Today I attended a luncheon presented by the World Affairs Council of Denver and the guest speaker was Ambassador Tam, Turkish Ambassador to the US. The event was held at the Brown Palace and attended by about 100 guests. Ambassador Tam spoke of the political issues of the region including Iran,Iraq,Syria and the internal discord in Turkey. I was impressed with his take on the protests, he identified them as democracy in action, how true he is. The participants are simply voicing their right of free speech, those individuals that are inciting violence will be caught and the rule of law will be applied. He also mentioned that of the 57 majority Islamic countries in the world only Turkey has efficiently connected the ideas of free markets, democratic government and secular society that is open to all beliefs. Ambassador Tam touched on the need for international assistance in regards to the Syrian conflict and was happy that President Obama has agreed to assist in arming the freedom fighters against President Assad's ruling party. This luncheon was a wonderful kick start to my trip that begins in just 8 short days.