About SALT
SALT is a strategic advisory firm delivering clarity in complex environments. We fuse top-tier analytical expertise with deep local relationships and practical field experience.
Our team combines senior policymakers, veteran journalists, technologists, seasoned field operators, and strategic advisors, each chosen for their ability to see—and shape—outcomes.
Collectively, we bring:
Embedded Regional Understanding
Deep personal and professional ties across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Our multilingual team has decades of firsthand experience navigating complex political, cultural, and security terrains.
High-Level Strategic Insight
Expertise drawn from former senior roles in government, defense policy, and leading consultancies, combined with leadership in significant policy decisions from Washington to Kabul and Beijing.
Technological and Analytical Capability
Innovative application of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven risk analysis. We identify opportunities and threats with clarity and rigor.
Operational Depth and Discretion
Proven success managing sensitive operations, humanitarian missions, and crisis response in conflict zones and challenging environments. Our deep field networks enable effective execution, even under pressure.
Clients engage us when accuracy, discretion, and execution are non-negotiable. At SALT, clarity drives strategy, and strategy delivers results.
Meet Our Experts
Taylor
Lead Executive / Regional Correspondent
Provides deep 'ground truth,' narrative insight, and risk analysis derived from 16+ years as an award‑winning, on‑the‑ground MENA correspondent operating across the region. Offers significant expertise in Arab politics, security, and social movements. Strong institutional connections (think tanks, major publications). Multilingual capabilities and on‑ground reporting experience.
Key Expertise:
- Deep Local Terrain Insight
- Qualitative Analysis & Narrative Development
- Network Access (Media, Civil Society, Policy)
- Geopolitical Context & Regional Expertise
- On‑Ground Reporting & Verification
Ben
Strategic Navigator / Strategy Consultant
Leverages extensive strategy consulting, finance, and AI/ML experience to drive rigorous analysis and structure complex geopolitical & business solutions for SALT. Founded intelligence/geopolitical analysis firm. UN and international organization experience. Focus on emerging defense technologies. European/global perspective with US connections.
Key Expertise:
- High‑Level Strategy Formulation
- Quantitative Rigor & Financial Acumen
- Tech/AI Application in Geopolitics
- Complex Problem Structuring
- Emerging Defense Technologies
Nora
Strategic Navigator
Provides deep Syrian contextual understanding, narrative strategy, and donor engagement expertise from 18+ years in humanitarian/development sectors; bridges policy with on‑the‑ground human realities for SALT.
Key Expertise:
- Deep Syrian 'Local Terrain' Insight
- Narrative Development & Strategic Communications
- Donor & NGO Network & Strategy
- Cross‑Cultural Communication & Mediation
- Humanitarian & Development Policy
Barbara
Strategic Navigator
Brings extensive experience in development/humanitarian aid, specializing in gender, protection, GBV, and civil society strengthening in conflict‑affected settings (inc. Iraq, Ukraine); adds a critical social impact and human security lens to SALT's analysis.
Key Expertise:
- Social Impact & Human Security Analysis
- Humanitarian & Protection Expertise (Gender, GBV)
- Civil Society Engagement & Strengthening
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) in Fragile Contexts
- Fragile Context Operations & Programming
Matt
Strategic Advisor / Tech Entrepreneur
Combines venture‑building and advanced analytics expertise to manage operational risk in frontier markets; offers academic network access and extensive Afghanistan crisis management experience.
Key Expertise:
- Frontier Market Operations & Venture Building
- Advanced Analytics & Risk Modeling (AI/ML)
- Academic & Policy Network Access
- Crisis Management & Response
- Cognitive Science Application to Geopolitics
Our Expert Network & Specialized Capabilities
Beyond our core team, SALT leverages a network of specialized expertise to provide comprehensive solutions.
Team Strengths: Combined coverage from Eastern Europe through Central Asia to MENA. Mix of field operations, policy, tech innovation, and strategic analysis. Deep language capabilities across the region. Connections spanning government, NGOs, academia, and private sector. Experience in conflict zones, reconstruction, and development. Strong analytical and communication skills across all members.
National Security & Policy Advisory
Our network includes individuals with senior U.S. national security and foreign policy backgrounds (DoD, CSIS), offering legal expertise and strategic planning capabilities crucial for navigating complex international security environments and policymaking. This includes China specialists with recent focus on security analysis and experience in Afghanistan's reconstruction.
Operational Leadership & Risk Management
We draw on deep operational leadership and risk management expertise from directing NGO safety and security across challenging regions like Syria, Iraq, and Libya. This includes extensive practitioner networks and strong regional language skills for 'Local Terrain' understanding.
High-Risk Project Execution
Deep expertise in executing projects and acquiring 'ground truth' in high-risk, high-conflict zones, ensuring operational viability and success. This capability is critical for clients requiring discreet and effective on-the-ground project implementation.
Our Global Presence
Damascus Office
Coming Soon
Establishing our new regional headquarters to further enhance our on-the-ground capabilities and local engagement in Syria.
New York City Office
Meet Us Today
Connect with our team in NYC for strategic consultations and advisory services regarding Syria, Iraq, and the broader MENA region.