Letter: Small acts bring peace over peril

My grandson William, graduating from the American University of Paris, lives where terrorists recently killed many in places where locals gather. On the night the terrorists struck, he was in Germany. Fearful regarding friends, he returned the next day.

There was a loud explosion when his taxi came to his street. Panicked people blocked him. Bewildered, a man approached, saying, "My wife and I live across the street. Come with me. We can visit as crowds disperse. Only mischief makers do this." Impressed, William followed.

The couple were Moroccan Muslims. The street cleared. William walked up the five flights to his apartment.

This was a simple act of courage and kindness in a city where learning, laughter and enjoying life is an art.

ISIS needs to be understood as a violent, state-building body. It follows a 7th century, discredited Muslim writer of world Armageddon sped up by slaughter and corruption. ISIS will inevitably meet its own personal Armageddon. It will happen when ISIS is understood, and we counter its strengths to avoid even more tragic consequences.

A world without prolonged Shiite vs. Sunni Muslim fighting would be a major step for Middle East peace.

Robert Newton

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Letter: Small acts bring peace over peril."