They also provide a forum through which mutual understanding between people from different traditions, religions, races and political systems may be strengthened, and regional peace and security promoted.

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"This gives us more understanding of how asthma affects different people, and its effects in developing as well as developed countries, " she said.

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"We are interested in teaching tolerance, respect, pride in their own country and their own nation, and also in understanding that there are people who are different, and that's OK, " Kuttab said.

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We're not quick enough to call out anti-gay hate speech, too ready to tolerate people who are different, to hold them at a comfortable distance, rather than understanding and embracing them.

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