The Middle East and South Asia Seminar provides participants the opportunity to uncover the political, economic, and social transformations sweeping the Middle East and South Asia.  Within many key states such as Egypt, Syria, and perhaps increasingly Turkey, there is a struggle for supremacy among determined opponents.  Cutting across these developments are the rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the ongoing strife between Sunnis and the Shia’ in Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, and the rejuvenation of Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorism.  Finally, in the face of the United States’ (U.S) diminishing military role throughout the region, Russia is seeking renewed influence in the area and China cautiously looks for the opportunity to enhance its economic and diplomatic influence.  This program combines the knowledge and expertise of scholars, journalists, and policymakers to provide in-depth discussions of the Arab uprisings, the rise of the Islamist parties, and other current issues in the Middle East and South Asia that could be detrimental to U.S. national and international security interests.  Talks are informal and off-the-record.

Target Population(s)
General Officers (O-7, O-8, and O-9), AD, AFR, and ANG
SES/DISES members (Tiers 1, 2, and 3)
Colonels (O-6), AD, AFR, and ANG
GS-15 participants
Chief Master Sergeants (E-9), AD, AFR, and ANG 

Provider
Alan L. Freed Associates 

Location
Washington, DC area

Length and Frequency
3 days
1 session per year (as needed)