Haroon Azar

Haroon Azar is a Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations and the former Program Director for the Center's Initiative on Security and Religious Freedom.  Mr. Azar is a recognized national security expert with broad experience working with law enforcement and faith-based communities to further resilience mission areas. Prior to his current role, Mr. Azar was the Regional Director in Los Angeles for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Azar’s primary responsibility was strengthening the Department’s relationships with state and local law enforcement, local government officials, faith-based organizations, community groups, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders. His office partnered with both government and nongovernment entities locally to advance the Department’s risk mitigation mission.

Previously, Mr. Azar worked as Deputy Director for the Middle East, Africa, & South Asia in the Office of International Affairs at DHS Headquarters in Washington DC. His portfolio included providing the Office of the Secretary with policy counsel and management of international affairs related to homeland security. Additionally, Mr. Azar was responsible for negotiating bilateral and multilateral security agreements with international partners focusing on improving immigration policy, visa security, aviation security, border security, supply chain management, and countering violent extremism efforts. Mr. Azar received a Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law where he focused on the intersection of national security and civil rights.