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French President Emmanuel Macron and Syria’s interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Cyprus, on 24 April 2026.© Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture-alliance/Newscom/MaxPPP

Macron prepares to boost ties between Paris and Damascus

An opportunity may soon arise for the French president to visit Damascus, the centre of numerous regional power struggles, in a bid to mend fraught relations between France and Syria.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 20.05.2026

Sipan Hemo, Deputy Minister of Defence for North and East Syria.© Sipan Hemo/X

Spymaster
Sipan Hemo, the man tasked with integrating Kurds into the new Syria

Syria's recently appointed deputy defence minister Sipan Hemo has become the key figure to ensure Kurdish integration within the country's new security apparatus. This former enemy of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa's forces now also has a prominent role in the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Subscribers only Agencies 03.04.2026

Former CIA ally against Assad gains foothold in Syria's new security apparatus

The Qataneh clan was one of the first to join the Free Syrian Army and take up arms against Bashar al-Assad's regime. Previously backed by the CIA and several Gulf states, the family has now entered the security circles of Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Shaara.

Subscribers only Agencies 31.03.2026

Al-Sharaa's new rules on armed security prove headache for foreign firms

Newly-trained military and police personnel from Syria's interior ministry march toward Umayyad Square after a graduation ceremony in Damascus, Syria, on 17 March 2026.© Bakr Al Kasem/Anadolu via AFP

Subscribers only Contractors 24.03.2026

Syrian security forces guard the al-Omar oil field in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, on 22 January 2026.© Abdulmonam Eassa/Getty Images via AFP

Spotlight
Damascus facing challenge of securing freshly seized northeast

Having managed to seize vast swaths of northeastern Syria in only a few weeks, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa now faces the daunting task of stabilising this Kurdish heartland still riddled with Islamic State cells.

Subscribers only Agencies 03.02.2026

Syrian army convoys enter the Deir Hafer region of Syria after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the handover of the region to the Syrian government, on 17 January 2026.© Ahmad Fallaha/EPA/MaxPPP

Paris sidelined after Washington's reversal on Syria

The recent offensive led by government forces in Syria took France by surprise and has resulted in dozens of French troops now finding themselves trapped in what remains of the Syrian Kurdish region of Rojava. Paris now finds itself excluded from talks between the US, Syria and Turkey on the issue.

Subscribers only Defence, Back-Door Diplomacy 22.01.2026

The Agencies' Gazette
NSA head's confirmation, Syrian spymaster's sister, DGSI and Tracfin in Corsica, CCP eyes European talents, Comcyber-MI exit

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

United StatesEnd to NSA's interim period in sight

SyriaSister of Syrian spy chief no longer in prison

FranceTracfin and DGSI mobilised to tackle organised crime in Corsica

ChinaCCP targets hiring of European experts

FranceStart-up Flowdesk pinches from Comcyber-MI

Subscribers only 26.01.2026

Ex-head of French military intelligence torpedoes Lafarge's Syria alibi

Called as a witness in Lafarge's trial for allegedly financing terrorism in Syria, the former head of French military intelligence, General Christophe Gomart, confirmed he had obtained information through one of the cement manufacturer's employees, but denied knowing about its payments to jihadists.

Subscribers only Operations 10.12.2025

The former head of France's DRM military intelligence Christophe Gomart at the first day of the Paris trial of French cement group Lafarge, on 4 November 2025.

Jacob Waerness, Norwegian spy turned thorn in the side for Lafarge managers

A former agent for Norway's domestic intelligence service, Jacob Waerness was head of security at Lafarge's Syrian factory. He is an embarrassing co-defendant at the cement manufacturer's former executives' trial for financing terrorism.

Subscribers only Operations 25.11.2025

Former Norwegian domestic intelligence officer Jacob Waerness arriving at the Paris court on the opening day of the trial of French cement group Lafarge, on 4 November 2025.

Spotlight
Mossad, CIA, DGSE, MIT: Syrian 'war criminal' general's relationships with web of Western intelligence

Intelligence Online has traced the exact path of the former Syrian general, now facing trial in Austria, who spied on the regime for which he also tortured. Far from being a purely Mossad operation, his activities over the years involved many other agencies.

Subscribers only Operations 24.11.2025

General Khaled al-Halabi, who had passed on information about Bashar al-Assad's regime, was initially exfiltrated to France.

DGSE at heart of Lafarge defence strategy in terror financing trial

The trial of the French cement giant and eight of its former executives for financing terror groups in Syria resumes this week in Paris. Central to the defence is the claim that the firm's dealings with France's DGSE intelligence service explain - or justify - its behaviour.

Subscribers only Agencies 17.11.2025

Former Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont arrives at the Paris court on 4 November 2025, the opening day of the trial.

Overloaded Syrian intelligence service beefs up its leadership

Overwhelmed by both the demands of managing new international partnerships and handling strategic domestic issues, Syrian spymaster Hussein al-Salama has appointed long-standing loyalist Shaher Jabr Omran to work alongside him.

