Mimi Gregory, a past president and current program chair of the Naples Council on World Affairs, was recently privileged to be part of a leadership delegation to Kabul, Afghanistan, at the invitation of our Ambassador, Ryan C. Crocker. Gregory was one of six who represented World Affairs Councils across the US and, as such, were “grass roots” Americans who were neither politicians, journalists, nor government officials, there to observe, without prejudice, the accomplishments of a decade.
Gregory met with over 200 Afghan nationals, in both the private and public sectors, as well as a leader of the opposition, potential presidential candidates and “the local war lord.” She participated in a briefing from President Karzai. Gregory and team were also briefed by the US personnel on the ground in Kabul: USAID, Press and Communications, the Rule of Law, and sat in meetings with UN Special Representative Jan Kubis, and General John Allen, leader of the International Security Assistance Force.
Their collective impressions at the end of a week on the ground in Kabul generated the reports written. These reports will be the subject of her May 23 presentation to the Press Club of Southwest Florida.
Gregory, a past president and now program chairman of the Naples Council on World Affairs, has traveled extensively in Central and Eastern Europe, participated in a Council Leadership Mission to Germany, and led a Great Decisions group for eleven years. She also lived in France for several years and maintains strong ties to France through her association with the Alliances Francaises. President Sarkozy honored her with the National Order of Merit, Rank of Commander.
As usual, reservations are required.
$23/NPC members, $28/non-members, cash or check at the door.**
Guests are welcome, so invite your neighbors.
1. Select your luncheon entree: STANDARD – herb-encrusted chicken breast; VEGETARIAN – grilled Portobello mushroom; SPECIAL NEEDS – gluten free, etc. – please specify need.
2. Send your luncheon selection and number of attendees to rsvp@naplespressclub.org.
**Deadline to reserve (and to cancel a reservation already made) is May 19.
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