I managed to get through with my beliefs intact, but stopped voicing them, realizing that certain things are best left alone the way they are. This may sound very passive, but so be it. I am not sure anymore that I can change anyone's views, let alone the world. I do wish though that I had more Muslim friends. I also wish that the politicians would stay away from religion, since the use of religion in politics is what fans the dormant embers of disharmony.
Politicians use religion and religious causes to curry favor in return for votes.
Many religious groups vote en mass and thus form 'vote-banks', which can be tapped to help win elections. Fighting an election on a religious issue does no good, and only helps widen the already existing schisms. It is understandable that people devote time and energy to their religion for the calmness and security that a life of faith could bring. But to kill others to establish the superiority of your own religion, using the cloak of a perceived threat to one's own religion, is something I cannot understand. The explanations for this kind of behavior are obviously deeply rooted in the psyche and living conditions of our people.