The role of Syrian intelligence agencies.
In the process of recapturing territory, President Bashar al-Assad’s government is concurrently re-establishing its administration, including policing and what it labels ‘security’. Before the conflict, the different components of the security sector, including police and intelligence agencies, were crucial in maintaining regime control. The war has changed their relationships, organisational arrangements and connection to the government. The intelligence agencies have risen in prominence, becoming central to the so-called ‘reconciliation’ process, currently ongoing, and to the regime’s future governance plans.
Intelligence agency chiefs are unlikely to face prosecution domestically or internationally for what almost certainly constitute war crimes.
International engagement (whether humanitarian, business, political or cultural) will require an acceptance of the security services' role.
Intelligence agencies will use their part in the reconciliation process to expunge the legacy of opposition institutions.
If the government captures Idlib, intelligence agencies' role will be determined by agreements with Russia and Turkey.
