Mustafa Akyol is a Turkish political commentator and cultural critic. He is a columnist for Turkish newspapers Hürriyet Daily News and Star, and a regular commentator on Turkish TV's. His articles have also appeared in Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and many other publications. His upcoming book,Islam without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty will be published this July by W.W. Norton.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)