Dead Drop: April 18

THE BEST NATIONAL SECURITY BALL OF THEM ALL:  The Cipher Brief is hosting its annual HONORS Dinner this week in Washington, recognizing the best of the best from the national security community. We kind of like this dinner because it offers a clear focus on the broader community of professionals who must come together to ensure future national security. Let’s face it: one person could never do this on their own. The categories in which honorees are being recognized include leadership in the battlespace, leading innovation in government, investing in the future, journalism, storytelling and cyber. We hear that there are many attendees who are beyond excited at the chance to be a part of a more holistic celebration of the community, we hear that Cipher Brief COO Brad Christian is especially excited. That’s mostly because he discovered that he’s still able to fit into this tux this year (pictures to follow).

INVEST HERE:  We hear that General David Petraeus (Ret.) – one of the prestigious presenters at this year’s Cipher Brief HONORS Dinner – has taken on an additional mission. The current partner at KKR and Chairman of KKR’s Global Institute is adding Chairman of KKR Middle East to his resume. In the new position, he’ll be working with KKR’s Julian Barratt-Due, who will be heading up a new dedicated investment team in the region.  “My time in the Middle East in uniform and later as CIA Director comprised a substantial and very important chapter in my life,” Petraeus wrote on social media.  “I have returned to the region many times each year since leaving government and joining KKR nearly 12 years ago. During that time, the countries in the region have rapidly established themselves as investment powerhouses, guided by impressive visions, extraordinary innovation, and strong fiscal positions. In fact, I am back in the Gulf States right now, and there is a clear sense of optimism around the momentum and the enormous opportunities that lie ahead.”