Dr. Nicholaos van Dam's presentation was first rate. He did an amazing job at outlining the many aspects of Middle Eastern issues which are generally not appreciated in North America.

Gordon, the next presentation is on July 6th.

THE JUNE 8TH SPEAKER, AMBASADOR van DAM WAS A GENTLEMAN WHO KNEW HIS FACTS AND WAS CONVERSANT WITH THE HISTORY OF HIS SUBJECT. I LEARNED A LOT!.

This presentation was outstanding, with the subject matter much more focused on the on-going Middle East situation than with "war crimes". Consistent with other presentations by foreign diplomats or experts, Ambassador Van Dam's introductory remarks were read from a script and became monotonous. He should have rather provided us with a succinct "story line", not more than five points, focused on "war crimes". Food for thought regarding advice to provide for future WACD speakers.

Nevertheless, we gained a good deal of objective insight regarding Syria, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan within the dangerous Middle East sandbox. Sound advice for the US not trying to be everywhere on this planet (e.g., Syria and Afghanistan). Some situations just have to be played out over decades (witness the current interface between the US and Vietnam). But, that requires a strategic, long-term view, which has been missing for a while from the USG, regardless of political party.

And indeed, in any civil, continental or global conflict, "war crimes" are committed by both sides in some way, shape or form. Human collateral damage is an expected outcome. How, when and by whom are the perpetrators brought to justice? What is the tipping point used to determine that a crime has occurred. Under what ground rules and governance? The topic is still wide open.