I am an artist and a writer. I write on foreign policy and security issues for Gunpowder & Lead, and have contributed to other sites including CNN's Global Public Square, Blogs of War and Clearance Jobs. My interests include the Middle East, civil-military relations, and women's role in the foreign policy/national security sphere. I have degrees in History, Art, and International Relations. My MA focus was on Islam in Middle East politics with a special interest in Shiite religious leadership. I have extensive experience in non profit administration and development: research & analysis, grant writing & administration, event planning & coordination, marketing, copy editing, & budget management. My current primary art project is the Children's Illustrated Clausewitz, which I am writing and illustrating. Questions, job opportunities, freelance gigs, and art commissions can be sent to [email protected], and I am virtually always available on Twitter at twitter.com/caidid. I sleep very little and respond positively to conversations about Ali al-Sistani, Joss Whedon, and Pedro Martinez.