Subscribers only Agencies 10.11.2025

Kassimy brothers emerge as key to Paris-Damascus business axis

With their extensive Parisian connections, consultant Jamal Kassimy and his brother Saladin are opening doors for French companies keen to secure reconstruction contracts in Syria, their country of origin.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 21.10.2025

Riyadh's men tasked with gaining foothold in Syria reconstruction

Replenishing Syria's state coffers (4/4) – While Doha has taken the lead in financing the new Syrian authorities, Saudi Arabia is hoping to quickly catch up thanks to a group of businessmen close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 20.10.2025

Chairman of ACWA Power, Mohammad Abunayyan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 23 October 2021.

Kurds negotiate terms of their integration into Syria's security apparatus

The predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, which are set to be amalgamated into Syria's new security apparatus, recently travelled to Damascus to negotiate their future directly. Their goal is to pull concessions from spymaster Hussein al-Salama, despite ongoing tensions on the ground.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 20.10.2025

The Syrian Democratic Forces' commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi (left) with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus on 10 March 2025.

Syria's spy chief ramps up regional intelligence cooperation

The head of Syria's General Intelligence Service is rapidly forging regional partnerships, driven both by internal security concerns, and fear of Israel's future designs. The GIS has jurisdiction over both domestic and foreign intelligence.

Subscribers only Agencies 14.10.2025

Syrian spymaster and head of the Syrian General Intelligence Service (GIS), General Hussein al-Salama, on 13 August 2025 in Ankara.

Pressure mounts on oligarchs of former Syrian regime to pay their dues

Replenishing Syria's state coffers (3/4) – The new regime's finance chiefs are working hard to fill the Syrian state's coffers. Intelligence Online can reveal that the system aimed at making businessmen who got rich under Bashar al-Assad pay up is ramping up the pressure.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 09.10.2025

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, on 5 October 2025, in Damascus.

Al-Khayyat clan central to Al-Sharaa's financial hopes

Replenishing Syria's state coffers (2/4) – The new regime's finance chiefs are working hard to fill state coffers. Damascus is now relying more than ever on a family that has impeccable connections in Doha. This is a Syrian-Qatari relationship forged in the midst of civil war, with a very discreet financier at the centre of operations.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 08.10.2025

Ramez Al-Khayyat (L) and Moutaz Al-Khayyat (R) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final in New Jersey, United States.

Debt, loans: President Sharaa pulls out all the stops to fill Syria's coffers

Replenishing Syria's state coffers (1/4) – Between Qatari financial channels, pressure on former oligarchs and the use of external financial consultants, Damascus's finance chiefs are working hard to fill the new regime's coffers in order to ensure its sustainability.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 07.10.2025

Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa, 28 August 2025.

French diplomats and consultants on Damascus business visit

In addition to representatives from big companies interested in the country, the delegation from French employers' association MEDEF that visited Damascus on 1 October included several new faces representing French business diplomacy in the region.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 06.10.2025

UN prepares to choose new special envoy for Syria

In a sign of a return of Arab countries to the issue, an Egyptian diplomat may soon take up the post of United Nations Special Envoy for Syria to watch over the country's transition.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 30.09.2025

Geir Pedersen, the current United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, recently announced his intention to step down from the position.

Spotlight
Who is the man who brought Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before a packed crowd in New York?

On the sidelines of last week's UN General Assembly in New York, the Syrian president attended a summit organised by a prominent think tank, which included a public discussion with former CIA director David Petraeus.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 29.09.2025

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaks at a Concordia-organised summit in New York, 22 September 2025. Investor Baihas Baghdadi is in the second seat to his right.

Syrians trapped at Al-Hol detention camp, as Iraqis leave

Disputes between the local Kurdish authorities, still in control of the northeastern camp, and officials in Damascus have stalled previous efforts to return Syrian nationals to their former communities. New data from the camp shows the scale of the problem.

Subscribers only Agencies 22.08.2025

The Al-Hol refugee camp in north-eastern Syria.

Spotlight
Western-backed justice NGO approaches Damascus with war crimes evidence

Following the cautious embrace of the transitional government of Ahmed al-Sharaa by Washington and London, the Commission for International Justice and Accountability has begun engaging with the new rulers in Damascus over the use of its vast trove of intelligence documents.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 21.07.2025

William Wiley, founder of the NGO Commission for International Justice and Accountability, 10 February 2021.

Israeli-Syrian normalisation talks take a hit

From Damascus to Tel Aviv, via Washington and Abu Dhabi, talks on the normalisation of relations between Israel and Syria had been in full swing for several weeks. That was until Israeli air strikes this week on Syrian infrastructure, which have now called the process into question.

