Avi Jorisch is a seasoned entrepreneur and Middle East expert. He is a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council and founder of IMS, a merchant processing company that services clients nationwide. A thought leader in exploring global innovation trends, the Arab world, counterterrorism, and illicit finance, Mr. Jorisch previously served in the US Departments of Treasury and Defense. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from Binghamton University and a master's degree in Islamic history from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He also studied Arabic and Islamic philosophy at the American University in Cairo and al-Azhar University, the preeminent institution of Sunni Islamic learning. An author of four previous books, Jorisch's articles have appeared in influential outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, Forbes, and Al-Arabiya.net. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Entrepreneurs' Organization.