Aaron Zelin joins The Washington Institute as a new Borow Fellow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2012
CONTACT: press@washingtoninstitute.org, 202-230-9550
WASHINGTON – Aaron Zelin, a specialist in the global jihadist movement, has joined The Washington Institute as its new Richard Borow Fellow, the organization announced today.
“Among analysts trying to understand the murky world of jihadist groups operating in the broader Middle East, Aaron Zelin is widely recognized as an expert's expert," said Dr. Robert Satloff, executive director. "We are delighted to have him as a member of the Institute team and look forward to his contributions."
In the Institute's Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Zelin will focus his research on how jihadist groups and organizations are adjusting to the new political environment in the era of Arab uprisings. Though young in age, he brings to his Institute appointment a list of impressive credentials: He is a frequent contributor to Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, and the Atlantic, and is the author of the New America Foundation’s forthcoming study The State of the Global Jihad Online. In addition, he independently maintains the widely cited website Jihadology.net and co-edits the blog al-Wasat.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with The Washington Institute's remarkable group of scholars and look to forward contributing to its well-deserved reputation of excellence,” said Zelin.
Prior to his appointment, Zelin served as a consultant to the Combating Terrorism Center of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He received his undergraduate degree in political science and Near Eastern languages and cultures from Indiana University and his master’s degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies from Brandeis University, where he also served as a researcher.
Zelin's fellowship is named in honor of Richard Borow of Los Angeles, California, retired senior partner of Irell & Manella LLP and a longtime member of the Institute's board of directors.
About the Washington Institute:
The Washington Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research institution that advances a balanced and realistic understanding of U.S. interest in the broader Middle East. Drawing on the research of its fellows and the experience of its policy practitioners, the Institute promotes informed debate and scholarly research on U.S. policy in the region.