Dr. Layton has a doctorate in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and has lived and worked in Kurdistan for over 16 years in various capacities. He has written several books on Kurdish History and is an intimate friend of many of the Kurdish leaders. He has traveled and consulted in over 50 countries in the world and is the founder the only American School in Kurdistan. He was recently the National Director for Kurdistan Development Corporation. He is considered an expert in Kurdish history, Kurdish politics and economic development in Kurdistan. He now resides in Ainkawa, Erbil.