Programming note

I'm on my way to Turkey as part of a delegation with the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue. I'll return on June 16, and I'll provide my perspective of the country as I get online access. This "Bridge Between Civilizations" program aims to promote cooperation through interfaith dialogue, which will include a conference with Turkish legislators.

IID conferences have attempted to analyze the roles of culture and religion in terrorism, conflict and violence and to inspire practitioners of conflict management to explore new approaches and paths to peace not only in the Middle East but on the larger scene of global politics. For a historical perspective of the area, I've been reading parts of James Michener's The Source as well as Acts and Ephesians (we'll travel through Ephesus). I'll be eight hours ahead, and I may not be able to post an entry until Friday night/Saturday morning. hoşça kal.