Welcome to Litsy!

Perhaps this is one of those moments [Francis Fukuyama] predicted when the Cold War enemy would score a blow, on the ultimate path to defeat. I'm tempted to look at this moment differently: as a reminder that culture and history matter, values and traditions endure, peoples of the world have different instincts, wishes, priorities, and dreams...But Putin...also embodies a Russian soul that is unfamiliar to many in the West.

Henry Kissinger wrote in the Washington Post following the Crimea annexation that it is dangerous to view Ukraine 'as a showdown' over whether the sovereign nation 'joins the East or the West.' Ukraine has to function, Kissinger wrote, 'as a bridge between them.'

#solidarityforukraine

#7Days7Books Day 3

For the next 7 days, I will post a book a day that has left a lasting impact, one that has changed me. No further comments!

A #TimeBombTown ...or two or three...appears in this book.

I loved this one - Greene takes a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway to see how Russians live far away from Moscow. It‘s an eye opening endeavor, and it‘s quite apparent long held fears still exist. Though written nearly a decade ago, I would argue that some of these beliefs and fears in this book still haunt Russia today. A good travelogue and political piece. #SoaringScores

Let's take a midnight train through Siberia...

Such an amazing look at Russia beyond Moscow. And really, it's pretty timely. Greene interviews the average person as he ventures farther and farther away from Moscow. While his initial reaction to some occasions reflects the gut reaction of many, he's quick to disengage from the thought and discover the why behind the action. I highly recommend this! #35bookparty