Leo Docherty

Leo Docherty is the director of the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC), where he 'provides the overall strategic direction and manages the CMEC team.

Background=

After graduating from The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, Leo Docherty commissioned into the British Army in 2001. During six years of military service Leo studied Arabic and deployed to southern Iraq during 2004-2005 where he was involved in training the Iraqi Army in Maysan Province, assisting in negotiations between warring tribes in Basra and providing security for the 2005 national elections. Leo has travelled extensively in the Middle East and Iran, including a seven-week bicycle ride between Europe and Jerusalem. Prior to joining CMEC Leo was employed as an Analyst and Country Manager for a leading Strategic Communication firm specializing in field research in conflict zones.