A noted author and commentator on world affairs, Sr. Aristegui  spoke to us on the subject  “Geopolitical Challenges in the XXI Century”.   Gustavo de Aristegui, himself a former diplomat and the son and grandson of senior Spanish diplomats, has long been interested in international issues relating to Spain, as well as international security and strategic questions, European affairs, Islam, and the Arab-Israeli conflict.   He is the author of several books, including El Islamismo contra el Islam; La Yihad en Espana; and most recently, Contraoccidente. His views have also frequently appeared in all of the Spanish press, as well as in the Spanish edition of Foreign Affairs. Sr. Aristegui lectures frequently in universities and in public affairs forums, and also holds the post of Professor of Diplomatic and Consular Law at Madrid’s Pontifical University of Comillas.   His diplomatic experience includes serving as DCM and Charge d’Affaires in Amman, Jordan where he witnessed the opening of the Israeli Embassy and the signing of the Wadi Araba Peace Treaty. His subsequent posting as Chief of Staff of the Ministry of the Interior from 1996 to 2000 gave him first hand experience on a wide range of issues. In addition, he served as Director for the Middle East and Africa during the Second Gulf War. Sr. Aristegui currently holds a seat in the Cortes representing the province of Zamora, and he has been the congressional spokesman for foreign affairs for the Popular Party since 2001.