Iraq
Spy chief al-Shammari inspects security arrangements on the Syrian-Iraqi border

The Intelligence Gazette
Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, NUG in Bangkok, secret classification in Kyiv

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

IraqHashd Al Shabi denied anniversary parade

Thailand/MyanmarNUG ramps up diplomatic presence in post-election Bangkok

UkraineShake-up of classification deciders

Iraq
Militias aim for top intelligence seat after Sudani approved as PM

Just weeks into the job, new Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is already having to deal with militia rivalries. To keep these in check, the Coordination Framework candidate has also named himself head of the national intelligence service.

Iraq, United States
USSOCOM still in Q-West base two years after official withdrawal

Although Washington had announced its complete withdrawal from the Q-West military base, US special forces are still there, with a mission to train the Golden Division, an elite unit of the Iraqi counter-terrorism service.

Oman, Qatar
Muscat and Doha jostle for lead mediatory role in Iranian nuclear talks

Both capitals want to be the main mediator in the negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and are now competing directly for the role. Both have called in their respective spy chiefs to work behind the scenes to cultivate their special relationships with the West and Iran.

Syria, United States
USSOCOM accepts to put boots on ground in northeast Syria

Following the Islamic State's unprecedented strike near Hasakah, US and British special forces have agreed to send troops to help the Syrian Democratic Forces, whose counter-espionage weak spots were exposed by the attack.

Spotlight | Iraq, Syria
Syrian and Iraqi spymasters share challenge of cross-border insecurity

Determined to make the road between Baghdad and Damascus a prosperous trading route, the Syrian and Iraqi authorities are very aware of the need to secure their border in the light of continued sporadic attacks from the Islamic State group.