based on cultural and religious harmony through interfaith collaboration. several years later he founded the cordoba institute. he writes how american muslims can help bridge the divide. the state department noticed, sending him as a cultural ambassador on four trips to the middle east, most recently this summer. they try to get people who reflect the best aspects of moran society. reporter: he is often asked to speak at meetings like this. he was criticized after 9/11 saying u.s. supported oppressive regimes was partly responsible for the attacks and claims his comments were taken out of context. he says as a bridge builder, he can t recognize hamas as terrorists. as for the proposed islamic center and mosque near ground zero, he says, that, too, is about bridges.