Lebanese Intelligence Community Restructuring Project: Exploring a Smarter and Modernized Joint Operating Policy

Abstract

Amid a global trend of performance optimization focusing on public institutions, fueled by shortened budget financing and increased execution fiascos, Intelligence Communities near and far are undergoing restructuring, designed according to their respective countries’ specificities, in the aim of preserving their supreme interests.

This paper examines the Lebanese Intelligence apparatus through the lens of its policies for multidirectional coordination. This paper describes how this model is far from being functional, especially following a significant turning point in Lebanon’s recent history, taking into account the Beirut Port explosion and the persistent economic crisis. It is for this reason that the study analyzes how the interests of the politico-sectarian elites influence the communication flow between the four main operators in this arena, as well as the appointments of Intelligence personnel to key positions. The paper concludes that the existing operating model jeopardizes Lebanese National Security and inflate public budget expenses in the long term. Therefore, a reform proposal is suggested, and the different positions of stakeholders are presented. In this context, the study argues that a centralization reform policy is the most appropriate and equitable solution, despite the challenges of the complex politico-sectarian system. The paper proposes adopting the US Intelligence Community's operating model, which features one fusion cell harmonizing and compiling all other cells’ outcomes.

Finally, this paper highlights three different policy options, each with a comprehensive feasibility study in order to be adopted by policymakers in that regards. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and acknowledging limitations of the current study.