The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting that the FBI obtained an important training session in cultural sensitivity from a Muslim man, Jafar "Jeff" Siddiqi, at the agency's Seattle headquarters.

Siddiqi dispelled certain myths about Muslims and provided the agents with helpful guidance. His advice included:

• "There is no single profile or Muslim personality.... Islam is very diverse. The practice of Islam in Malaysia is completely different from the practice of Islam in Saudi Arabia."
• "Do not disrespect the holy book (Quran). Do not be too friendly to the women. Do not go into holy places (mosques) wearing shoes."
• "The common man in Islam is no different than the common man here. The common man cannot bring terrorists to justice."

The session's goal was to "build a bridge between the law enforcement agency" and Muslims. A special agent attending the Q&A noted, "He was able to teach us about Islam.... Hopefully, I'll go out and teach people what the FBI is all about."