"State-sponsored suppression of political opposition is the first step for a polity's regression to political tyranny. Use of terror and torture without recourse to trial is the second. Use of extremis…"

"Democracy is not just about following procedures, it is also about nurturing democratic values. Values of tolerance, pragmatism, equality, and human rights."

"I believe in a progressive and enlightened Islam."

"Freedom is not an end. Freedom is a beginning."

"The next decade cannot be a decade of confrontation and contention. It cannot be east vs. West. It cannot be men vs. women. It cannot be Islam vs. Christianity. That is what the enemies of dialogue wa…"