Best-selling author and veteran journalist Reese Erlich will speak at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Wednesday afternoon. There, he'll share his travels to the mineral rich areas of the Middle East and discuss why mining professionals must understand the politics and conflicts in the region. Thursday, Erlich's presentation at Black Hills State University is "Who Won the Iraq War?" Both events are free to attend. Visit Erlich's website at www.reeseerlich.com.