Dr. John Arquilla is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Defense Analysis at the United States Naval Postgraduate School. He is the author of over a dozen books covering a range of topics, from irregular warfare (e.g., Insurgents, Raiders, and Bandits, Rowman 2011; and Afghan Endgames, Georgetown 2012) to strategies for improving cybersecurity (Bitskrieg, Polity 2021).

Dr. Dearing is an Associate Professor of Regional and Analytical Studies at the College of International Security Affairs (CISA). For over two decades, he has focused on U.S. foreign policy, international security, and comparative political violence, with field research in Africa and Afghanistan. Dr. Dearing has worked as an advisor for Brigade Combat Teams and Provincial Reconstruction Teams in southern and eastern Afghanistan from 2008-13, with particular focus on political stability in Kabul, Kandahar and Ghazni. ​​​​​​​  ​​

Mr. Tarin is the Co-Founder of the Afghan-American Foundation. He previously served as the Director of the Washington DC Office of Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). In both capacities he has engaged and advised various agencies including the White House, Departments of Justice, State and Homeland Security and congressional offices on Capitol Hill. He has produced over 30 policy papers focusing on issues including national security, civil rights/civil liberties, religious freedom, immigration, and civic engagement. He joins us today in his personal capacity. Mr. Tarin also is a senior policy advisor for the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the US Department of Homeland Security. 

Dr. Sajjan M. Gohel has a multi-disciplinary background in global security issues and professional military education (PME). He is Chairman for NATO DEEP Counter-Terrorism Advisory Group (CTAG), and International Security Director for the Asia-Pacific Foundation (APF).

LTC Lemar Farhad currently serves as the Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC), U.S. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prior to serving as ODC Chief, LTC Farhad served as Director, Central & South Asia, Partner Engagements—Directorate of Intelligence (J2), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Prior to serving at CENTCOM J2, LTC Farhad served as the Tajikistan & Kyrgyz Republic Country Director for the Security Cooperation Division at CENTCOM Directorate of Strategy, Plans and Policy (J5).