The Director of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department (GID) holds a pivotal position within Jordan's national security apparatus. Obtaining specific details about the role's responsibilities and powers may be challenging due to the secretive nature of intelligence agencies and limited public disclosure. However, information about the GID and its operations can sometimes be found in analyses and reports from organizations specializing in security and intelligence matters. These sources often provide insights into the role and significance of intelligence agency in Jordan.[1]
Director of General Intelligence Department | |
---|---|
مدير دائرة المخابرات العامة | |
since 1 May 2019 | |
Style | His Excellency |
Reports to | King of Jordan |
Residence | Ammman, Jordan |
Appointer | The King of Jordan |
Inaugural holder | Mohammad Rasoul Al–Kilani |
Formation | 1964 |
First holder | Mohammad Rasoul Al–Kilani |
Salary | Classified |
Website | GID website |
The Director of the GID is typically responsible for overseeing the intelligence activities of Jordan, both domestically and internationally.[2] The director is also tasked with counterintelligence efforts to protect Jordan's interests from external and internal threats. The director is appointed by the King of Jordan, and the position reports directly to the monarch. The appointment process and criteria for selecting the director may not be publicly disclosed, as it involves sensitive national security considerations.[2]
The GID is considered one of the most influential institutions in Jordan, with a significant role in shaping the country's security policies.[3] The director wields considerable power and influence within Jordan's security establishment. The GID often collaborates closely with foreign intelligence agencies, particularly those of Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.[4] The GID has played a crucial role in safeguarding Jordan's stability and security, particularly in the face of regional conflicts and terrorist threats. Past directors have been known for their discretion and effectiveness in managing intelligence operations.[5]
List of directors
editNo. | Portrait | Director of Jordanian General Intelligence | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mohammad Rasoul Al–Kailani (1933–2003) Founder and First Director of Jordanian Intelligence | Brigadier General1964 | 1968 | 3–4 | [6][7] | |
2 | Mudar Badran (1934–2023) | Major General1968 | 1970 | 1–2 | [8] | |
3 | Natheer Rshaid (1929–2024) | Brigadier General1970 | 1974 | 3–4 | [9] | |
4 | Ahmad Obeidat (born 1938) The Longest-Serving Intelligence Director | Lieutenant General1974 | 1982 | 7–8 | [10] | |
5 | Tariq Alaa El-Din (1935–2024) | Brigadier General1982 | 1989 | 6–7 | [11] | |
6 | Mustafa Al-Qaisi (1938–2019) | General1989 | 1996 | 6–7 | [12] | |
7 | Sameeh Al-Bateekhi (born 1943) He received a 4-year prison sentence in 2003. | Lieutenant General1996 | 2000 | 3–4 | [13][14] | |
8 | Sa'ad Khair (1956–2009) The only director of Jordanian intelligence to have achieved the rank of field marshal. | MarshalNovember 2000 | May 6, 2005 | 4–5 | [15] | |
9 | Samih Asfoura The Shortest Term for a Director of Intelligence | Major GeneralMay 6, 2005 | December 20, 2005 | 228 days | [16] | |
10 | Mohammad Al-Dhahabi He received a 13-year prison sentence in 2012 and was released in late 2023. | Brigadier GeneralDecember 20, 2005 | December 29, 2008 | 3 years, 9 days | [17] | |
11 | Mohammad Al-Raqqad (1965–2020) | Brigadier GeneralDecember 30, 2008 | October 17, 2011 | 2 years, 291 days | [18] | |
12 | Faisal Al-Shoubaki | GeneralOctober 17, 2011 | March 30, 2017 | 5 years, 164 days | [19] | |
13 | Adnan Al-Jundi | Lieutenant GeneralMarch 30, 2017 | May 1, 2019 | 2 years, 32 days | [20] | |
14 | Ahmad Husni Hatoqai | Brigadier GeneralMay 1, 2019 | Incumbent | 5 years, 205 days | [21][22] |
References
edit- ^ Husni, Ahmad. "Director of the General Intelligence Department (GID)". General Intelligence Department.
- ^ a b "General Intelligence Department".
- ^ Warrick, Joby (2010-01-04). "Jordan emerges as key CIA counterterrorism ally". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "[osint] "Clandestine Ties to Jordan Aid CIA Operations in Middle East"". www.mail-archive.com. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Jordanian intelligence RANKED #1". The Mideastwire Blog. 2011-10-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Maj. Gen. Mohammed Rasoul Al-Kailani". psd.gov.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "King Hussein of Jordan: A Political Life 9780300142518". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Former Jordanian PM Mudar Badran Passes Away". english.aawsat. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Royal Court Chief Attends Funeral of Former Interior Minister". petra.gov.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "H.E. Ahmad Obeidat". Obeidat Law. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Salama writes: Matt Zeina Knights Tariq - Jordan Vista". vista.sahafi.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ Jbour, Hani Al (2022-04-21), "10 Jordan", Intelligence Communities and Cultures in Asia and the Middle East, Lynne Rienner Publishers, pp. 163–176, doi:10.1515/9781626378957-010, ISBN 978-1-62637-895-7, retrieved 2024-05-24,
Mustafa al-Qaisi, who was appointed after his dismissal from the General Security to be assigned as a Director General, who is normally appointed by the king, in 1982.
- ^ "Countries at the Crossroads 2006 - Jordan". Refworld. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "المخابرات الأردنية تخفض سجن مديرها السابق لأربعة أعوام". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Jordan: Living in the Crossfire 9781350220928, 9781842774700, 9781842774717". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Jordan gets new intelligence chief". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "الذهبي ثاني مدير مخابرات بالسجن". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Jordan at the brink, again". December 30, 2008.
Presumably his replacement, Mohammed Raqad -- whose prior assignment was in the northern city of Irbid -- will have fewer ideas about outreach to Hamas.
- ^ "King bestows Al Nahda medal on intelligence chief". Jordan Times. 2014-06-10. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "King appoints new intelligence chief, orders changes". Jordan Times. 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni appointed as head of intelligence department". Jordan Times. 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ "Royal Decree appoints Husni as new intelligence chief". 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.