Leadership Analysis Pt. I

John Ratcliffe: New CIA Chief Guns For Strategic Adversaries

Former US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Lee Ratcliffe has leveraged his communication skills and extensive network to position himself as the new Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.  A successful lawyer and politician, he is also a trusted ally of President Donald Trump. Ratcliffe's strong support of Trump during the controversial 2019 election interference investigations solidified his status within the president’s circle of confidence.

Ratcliffe, who has not served in the military and lacked intelligence experience prior to his prior appointment as DNI, is known for his assertive views on national security regarding threats posed by China and Iran. His appointment is expected to drive a more aggressive U.S. position toward Beijing and Tehran. These inclinations signal a shift toward a more confrontational approach in addressing global adversaries. Ratcliffe has also come out against the politicization of intelligence, vowing to remove any partisanship at CIA under his watch, and has advocated for stronger offensive cyber capabilities in the US arsenal.

Leadership Analysis Pt. II

Anas Khattab: New Syrian Intel Chief Has Terrorist Ties

Syria’s transitional government—led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—in December 2024 formally named 38-year-old Anas Khattab as the Director of the General Intelligence Service. Known by the alias Abu Ahmad Hdud, he was designated as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in 2014. Due to his links with al-Qaeda and ISIS. His history in this regard will likely complicate cooperation with some countries’ security services, while his history of ties to Turkish intelligence makes his appointment a gain for Ankara.

Khattab took part in a recent meeting in Damascus between an Iraqi delegation and Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), who is now the leader in Syria. The discussions focused on border security and broader regional developments. This activity is one indicator that he plans to engage with regional players and he has stated an intention to reshape Syria’s security community. 

Intelligence Reports

M23 Capture of Goma: A Prelude for War Declaration and Food Crisis

Ukraine shows no indications of stopping its kinetic operations and clandestine missions deep behind Russian lines during the course of this year. On the contrary, Public Available Information (PAI) indicates that Kyiv is building capabilities to expand the scope of the Internal Security Agency’s (SBU) direct action against Moscow. Among the trends expected to further develop is the use of long-range stealth drones by Ukrainian Military Intelligence (GUR). Additionally, we expect Ukraine to maintain its current operational status against Russian forces deployed in Africa and the Levant.

In-depth Articles & Guides

U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command: Navy SEALs and SWCC

The U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) serves as the foundation of the Navy’s elite special operations forces, overseeing the training, readiness, and deployment of the Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC). Established in 1987, the NSWC was created to unify and expand the Navy’s growing special warfare capabilities, ensuring operational excellence and seamless integration within the broader U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). As a cornerstone of the nation’s special operations efforts, the NSWC plays a critical role in advancing U.S. national security objectives, with a specialised focus on maritime and coastal operations.

Rooted in a legacy that dates back to World War II with the formation of Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), the NSWC has evolved into a sophisticated and indispensable force capable of executing a wide range of missions. These include amphibious warfare, reconnaissance, direct-action raids, counterterrorism, and unconventional warfare. Its operators, the Navy SEALs and SWCC are trained to excel in the most high-risk and dynamic environments, making them uniquely equipped to address the complex challenges of modern warfare. Beyond combat, their expertise extends to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and training allied forces, further solidifying their role as versatile assets to the U.S. military.