{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/616a3615e98b97001261c751/6250d3f41e40320013ed49dd?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"McCloskey Deconstructs Damascus Station","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/616a3615e98b97001261c751/1649463936069-afd17271ccf2c37248ade76281ebe6e6.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Though this episode was recorded in November of 2021, David's recollections and impressions of the Syrian Conflict are eerily similar to what's happening in Ukraine right now. A former CIA analyst, he's now a spy novelist to keep your eye on. David McCloskey reveals part of his process and some unique elements of craft that he brought to this auspicious first novel. Episode 58</p><p>From a CBS article by Kate Gibson, here are some links to help Ukranians:</p><p><a href=\"https://convoyofhope.org/response-updates/convoy-reaching-out-to-help-in-ukrainian-crisis/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Convoy of Hope</strong></a>. The disaster relief group says it's partnering with a local Polish organization to provide meals to refugees entering Poland, as well as to deliver food, water and other basics across the region. Donate&nbsp;<a href=\"https://convoyofhope.org/donate/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p><p><a href=\"https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/europe-central-asia/ukraine\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>International Committee of the Red Cross</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp;The Swiss-based organization is supporting the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross in helping those impacted by the war.&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine-b\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Donate to the ICRC</a>.</p><p><a href=\"https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/who-we-are/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>International Medical Corps</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp;The first responders' organization has teams inside Ukraine and in the surrounding regions to offer medical and mental health services. Link to&nbsp;<a href=\"https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/99837/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=DP~UA22~DPLBU2202&amp;_ga=2.91192156.797875621.1646669875-1079461136.1646669875\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">contribute.</a></p><p><a href=\"https://kyivindependent.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Kyiv Independent</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp;The English-language news site has launched a GoFundMe campaign asking for&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyivindependent-launch\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">support</a>.</p><p><a href=\"https://www.unicef.org/what-we-do\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>UNICEF</strong></a><strong>.&nbsp;</strong>The global group devoted to safeguarding children is working to provide humanitarian supplies to families without safe water or electricity due to the conflict. Contributions can be made&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/conflict-ukraine-pose-immediate-threat-children?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=organic-en&amp;utm_content=ukraine_crisis&amp;utm_campaign=ukraine_crisis\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p><p><a href=\"https://voices.org.ua/en/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Voices of Children</strong></a><strong>.</strong>&nbsp;The Ukraine-based charitable foundation has been offering psychological counseling, including art therapy, for children affected by war in the country's east since 2015, according to its site. The group is currently helping children and families across Ukraine, including helping with evacuations.</p>","author_name":"Mark Valley"}