Lebanon
Spymaster Abbas Ibrahim keeps networks active during power vacuum

Lebanon
Jihad El Annan, once connected to pro-Hezbollah circles, supplies Lebanese intelligence

The businessman's former ties with the Amhaz brothers, blacklisted by the US for their connections with Hezbollah, have not stopped him from expanding his defence and intelligence businesses in Lebanon.

The Intelligence Gazette
Intelligence Academy seeks director, Abbas Ibrahim's mandate, Moscow's anti-drone battle, CIA's PCRB problem, Bulgarian intelligence

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week we look at Moscow, Washington, Paris, Sofia and Beirut.

France Intelligence Academy advertises for new director

Lebanon Berri joins push to extend Ibrahim's mandate

Russia Intelligence at forefront of fight against drones

United States CIA publication review process questioned

Bulgaria Internal security under scrutiny

Oman, United States
Washington turns to Oman to mediate in US hostage talks in Syria

The US and Oman are stepping up their bilateral cooperation, particularly in intelligence, and Washington is hoping that by the same token the sultanate can help obtain the release of US hostages in Syria.

Lebanon
TotalEnergies pivotal in Beirut-Tel Aviv maritime deal

Poised to play a key role in the maritime border deal between Beirut and Tel Aviv, TotalEnergies is getting fully engaged in Lebanon again - but some issues remain to be settled before exploration of its "Block 9" can be launched.

Jordan, Syria
Amman and Damascus coordinate intelligence to bring refugees home

There are 39,000 Syrian refugees still registered in Jordan. The government in Damascus has mobilised its intelligence service to advocate for their repatriation, as has Amman, whose Public Safety Directorate is overseeing the departures. Both are keeping a very close watch on the exiled population.

Lebanon, Russia
Beirut's passivity to Capital's arrival shows inclination for Russian aid

Russian firm Capital's entry in the Syrian energy market could be the cause of a new border dispute with Lebanon, but the local authorities have barely raised an eyebrow at the event, highlighting a growing popularity for Russian aid among the country's political elite.