The Daily Star - Politics - Lebanon's military intelligence chief takes 'leave of absence': "It is understood that Lieutenant General Georges Khoury, head of military intelligence in Mount Lebanon, has been appointed interim chief of military intelligence following Azar's departure. Khoury's promotion comes ahead of two of his more senior colleagues, Lieutenant Generals Ali Jaber and Ali Smeili.
Jaber and Smeili, both Shiites, are understood to have been overlooked because the post of military intelligence chief is traditionally granted to a Maronite Christian.
Pointedly, Khoury is also understood to be 'in good favor' with the opposition, because he enjoys the trust of Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir.
Head of the military information office, General Elias Farhat confirmed Khoury's appointment.
He said: 'Georges Khoury is simply next in line and his appointment was natural.'
Farhat said that Azar's decision to go on leave came 'because of the political situation in the country.'"
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