Douglas Johnston is president and founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy in Washington, D.C.  He is also a US Naval Academy graduate who retired as a Captain in the reserves.

Even though he is a Christian, he brings a unique perspective to international relations and religion:

Because Islam literally means, “submission to God,” Johnston once told a hostile group of 57 Taliban commanders, religious figures and tribal leaders, meeting with him in the mountains of Pakistan, “we’re all Muslim.”

Johnston undoubtedly has his critics and supporters.  However, he and his organization make one point abundantly clear:  religion cannot merely be “dismissed,” as some would have it.  Sectarian faith is a central to the lives and cultures of billions around the world.  The integration of an understanding of faith with government, military, and public operations will benefit nations’ strategic goals.  Conversely, ignoring the instrinsic value and importance of faith will hinder national objectives, whether they be diplomatic, military or even humanitarian.