Washington, D.C.: The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations [ncusar.org] is pleased to announce that Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak bin Saif Al-Thani has been named a Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow. Serving in a personal capacity and offering his own individual views, Sheikh Nawaf joins a group of respected individuals who further the National Council’s educational, bridge-building mission through their scholarship and analysis. The Council’s Fellows and Scholars do not have a governing role in the organization. They contribute strategic support through their cutting-edge insights, research, and understanding of the complex global challenges facing Americans and Arabs alike.

Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak bin Saif Al-Thani is the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations first Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow.

In announcing the appointment, National Council Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony remarked, “We are honored that Sheikh Nawaf Al-Thani has accepted our invitation to join the Council as its first Distinguished International Defense Affairs Fellow. His record of public service is extensive, and the Council will benefit from his ability to provide critical frames of reference on defense and strategic issues in the Gulf too often absent in regional analyses. We look forward to sharing what he has to offer. Having the opportunity to benefit from Sheikh Nawaf’s views on geo-strategic issues will be very valuable for the Council as we work to continuously improve, strengthen, and expand our U.S.-Arab relations leadership development and educational efforts.”

Accepting his appointment, Sheikh Nawaf noted that he was “honored” to receive the National Council’s invitation. He added, “I have always appreciated Dr. Anthony’s vision and the Council’s mission. As I am pursuing my academic and research interests in the field of small state security I find it of great relevance to add a voice that represents the Arab and Gulf region that focuses on defense and security through the lens of research and the support of academe. The Council, with its reputation and resources, offers an excellent platform for me to contribute to the academic discourse.”

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President & CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony (left) with Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak bin Saif Al-Thani (right) at the National Council’s office in Washington, D.C.

Sheikh Nawaf has served in Qatar’s Armed Forces since 1996, including as the former Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché of Qatar to the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the rank of Brigadier General as well as the former Official Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Defense. He has an extensive background working with Qatar’s friends, partners, and allies, and has been a leader pioneering new roles through the growth and development of the Qatar Armed Forces. In recognition of his service, he has received numerous distinguished commendations and citations from the Qatar Armed Forces along with several NATO militaries and multinational organizations. Sheikh Nawaf has also been a columnist for Al-Arab and Al Raya daily newspapers (Qatar), and a lecturer at various institutions including Georgetown University. He holds a Master’s Degree from King’s College London and is currently a pursuing his PhD research at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

About the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations: Founded in 1983 and based in Washington, D.C., the National Council is an American non-profit, non-governmental, educational organization. The Council pursues its educational mission through a diverse array of programs, projects, events, and activities. Each is dedicated to enhancing American awareness and appreciation of the extraordinary benefits that the United States has long derived from its special relationships with countries in the Arab region – and vice versa.

At the center of the National Council’s efforts to advance American knowledge and understanding of Arab culture, societal dynamics, and systems of governance – and the nature and extent of their impact on U.S. national security, economic, and related interests – are the Council’s flagship education, training, and leadership development programs. These are designed to elevate the leadership skills and empirical Arab-centric educational experiences of the emerging generation of young Americans and Arabs. Upon their shoulders will rest the responsibility for ensuring that the relationships between the American and Arab peoples are continuously deepened, improved, and sustained far into the future.

Information about the Council can be found at ncusar.org.