Lebanon's head of General Security, Maj Gen Abbas Ibrahim, hoped to boost intelligence sharing with the US and work on releasing more hostages held in Iran and Syria, he told The National.
Gen Ibrahim was in Washington on a four-day visit to meet officials from the White House, State Department and the CIA.
He leads Lebanon’s most powerful security service after the military and has a reputation as a savvy negotiator who has helped to secure the release of US residents and nationals.
He has also brokered deals with extremists such as ISIS and militant Palestinian factions to end bouts of fighting in Lebanon.
Despite having a close relationship with Hezbollah, Gen Ibrahim received a warm welcome from the Trump administration.
On this visit, he met National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, CIA director Gina Haspel and undersecretary of state David Hale, although American officials were cagey about the visit.
The meetings reinforce the gradual change in US-Lebanon relations over the last 15 years.
For decades before Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon in 2005, Damascus took the lead in co-ordinating with the US intelligence on matters related to Beirut and on freeing hostages.
But now, Gen Ibrahim is looking to the young but growing relations with the US on sharing intelligence.
“We have a good working relationship with the Americans and I am hopeful,” he said.
Gen Ibrahim was involved last year in securing the release of US citizen Sam Goodwin from Syria, and of US permanent resident Nizar Zakka from prison in Iran.
Austin Tice, an American journalist kidnapped in Syria in 2012 and believed to be in the custody of Damascus, is a top priority for the Trump administration.
In March, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad urging him to release Mr Tice.
“Syria, please work with us. We would appreciate you letting him out,” Mr Trump said later.
Gen Ibrahim is regarded as a key mediator in the Tice case and was known to be in Damascus in May, where he said he was discussing cross-border security and smuggling.
But the Lebanese spy chief refused to give any details on the Tice case saying, there “are no confirmations about his status” including whether or not he is alive.
Mr O'Brien told The National in April last year that the US was confident Mr Tice was alive.
But the Assad government has not responded to Mr Trump’s letter.
Diplomatic sources said a full US withdrawal from Syria was one demand Damascus was considering in return for releasing Tice.
Randa Slim, of the Middle East Institute, described Gen Ibrahim as a key mediator on the issue of hostages.
“Mr Ibrahim is in a position to deliver on the US hostages file in Syria and Iran,” Ms Slim said.
“He has excellent relations with Hezbollah leaders and has woven, over the years, a web of personal relationships and contacts with senior Syrian, Iraqi and Iranian officials in the intelligence and political circles.”
Gen Ibrahim received an award on Friday from the Foley Foundation for his efforts to help release hostages.
His visit also comes just days after the US-led talks between Israel and Lebanon got under way to agree on the maritime border between the two countries.
But Gen Ibrahim said the talks were “a long shot” as Israel has refused to concede to Lebanon’s sovereignty over the disputed 860-square-kilometre area of sea between the lines that each side feels is the correct boundary.
The issue has taken on urgency because it lies near areas where Israel has found proven oil and gas reserves, and part of the disputed zone lies in a bloc that Lebanon recently licensed for oil and gas exploration.
Hanin Ghaddar, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Gen Ibrahim’s visit was a win for Lebanon’s political elite, backed by Hezbollah
“It’s a good move to break the isolation on the Lebanese government and political elite,” Ms Ghaddar said.
She was referring to recent US sanctions on Beirut officials and the international community's need to see reforms before it will help to address the country’s crises, and the demands of protesters.
“This elite, mainly Hezbollah and its allies, are trying to use talks with the US to avoid more sanctions before the [US] elections," Ms Ghaddar said.
"They hope that with the negotiations, and Mr Ibrahim coming to the US, they might be able to weather the storms until the elections on November 3.”
As Lebanon’s anti-government protests enter their second year, Ms Ghaddar said the warm welcome Gen Ibrahim received was a snub to those in the streets.
“The US should continue supporting the Lebanese people, continue pressure on Lebanese officials and avoid sending conflicting messages,” she said.
US officials have been discreet about Gen Ibrahim's visit.
Repeated requests for comment to the White House, State Department and CIA were not returned but no agency denied the meetings.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
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- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
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Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How Sputnik V works
What is a black hole?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
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5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Dark Blue Winter Overcoat & Other Stories From the North
Edited and Introduced by Sjón and Ted Hodgkinson
Pushkin Press
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
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Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Sunday's games
Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,200 metres
Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Younis Kalbani (trainer)
5.30pm: UAE Arabian Derby (PA) | Prestige | Dh150,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Octave, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round 3 (PA) | Group 3 Dh300,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Harrab, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Ali
6.30pm: Emirates Championship (PA) | Group 1 | Dh1million | 2,200m
Winner: BF Mughader, Szczepan Mazur, Younis Al Kalbani
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (TB) | Group 3 | Dh380,000 | 2,200m
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7.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) | Conditions | Dh70,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF La’Asae, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
HOSTS
T20 WORLD CUP
2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland
ODI WORLD CUP
2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh
CHAMPIONS TROPHY
2025: Pakistan; 2029: India
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
