Confusing religious identity with nationality can only lead to more misunderstanding.

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"The problem is that you can stake the claim, you can initiate measures and policies but there is that potential of misunderstanding, miscalculation that could lead to major tension and major incidents, " he added.

BBC: File photo: Surin Pitsuwan

This basic misunderstanding, left unattended, may one day lead governments to turn back the clock on liberal trade.

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