Iran appoints ambassador as special envoy to Syria/Lebanon; defies Lebanese expulsion order

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

A Lebanese report says Iran is leaning toward appointing its ambassador in Lebanon, Mohammad Reza Shibani, as special envoy to Syria and Lebanon. This would bypass the earlier Lebanese decision barring him from remaining as ambassador. Shibani has refused to leave despite a Foreign Ministry order months ago to expel him. His diplomatic residence permit expired today, after which General Hassan Choucair, head of Lebanon's General Security, granted him a six-month civilian residency permit. Shiba