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. |