A fascinating article from the Boston Globe on why AA has not caught on in Russia.
I love that bit about two guys standing on the corner, holding up three fingers, looking for a third so they could get a bottle. My kinda town.
I remember when those first American AA'ers went over; some of the old timers from my homegroup were part of that -- I was impressed at the time that they were not characterized by the zeal of missionaries. Rather, they seemed well aware of the scope of the problem, but quietly optimistic and hopeful that they might be able to help. The lack of a "crusader" vibe on their part really struck me. These were men and women who sincerely wanted to help, but had the humility to know that they were there to offer, not to sell anything.