Thanks!
At this point in time; in order to forge a sense of unity; even an alliance of convenience is a good start esp when you consider the alternatives!!
There is no need to delve into history or lay down conditions. Let me give you some real life examples; i have sunni friends and we have had no such issues.
Now i know what they believe in, and they know what i believe in; and they are the religious type. But we see beyond the differences; and bond not only on our similarities in our beliefs of which there are plenty but mainly on our personalities! that is a bigger pull than anything else.
Nobody lays down conditions that you have to accept this this and this before i become your friend. You just accept the different views. We do discuss similarities and differences and why its that way, but its with the intention to learn and understand as oppose to debate and convince that i am right and you are wrong!
whenever some one realises i am shia; i know they will ask the usual questions; i.e why do you beat yourselves; do you believe imam ali should be prophet, why do you hate the sahabas etc etc and so on. And i will patiently clarify/ explain things for them, even though some off the questions/idea are naturally offensive and ignorant. You simply dont make an issue out of it!!
We each know that what we believe is right and the other has their own reasons for their beliefs. Its not something that worries us!! Everyone is responsible for themselves.
So the point is; it is the attitude i am talking about; if you have the right one then anything is possible.