The Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) is honored and welcomes Ms Manizha Bakhtri, the former Ambassador of Afghanistan in Norway, Mr. Nazir Kabiri, Advisor to the Finance Minister of Afghanistan, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Haidari, the Director General of Policy & Strategy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, and Mr. Barakatullah Rahmati, acting Deputy Spokesman and Administrative Manager at the Office of Spokesman in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Political Officer in the Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad, to its team as  research fellows.

Ms. Manizha Bakhatari is an Afghan diplomat, author and journalist. She previously served as the Chief of Staff of the Afghan Foreign Ministry and was a part-time lecturer at Kabul University.

Mr. Kabiri advises the Minister in development and financial policies. In this role his principal responsibilities include building and maintaining constructive relationship with the Cabinet, Parliament, donor community, partner ministers and the private sector, to ensure that the Ministry sets and achieves appropriate objectives for increased budget execution, and revenue collection.

Mr. Mohammad  Ashraf Haidari served the Embassy of Afghanistan in the United States in various capacities including: Chargé d’Affaires A.I.; Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Counselor; Acting Defense Attaché; First Secretary for Political, Security & Development Affairs; and Director of Government and Media Relations.

Mr. Barakatullah has served as a Political Advisor, Administrative Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Office Manager, Public Relations Officer and Communication Specialist with numerous prestigious entities i.e. private Afghan businesses, Afghanistan government and the Afghan diplomatic missions.