Baha'i faith is widespread

Thank you for a very good article on one of my favorite people, Vic Damone (Feb. 23). As a professional singer myself, I have always admired his talent, especially when I hear what passes for a voice in today's music.
I have, however, one objection to state. The reporter, Charles Passy, referred to the Baha'i faith as a "Middle Eastern" religion. While it is true that the faith began in Iran, its World Center is in Israel, where Baha'u'llah, the founder, was exiled and imprisoned.
I find it interesting that no one refers to Christianity or Judaism as "Middle Eastern" faiths, although they both originated in the same area of the world as Islam and Baha'i. They are thought of as world religions, and, I think, so should Baha'i, since it is the second most widely spread faith on the planet (next to Christianity), with strong centers in over 200 countries, with over 2000 races, tribes and ethnic groups represented.
In this current climate of anti-Arab, anti-Muslim sentiment being fostered in the political and religious media, referring to a movement that seeks to unite all mankind and reconcile the world's religions as "Middle Eastern" has a prejudicial slant to it.
Thank you for allowing me to state my opinion on your otherwise well-written and enjoyable piece.

Randall Dighton
Sacramento