Spymaster Abbas Ibrahim keeps networks active during power vacuum

• 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 

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.

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.

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.

Spymaster Abbas Ibrahim suffers further setback in US over Fakhoury affair  Free

A US court has denied a request from Lebanon's intelligence chief Abbas Ibrahim to withdraw the paragraph incriminating him in a complaint filed by the family of Amer al-Fakhoury. This makes his relations with Washington all the more awkward, despite him having some well-placed supporters there.

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.