Syria looks to Türkiye as role model for rebuilding intelligence organization

With the fall of the Assad regime after many years, Syria is starting from scratch in building its intelligence infrastructure, which was left in disarray.

Experts speaking to the Turkish media outlet TRT Haber suggest that Türkiye, with its established intelligence capabilities, could serve as a model for Syria’s new administration.

Assad-era intelligence legacy in ruins

During the Assad regime, Syria’s intelligence apparatus, known as al-Mukhabarat, was notorious for suppressing dissent.

The intelligence system includes four main branches: the General Intelligence Directorate, the Political Intelligence Directorate, the Military Intelligence Service and the Air Force Intelligence Directorate.

These agencies, once pillars of the regime, now lie in shambles following the regime’s collapse.

Documents and facilities were intentionally destroyed as the regime fell, both by Assad regime forces and Israel, leaving the new administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, with the monumental task of rebuilding an entirely new system.

Challenges for new intelligence system

According to Dr. Ali Burak Daricili, an international relations expert at Bursa Technical University, rebuilding Syria’s intelligence network will be a daunting challenge.

“Many former intelligence officials will remain hidden or adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, especially those involved in crimes during the previous regime,” he said.

Daricili suggests that some former officials who were not involved in crimes and maintained dialogue with opposition groups during the transition may be reintegrated into the system.

However, he emphasizes that “starting fresh” would be the ideal path for Syria‘s new leadership.

Türkiye’s potential role as model

Experts point to Türkiye’s experience in intelligence and security as a viable model for Syria.

Referring to the security structure established in Idlib, Daricili noted, “They’ve successfully created a functioning system in a localized area. This could be scaled up to a nationwide level.”

He highlighted Türkiye’s well-established intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), as an example Syria could emulate.

“It would not be surprising to see Türkiye playing a significant role in training and equipping Syria’s intelligence services during this transition,” he added.

Need for justice and legal frameworks

Daricili warned against turning the rebuilding process into a tool for revenge. “If the process devolves into retribution, everyone will lose. Syria must adhere to international law, ensuring that those guilty of war crimes or treason are tried fairly,” he said.

He also noted that while many former officials are in hiding, the new government is likely to apprehend those involved in crimes as it consolidates its power.