Polina

After finishing Choke Points I debated whether to write the prequel, set in the late 1700s establishing the background for the Fletcher Saga, or the sequel, which picks up on the sex slave trade and human trafficking. Digging for information is always exciting and the late 18th century material was amazing. However, when I returned to the dark areas of human trafficking, illegal drugs, and black market arms I knew this is what I had to write about next. Titled Polina, the story delves into the tacit acceptance or active participation of the U.S. government officials, intelligence agencies, and military in these areas. Each has links to transnational organized crime. Not all members or agencies are guilty, but enough are to prevent effective counter measures.

It started three years ago when I researched the links between organized crime and international terrorism in hopes of writing a book. This led to a 96-hour round trip from Boston to Sarajevo, Baška Voda in Croatia, back to Sarajevo then home to Boston. It was a life-altering trip. I learned first hand of the heinous crime of sex slavery from two men who had waged personal battles against it. The book was never written, but I never forgot the experience. In the intervening time the trade has grown more insidious and pervasive.

Drugs / Weapons / Slaves comprise the modern transnational version of the Rum / Molasses / Slaves triangle from 300 years ago. Human trafficking, weapons, and illegal drugs are the world's most profitable businesses. No one and no country is immune to the devastation wrought by the purveyors of these products. To these three is now added piracy as a major growth industry. Foreign news media coverage in all these areas is extensive yet few media outlets in the U.S. rarely touch on any of this. Sadder still is the apparent lack of interest in this country. There are no "Walks" or Bake Sales or "Bike-a-thons" to end the exploitation of other humans, shut down arms dealers or effectively stop the flow of illegal drugs.

So I decided to add a web site page dedicated to these areas with the hope of reaching a few people who might care enough to do something. Each link is to a group waging a despite struggle against these evils. In addition there are international news sources and stories from and links to a select group of internationally reknowned journalists and analysts, none of whom are to be found in even the "top" U.S. newspapers or media outlets.

None of it is pleasant, none of it is soft, but all of it is important.

As John Donne said:
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Will you ignore the tolling bell? Or will you help?
As always, the choice is yours.

For More Information:

Human Trafficking
The Polaris Project

Weapons
Center for Defense Information

Terrorism
The Jamestown Foundation

Transnational Crime
The Millennium Project

Journalists/Analysts

Anthony M. Davis

Ioannis Michaletos

James Sutton