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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syria replaces intelligence chief
2005-02-18
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has appointed his brother-in-law as head of military intelligence, reports quote Syrian sources as saying. Brig Gen Asef Shawkat replaced Gen Hassan Khalil, who had reportedly reached retirement age.
More likely because he was in charge of the intelligence services that boomed Hariri and they didn't expect the backlash that came from it. So, he takes the fall.
Syrian sources said the appointment could suggest Mr Assad is consolidating his hold over the security services. The move comes amid claims of Syrian involvement in the killing of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Posted by:Steve

#5  I think he's trying to avoid a military coup.
Posted by: Jake-the-Peg   2005-02-18 2:43:39 PM  

#4  Baathist tradition. A minority group (Sunni in Iraq, Alawite in Syria) naming family members to all the intelligence apparati. I think the pressure is on Syria now and its family leadership is taking a huge gamble. First by allying itself with the losers of Tehran. Both regimes are unifying to put off the inevitable since if they don't try to preserve themselves now, they will surely go down in any kind of real election process. 2nd is the naming of the brother in law. Shows desperation.
Posted by: chicago mike   2005-02-18 12:57:53 PM  

#3  Buzzards and Vultures are complaining because old meat is grainy and hard to chew especially when dried out by a hot desert sun...
Posted by: BigEd   2005-02-18 12:40:56 PM  

#2  Wonder if "retirement age" will leave a copper taste in Hassan's mouth? But not for long...
Posted by: tu3031   2005-02-18 10:35:04 AM  

#1  IMO, it's the first of his fathers old cronies that he's replacing.
Posted by: gromgorru   2005-02-18 10:33:09 AM  

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