Editorial Staff

Ben Frankel, editor-in-chief, has years of experience as a writer and editor in the fields of international security, defense, and foreign policy. Ben did his undergraduate studies at the University of Tel Aviv, and his graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Mark Zablocki, managing editor, is also an adjunct professor of business and technology at a private Long Island college, where he specializes in disaster planning and recovery, cyber-security, and international business. The holder B.A. in history and a master’s in business administration, he has long held an interest in military technology and the adaptation of military technology to law enforcement and civilian applications.

John ChanqizVafai, contributing editor, specializes in international security. He grew up in Iran, where he also served as general counsel for OPEC. John holds a J.D. degree from the University of Tehran and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Yale University.

Grant Lally, contributing editor, specializes in public policy and international law and policy. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists and American Bar Association, he has been a writer and editor for many years. Grant holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University; a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University; and a Masters in International Law from Georgetown University.

Arash Kashanian, senior writer, has a deep interest in public policy. He served in the U.S. Marines, and has been an investigative journalist for five years. Arash holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Stony Brook University in New York, and is working towards a dual degree in Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration at Hofstra University.

Joseph Lawson, editor, has been covering Latin America for leading security and foreign affairs publications for over fifteen years. He has lived in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela where he covered the effects of drug and human trafficking on U.S.foreign policy in Latin America. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University.

Derek Major, writer, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he became interested in journalism.Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Penn State University in Pennsylvania. He also has a background in sports writing and sound-editing.

Anthony Nicaj, writer,has reported extensively on biometric, cybersecurity, and surveillance technologies. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Geneseo. He is also a chef, cooking under Top Chef Paul Qui.

Robert Lopez, writer, specializes in military, security, public policy, and Latin American security issues. A graduate of the University of Texas, Bob has more than fifteen years of experience as a journalist and writer.

Jenny Britt, writer, covers cybersecurity, information warfare, hacking, and related issues. She received her degree in computer science from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and worked as a cybersecurity consultant in both the private sector and on government contracts.

Judy Haver, writer, covers immigration, border security, and state-related issues. She graduated with a political science degree from the University of Minnesota and worked as assistant editor in local papers in Minnesota and Michigan.  

Adil Hussain, writer, specializes in political and security issues in the Islamic, Arab, and Mediterranean worlds. Educated at the University of Cairo, Adil has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and North Africa.