I'm a Ph.D. in Islamic history (Ohio State, 2001) and work as a consultant, researcher and
author on the topics of Islam, Mahdism, Jihadism, Shi`ism, other Islamic sects, the Caliphate and Eschatology in general. During
the administrations of Ronaldus Magnus I was an Arabic linguist in the 101st Airborne Division. My personal research
specializations are Islamic eschatology (end of time beliefs), Mahdism, Islamic fundamentalism, jihadism, the Hidden Imam
and how all of these relate to modern politics. I should also add--since an increasing number of people email me and
ask about this--that I am a Christian (of the traditionalist/conservative, not evangelical or "fundamentalist,"
persuasion). I am currently also working on a new book on the caliphate, as both a historical institution and as envisioned
today by Islamist groups like Hizb al-Tahrir.
Here's
a link to an interview of me by the editor of the History News Network: