The Middle East and South Asia Seminar

A Political-Economic Conflict Seminar

March 10-12, 2015   |   Capitol Hill Club   |   Washington, DC

The three-day Middle East and South Asia Seminar will cover the profound political, economic, and social transformations sweeping the Middle East and South Asia. Within many of the key states such as Egypt, Syria, and perhaps increasingly Turkey, there is a struggle for supremacy among determined opponents. Pakistan continues to be shaped by contrary visions and persistent rivalry among the major political, military, judicial, and religious groups. India, a rising economic power, is on the eve of major elections which could decisively shape the future domestic and foreign orientation of that country. The various Muslim-majority states, formerly part of the Soviet Union, are undergoing important social and economic struggle, perhaps portending critical political transformations.

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 and Lebanon, and the rejuvenation of Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorism. Finally in the face of America's diminishing military role throughout the region, Russia is seeking renewed influence in the area and China cautiously looks for entre to enhance its economic and diplomatic influence.

The Middle East and South Asia Seminar will combine the knowledge of scholars, journalists, and policymakers. Talks are informal and off-the-record. Ample time will be allowed for question-and-answer sessions with each speaker.

SEMINAR TOPICS*

• The Eastern Flank - South Asia and the Middle East: An Overview
• The Middle East: Security Challenges in a Changing Region
• America's Quandary in South Asia: Understanding the New Strategic Dynamics
• A New Era of U.S./Saudi Relations?
• The Iran Challenges: The Political and Economic Dynamics of the Islamic Republic
• Iran's Nuclear Challenge: Will a Negotiated Settlement Work?
• The Regional and International Implications of the War in Syria
• Afghanistan and Tribal Pakistan: An Analysis of our Current Strategies
• The Taliban: The Continuing Threat
• Pakistan: Nuclear Power and Divided State
• India's Strategic and Military Policy Towards Russia, China and the United States
• Is Middle East Democracy Doomed to Fail?
• Hamas and Hezbollah: The Politics of Intransigence and U.S. Options
• Turkey and the Ottoman Empire Revisited: Is Turkey Destined to be a Middle East and European Great Power?
• Al Qaeda and the Terrorist Threat Today
• The Rise of Political Islam: Consequences to U.S. Security and National Interests
• Four Small countries - Hugh U.S. Equities: Yemen, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain
• Egypt in Transition: Challenges in the Coming Period
• Thoughts on Leadership in American Middle East Policy
• The Arab-Israeli Issue: The Promise vs. The Realities
• Assessing the Future of Iraq and the Implications for U.S. National Interests

*The above topics may change to address changing current events at the time of the seminar.

 

PARTICIPANT COMMENTS

Just the right level of detail; the way it was organized, it really tied the whole area together very well. The currency of the information was perfectly blended with historical information. Excellent program; great environment! Well done!

Thoroughly enjoyed the seminar; very thought provoking

Great program! Thanks for presenters with current, diverse experiences and not just academics spouting off.

Excellent course! I really appreciated each topic and each speaker's perspective! Thank you — what a pleasure!

Very well done; I very much appreciated the divergence of viewpoints and highly value hearing the views of true subject matter experts. Particularly I enjoy hearing views I don't agree with.

I found this course to be relevant and accurate. It was extremely thought provoking and enlightening. Super smart, prepared, intriguing speakers

Great forum for learning; very good group of speakers that covered all the topic areas I would have chosen.

This was a very good course. I'm glad I attended.

Well balanced perspectives and experience

Good diversity of points of view; course was relevant and useful.

Great to hear speakers with substantial experience in the region; authentic context and provoking analysis of relationships and politics of conflict

All the speakers demonstrated a truly remarkable depth of knowledge on their topics. Wow — no power points!! The delivery of these complex areas was very exceptional. Super and comprehensive!

Outstanding course; great variety of speakers from government, academia, think tanks

Outstanding speakers with super ability to talk on topics for approximate 40 minutes . . . and keep the audience interested and engaged on all these critical issues.

Great speakers and diverse viewpoints

 

MODERATORS

The program moderator will be of international stature and have extensive professional experience in the policy issues covered in this three-day seminar. The moderator will facilitate, when necessary, dialogue between the speakers and participants, as well as lead the group discussions and Q&A sessions.

 

FEE

The fee for each three-day Foreign Policy Seminar is $1,985 per person. The program will feature approximately 12-15 separate presentations. Also included are continental breakfast and working luncheons. The seminar will be held in a private meeting room at the Capitol Hill Club. An on-site staff person will assist participants as needed and coordinate daily activities.

 

REGISTRATION

The target audience for these seminars are civilians (GS-15 and above) and military (O-6 and above). Others who have a special interest in the subject, need-to-know, or are in key positions may apply. Seminar space is limited to assure participants have ample time for open discussion with presenters. Upon registration, attendees will receive confirmation via email. Cancellations will be accepted in writing up to two weeks prior to each program. After that time, substitutions will be accepted. The Agency will be billed if registration is cancelled after the deadline.

If you have any questions or need further information, please call Iris Fernandez or Patricia Patton at 703-684-8807.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Foreign Policy Seminars will be held in a private meeting room at the Capitol Hill Club, located at 300 First Street, SE, Washington, DC. The Club is directly across the street from the Capitol South Metro Station (Blue and Orange Lines). Business attire for participants is required. Military uniform is optional.

Reporting information concerning registration time and meeting room assignment will be sent to all participants approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of each program. The seminar meeting room will be open at 7:45 am and seminars will be conducted from 8:00 to 4:00 pm.

These programs are informal and strictly "off-the-record." No video, power point or audio-visual aids are utilized in the presentations.

 

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