Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Syrian intelligence claims to have foiled multiple Islamic State plots to assassinate President Ahmad al-Sharaa, including one near the Damascus military airport, highlighting the group’s continued reach despite years of attrition. The government used the incident to reinforce its narrative of national stability and justify new counterterrorism powers that expand security control over civilian zones. Western intelligence officials see the threats as credible but limited, with Islamic State activity centered…