[Dad]

We have a LOT of members of the Ismaeli sect in our area. In conversations with some of them they truly do seem to be moderates. As one of them told me, "if you think YOU hate the radicals, I hate them more. They are not true followers of the prophet. Plus, we are at the top of their kill list." When their leader (they do have a central authority figure) visited Houston several years ago I swear 80% of the convenience stores were closed so they could go hear him speak. Reading his comments in the paper he does speak out against the Islamists very forcefully. Seemed like a very good and decent person. They are admittedly a small percent when compared to the Sunnis and Shias.

Also, I have a question. The current regime in Iran excepted, have Shias traditionally been less prone to radical violence than the Sunnis? It seems like all the historical radicals have been Sunni but I don't know if I have a misperception. Thank you