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Reflections and Observations
Dear CCI Friends,
Veteran NPR Editor, Uri Berliner, reflects on the direction that NPR has taken regarding the definition of diversity and a missing component, diversity of thought. Former NYT reporter John Varoli, based in Russia in the 1990’s, recently returned to Russia and travelled around multiple regions. There was a time when John’s travelogue would have been a welcome contribution to NPR. Would it be that today? Be that as it may, we would like to share it with you alongside Uri’s reflections.
On the topic of day-to-day life. What is important to you in your day-to-day life these days?
All the best to all of you,
The Directors
Center for Citizen Initiatives
How NPR Lost America’s Trust
April 9, 2024
By Uri Berliner
You know the stereotype of the NPR listener: an EV-driving, Wordle-playing, tote bag–carrying coastal elite. It doesn’t precisely describe me, but it’s not far off. I’m Sarah Lawrence–educated, was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother, I drive a Subaru, and Spotify says my listening habits are most similar to people in Berkeley.
I fit the NPR mold. I’ll cop to that.
[Continue to Read Full Article]
Why Biden Doesn’t Want Americans to Travel to Russia
April 3, 2024
By John Varoli
Western perceptions of Russia are based on propaganda wrapped in lies, inside mounds of disinformation. So, what’s the real Russia like? I went there to find out. The results were shocking.
NATO’s 75th Anniversary
Dear CCI Friends,
The anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization occurred a few days ago and some of the most eminent voices available to speak on the subject did just that – speak out, loud and clear.
Longtime Russia/US expert geopolitical observers and analysts Gilbert Doctorow and John Mearsheimer, the incomparable former Ambassador Jack Matlock, plus the estimable Anatol Lievin have all pitched in on the subject of NATO’s historical significance and relevance in today’s world. We hope you appreciate their perspectives. And, if you care to take the time, we would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on NATO – its past and its role in our future.
All best to all of you,
The Directors
Center for Citizen Initiatives
NATO: A Force for Peace or Otherwise?
NATO’s Unhappy 75th Birthday
April 2, 2024
By John J. Mearsheimer
NATO will be 75 years old on 4 April 2024 — two days from now. Katrina vanden Heuvel, the editorial director and publisher of The Nation, organized a panel to discuss the state of NATO today. Pascal Lottaz is the moderator. The three discussants are Anatol Lieven, Ambassador Jack Matlock, and myself.
NATO’s Prehistory
April 9, 2024
By Gilbert Doctorow
The one non-Ukraine and non-Israeli big news item of last week both in the West and in Russia was the celebration in Brussels of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the agreements that created NATO.
On the Brink of Nuclear War
Dear CCI Friends,
Events appear to be pushing us in a very dangerous direction. The terrorist attack in Moscow (with the strongly worded public statements from senior officials in Russia suggesting that Ukraine played a role), the heated rhetoric from Poland and the Baltic states (not to mention the US), and President Macron’s announcement that France is prepared to send troops to Ukraine leave many of us feeling that much of the world is being “led” by lunatics playing chicken. The question is, led where??
Fortunately, there are sane voices with deep experience calling for rational behavior. Let’s hope they are heeded.
Several of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity listed below have traveled to Russia with CCI in the recent past. We value their perspectives and analyses highly and ask that you consider them carefully. As always, your thoughts are much appreciated.
Sincerely,
The Directors
Center for Citizen Initiatives
“VIPS Memo: The French Road to Nuclear War”
March 25, 2024
France could be leading the American people down a path toward a nuclear conflict decidedly not in the interests of the American people – or of humanity itself, VIPS warns President Joe Biden.
ALERT MEMORANDUM FOR: The President
FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity
SUBJECT: On the Brink of Nuclear War
Mr. President:
France is reportedly preparing to dispatch a force of some 2,000 troops — roughly a reinforced brigade built around an armored battalion and two mechanized battalions, with supporting logistical, engineering, and artillery troops attached — into Ukraine sometime in the not-so-distant future.
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