Subscribers only Back-Door Diplomacy 18.07.2025

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All articles - Syria

Macron prepares to boost ties between Paris and Damascus

Spymaster
Sipan Hemo, the man tasked with integrating Kurds into the new Syria

Former CIA ally against Assad gains foothold in Syria's new security apparatus

Al-Sharaa's new rules on armed security prove headache for foreign firms

Spotlight
Damascus facing challenge of securing freshly seized northeast

Paris sidelined after Washington's reversal on Syria

The Agencies' Gazette
NSA head's confirmation, Syrian spymaster's sister, DGSI and Tracfin in Corsica, CCP eyes European talents, Comcyber-MI exit

United StatesEnd to NSA's interim period in sight

SyriaSister of Syrian spy chief no longer in prison

FranceTracfin and DGSI mobilised to tackle organised crime in Corsica

ChinaCCP targets hiring of European experts

FranceStart-up Flowdesk pinches from Comcyber-MI

Ex-head of French military intelligence torpedoes Lafarge's Syria alibi

Jacob Waerness, Norwegian spy turned thorn in the side for Lafarge managers

Spotlight
Mossad, CIA, DGSE, MIT: Syrian 'war criminal' general's relationships with web of Western intelligence

DGSE at heart of Lafarge defence strategy in terror financing trial

Overloaded Syrian intelligence service beefs up its leadership

Kassimy brothers emerge as key to Paris-Damascus business axis

Riyadh's men tasked with gaining foothold in Syria reconstruction

Kurds negotiate terms of their integration into Syria's security apparatus

Syria's spy chief ramps up regional intelligence cooperation

Pressure mounts on oligarchs of former Syrian regime to pay their dues

Al-Khayyat clan central to Al-Sharaa's financial hopes

Debt, loans: President Sharaa pulls out all the stops to fill Syria's coffers

French diplomats and consultants on Damascus business visit

UN prepares to choose new special envoy for Syria

Spotlight
Who is the man who brought Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before a packed crowd in New York?

Syrians trapped at Al-Hol detention camp, as Iraqis leave

Spotlight
Western-backed justice NGO approaches Damascus with war crimes evidence

Israeli-Syrian normalisation talks take a hit

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All articles - Syria

Macron prepares to boost ties between Paris and Damascus

Spymaster Sipan Hemo, the man tasked with integrating Kurds into the new Syria

Former CIA ally against Assad gains foothold in Syria's new security apparatus

Al-Sharaa's new rules on armed security prove headache for foreign firms

Spotlight Damascus facing challenge of securing freshly seized northeast

Paris sidelined after Washington's reversal on Syria

The Agencies' Gazette NSA head's confirmation, Syrian spymaster's sister, DGSI and Tracfin in Corsica, CCP eyes European talents, Comcyber-MI exit

United StatesEnd to NSA's interim period in sight

SyriaSister of Syrian spy chief no longer in prison

FranceTracfin and DGSI mobilised to tackle organised crime in Corsica

ChinaCCP targets hiring of European experts

FranceStart-up Flowdesk pinches from Comcyber-MI

Ex-head of French military intelligence torpedoes Lafarge's Syria alibi

Jacob Waerness, Norwegian spy turned thorn in the side for Lafarge managers

Spotlight Mossad, CIA, DGSE, MIT: Syrian 'war criminal' general's relationships with web of Western intelligence

DGSE at heart of Lafarge defence strategy in terror financing trial

Overloaded Syrian intelligence service beefs up its leadership

Kassimy brothers emerge as key to Paris-Damascus business axis

Riyadh's men tasked with gaining foothold in Syria reconstruction

Kurds negotiate terms of their integration into Syria's security apparatus

Syria's spy chief ramps up regional intelligence cooperation

Pressure mounts on oligarchs of former Syrian regime to pay their dues

Al-Khayyat clan central to Al-Sharaa's financial hopes

Debt, loans: President Sharaa pulls out all the stops to fill Syria's coffers

French diplomats and consultants on Damascus business visit

UN prepares to choose new special envoy for Syria

Spotlight Who is the man who brought Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before a packed crowd in New York?

Syrians trapped at Al-Hol detention camp, as Iraqis leave

Spotlight Western-backed justice NGO approaches Damascus with war crimes evidence

Israeli-Syrian normalisation talks take a hit

Create a notification

About Intelligence Online

Subscription

Intelligence Online on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Spymaster
Sipan Hemo, the man tasked with integrating Kurds into the new Syria

Spotlight
Damascus facing challenge of securing freshly seized northeast

The Agencies' Gazette
NSA head's confirmation, Syrian spymaster's sister, DGSI and Tracfin in Corsica, CCP eyes European talents, Comcyber-MI exit

Spotlight
Mossad, CIA, DGSE, MIT: Syrian 'war criminal' general's relationships with web of Western intelligence

Spotlight
Who is the man who brought Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before a packed crowd in New York?

Spotlight
Western-backed justice NGO approaches Damascus with war crimes evidence