Of the many adjectives used to describe him, David Edwin Long was perhaps most proud of being labeled irascible and irreverent. Independent and with a strong moral sense, he spent his life ignoring social convention and doing what he considered to be right. After 83 years, that life ended as he passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Ridge, Virginia on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, surrounded by his family.
David was born on November 21, 1937 in Washington, Georgia, and grew up as the younger son of a Presbyterian minister. At one point he described himself as a Professional Student, earning a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in North Carolina, a master’s from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, another master’s from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston, and a PhD from the George Washington University in Washington DC. He married Barbara Ellen Baggett on December 28, 1962, and immediately whisked her away to the Middle East to begin a long career as a Foreign Service Officer and then civil servant at the State Department. Moving to Washington DC around 1970, he became one of the country’s leading experts on Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. His honest and direct assessments did not always endear him to management, but he was widely respected. He authored and co-authored over a dozen books, including one of the most widely used textbooks on the Middle East. He became a recognized expert on international terrorism, serving as Deputy Director of the State Department’s Office of Counter Terrorism during the late 1980s. He loved teaching, and taught at several universities including Johns Hopkins, American University, the University of Pennsylvania, the US Coast Guard Academy (where for a while he was acting chair of the Humanities Department), and Georgetown (where he was the first Executive Director of the newly formed Center for Contemporary Arab Studies). And he never lost his love of travel: from trekking through the deserts of Sudan, to diving off the coast of Saudi Arabia, to traveling though all 50 states in the US, he loved experiencing new places and connecting with people from all walks of life.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; his three sons Gordon (Elizabeth Metzler), Geoffrey (Sarah Kahn), and Andrew; and four grandchildren: Rachel, David, Stephanie, and Caroline, who knew him as a loving and attentive grandfather, always quick with a story no matter how often his listeners may have heard it before. His belief in choosing one’s own path and striving for self-fulfillment provides deep inspiration for his children and grandchildren, and they will always remember him.
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? A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?
?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
