Akil Said Mahfoud is a distinguished writer and university professor specializing in political science and international relations at the University of Damascus. He served as the Head of the Studies Department at the Damascus Research and Studies Center, Midad, from 2015 to 2020. His research interests encompass issues of political thought, philosophy, Middle Eastern studies, and Orientalism. Mahfoud has authored numerous books and studies addressing topics related to the Arab region, Turkey, Iran, and the Kurds.