CFR on AF; how TPTB percieve the crisis

For all of you information junkies... the CFR had a one day converence on Pandemic Flu last week. There were 5 sessions (each is 13-14 pages of transcript, there is also audio). If you have wondered how TPTB percieve our pending crisis... here's a good primer. I would have cut and paste, but there is jsut way too much and you might just opt for the audio version. I printed it out, and went thru coutless warm beverages... a long and facinating read.


A Conference On The Global Threat Of Pandemic Influenza http://www.cfr.org/project/1215/

November 16, 2005 - November 16, 2005

This day-long conference, which was held at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, examined preparedness and planning efforts in the United States as the world faces the possibility of an influenza pandemic caused by H5N1, the avian flu virus.

Transcripts
Session 1: Where Do We Stand? http://stage.cfr.org/publication/92...l_threat_of_pandemic_influenza_session_1.html
Session 2: Containment and Control http://stage.cfr.org/publication/92...l_threat_of_pandemic_influenza_session_2.html
Session 3: The U.S. Government’s Role http://stage.cfr.org/publication/92...l_threat_of_pandemic_influenza_session_3.html
Session 4: The Business Community’s Role http://stage.cfr.org/publication/92...l_threat_of_pandemic_influenza_session_4.html
Session 5: What Would the World Look Like After a Pandemic? http://stage.cfr.org/publication/92...l_threat_of_pandemic_influenza_session_5.html

Indeed, transcripted CFR dialogs on this threat are the most telling and insightful views we get on the threat. Thanks PCV for posting this one.

I believe it was an August panel discussion like this that set the world afire in terms of awakening governments and media to the needed urgency to prepare for a potentially imminent worst case pandemic.

Sections 2 and 5 of this conference I found most topical to my own interests. Well worth the time to read it all.

One particular learning I took away ... that there seems to be a bit of a struggle underway to bring on board top-drawer economists and business leaders to seriously believe that they need to do much in the way of circumventing a global economic collapse.

Another--the conference ended on the note that it's entirely possible if not probable that we are looking at not only health care and economic catastrophes, but that this could cause international tensions to become uncontrollably enflamed, that political upheavals at all levels could become the norm, and that the very global balance of power - in terms of strategic security goes - could be altered.

Other than all that, it's a piece of cake.