SANDRA L. CHARLES: Ms. Charles started C&O Resources 29 years ago, after serving for over 15 years in the USG in both the National Security and Foreign Policy communities; serving as Director, Near East and South Asia, member of the National Security Council staff, in the White House and as Deputy Assistant Secretary (acting) of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and in International Security Affairs. She has expertise in Middle Eastern, South Asian and African issues and programs related to US national security and foreign policy goals and objectives. She has participated in high level negotiations and policy development on security cooperation, international agreements, foreign military sales, peace initiatives, and crisis management, including the first Bush Administration's policy for Operation Desert Storm.