David Nalle

David Nalle (November 2, 1924 – August 2, 2013) was an American diplomat, writer and lecturer. He was the editor of the Central Asia Monitor.

Biography

Born on November 2, 1924, in Philadelphia, Nalle interrupted studies in Engineering at Princeton University for World War II, during which he served as a Naval Aviator. He returned to complete a degree in English after the war.

In 1951, Nalle joined the United States Information Agency (USIA), assigned to the Middle East desk and eventually Afghanistan. During the 1960s he was posted in Iran, Syria and Jordan. He developed a reputation as a linguist and expert on Central Asia and the Middle East. While in Iran he also served as director of the Iran-America Society. He returned to the United States to head the USIA's division for the Near East, South Asia and North Africa in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Later, he was posted to Moscow as Press and Cultural Affairs Officer. After his tour in Moscow, he returned to his prior supervisory position at USIA. He served a total of 28 years with the USIA.

He married Margaret Shumaker Nalle (Peggy Nalle), of Washington and had two children.

Nalle died of prostate cancer on August 2, 2013, aged 88.

Works

Report on Survey of Ferghana Valley in 1999. Listing of articles and reviews at the Middle East Policy Council.