How do we start to eliminate the myths about Islam and the Middle East to get to a basis of reality from which to make decisions? What about the often strained oil-based relationship between the U.S. and the Middle East, and the massive blurring of the lines between an ancient religion and the politics of the region?

Dylan recently spoke to Juan Cole, a professor of history at the University of Michigan, and author of Engaging the Muslim World. His blog Informed Comment is a detailed look at the politics and culture, history and religion of the Middle East.