. Had I worked that out at the time, I would have denounced it as being on the same level as Israelis who say that the bombing of the children at Qana was a Hizbollah conspiracy. But that is my fault for not being sharp enough!

Dominic Lawson (columnist of The Independent newspaper)

Dominic Lawson was invited to speak on "Muslim Grievances: Real or Percieved?".

I greatly enjoyed the meeting. The audience were combative not hostile. All credit must go the organisers as dialogue of this kind is essential in all our interests. A slightly longer time might have been useful as the dialogue had only just begun and there were several people anxious to contribute with question or statements.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind (former British Foreign Secretary)

Sir Malcolm Rifkind was invited to speak on "War On Terror: Winning Hearts and Minds".