Mark D SiljanderMark Siljander skillfully blends 30 years in America's powerful political inner circles with his travels to 130 countries, gripping audiences with true stories of his private interactions with political and religious leaders in hotspots of global conlict, defying the assumptions of traditional diplomacy. Follow Mark's personal odyssey of spiritual transformation from an anti-Muslim, hard right, Christian political conservative to a pioneer of international peacemaking; acknowledged by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who publicly recognized his "... efforts toward a more just, humane and peaceful world," and by his acceptance of the Mohandas K. Gandhi International Peace Award in 1996. He recounts his discovery of long-hidden linguistic and cultural common ground that connects adherents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Mark's approach has inspired many of our nation's friends and enemies - to a new path toward peace. However, at times his approach has also fiercely offended the entrenched interests of the power elite, resulting in personal attacks and a federal indictment. After nearly five years of battling the harrowing prospect of hostile and unrelenting prosecution for years to come, Mark agreed to a negotiated plea and the harsh consequences of a short prison sentence. On the eve of his release from prison Mark was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but survived. These tests of faith, character, and courage provided even deeper insight into his transformation from the heights of political achievement to the depths of personal brokenness. He holds Bachelors and Master's Degrees in Political Science and has served on numerous boards and lectured in such diverse institutions as Oxford University, Khartoum University, and Wheaton College. Read More Read Less