Spymaster | Saudi Arabia
Musaad al-Aiban, the irremovable mastermind of the Sauds' most sensitive files

Spotlight | Saudi Arabia, United States
US consultancy Jones Group's secret contract with Saudi intelligence agency linked to Khashoggi murder

Jones Group International's contracts with the Saudi army and government are public knowledge. But it also has a secret contract with the kingdom's PSS security agency, whose leaders, says the US, are linked to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia, United States
US arms groups focus on Riyadh operations ahead of imminent US-Saudi security pact

With the Biden administration finalising a security and civil nuclear assistance pact with Riyadh, and a possible side-deal to lift its ban on offensive weapons, the US arms industry is readying itself for a new wave of weapons contracts, albeit not necessarily for US assembly lines

UAE
Abu Dhabi's CPX-Core42 merger plans have cyber providers worried

National security adviser Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan's continued efforts to rationalise spending on the country's sovereign cyber industry is making some providers anxious.

Middle East
Gulf nations seek joint response to Iranian hackers

In the face of mounting cyberattacks, the Gulf Cooperation Council wants to put on a united front, even as the current regional context jeopardises Israel's involvement.

The Agencies' Gazette
Majed Faraj named minister, French intel uses Hebrew, Chinese democracy promoted, Chechen base 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 Ramallah to Paris via Beijing and Kyiv.

PalestineMahmoud Abbas confirms Majed Faraj's role as spymaster

FranceFrench intelligence doubles down on need for Hebrew

ChinaBeijing uses Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to promote its vision of democracy

UkraineChechen opposition faction grows stronger in Kyiv

Saudi Arabia
Al Aiban clan corner Saudi cyber market

Riyadh has recently established its first cybersecurity doctrine, with the help of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appointee Musaid bin Mohammed Al Aiban.

Central Asia | DIPLOMACY
Energy Cards Reshuffled in Central Asia

In less than a month, the stalemate on the share-out of the Caspian Sea's oil and an agreement on future pipelines have altered the whole power picture in Central Asia.