In today's New York Times, I join a number of commentators in the opinion section sharing ideas on how to "drain ISIS' coffers."  The link to the commentary is available here.

Yesterday, November 17, I was honored to appear before the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.   See "Articles" for a transcript of my remarks.  The focus of the hearing was on kidnapping for ransom.   I addressed this issue and also discussed how terrorist organizations exploit underground financial networks and their link to trade-based value transfer.  I felt the hearing was particularly poignant because of the testimony of Diane Foley, the mother of ISIS beheading victim journalist James Foley.   Her presence and eloquence speak volumes about the human tragedy of terror.   A video link of the entire hearing is available here:

I've heard from a few friends and colleagues that the tragic attacks in Paris last Friday evening have some haunting similarities to my novel Demons of Gadara.   I wrote the novel shortly before the rise of ISIS.  In Demons, the terrorist focus is on the Taliban.   A few character and location changes and the plot could easily involve ISIS.  For those wanting insight into terrorist mindsets, tactics, and funding Demons of Gadara continues to be an educational and entertaining read.   

I just received a package from my publisher with my new book:  Trade-Based Money Laundering - The Next Frontier in International Money Laundering Enforcement.  This is book number four for me.   However, opening that box and holding a new book is always a thrill!   And I'm confident this book, like my others, breaks new ground.  I wrote it to try to bring more attention to TBML - which is already a hot topic today.    It is non-academic; it's user-friendly, and I hope both instructive and entertaining.

The book is available for pre-order now via Amazon, Wiley (the publisher) and other outlets.  I understand it starts to ship November 9.   Let me know how you like it.   Thanks!   John