Just the Facts: Book Discussion Recap from October 20th

It was a damp and threatening night, rain storms imminent. Many thanks to the nine people who braved the elements to attend the book discussion. Their presence, as always, was much appreciated.

The book discussed last was The Good Spy: the life and death of Robert Ames by Kai Bird. Robert Ames was a career officer of the C.I.A. Unlike many C.I.A. officials, he was not a blue blood, but came from a middle class background. Unlike James Bond, he was methodical, frugal, sober, a family man, even dull. He loved all things Arab and was fascinated by the language and culture. Where other agents looked upon postings to Yemen or Oman as a hardship, he sought out such assignments and enjoyed them. In violation of U.S. policy, Ames established discreet contacts with senior officials of the P.L.O. He believed that if he could establish a dialogue, he might help to end the continuous violence and bloodshed in the Middle East. He was killed in the bombing of the U. S. embassy in Beirut in 1983. The author contends that had he lived, Ames might have had a positive effect on the history of the Middle East. As might be expected, our discussion was lively and interesting with everyone participating. While discussing Ames’ life and work, we also covered the Arab-Israeli conflict. We spoke about war crimes, the Sykes-Picot agreement, religious fundamentalists, the issues between Israel and Palestine, the difference between eastern and western culture and much more.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, November 17, 2016. The book to be discussed, Dead Wake: the last crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson, is available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome.