Author: Basel Saneeb
Alternate names: Basel Sannib; باسل محمد روحي صنيب; باسل الصنيب; باسل محمد روحي الصنيب; باسل صنيب
Born: 1975
Died: ..
Bio: Author and Journalist Basel Saneeb

(Sometimes known as Basel Sannib)

Basel Saneeb, sometimes known as Basel Sannib, is one of the most prominent contemporary Syrian figures in the fields of investigative journalism, political writing, and intelligence research. Throughout his career, he has successfully combined serious media work with in-depth political and security analysis, addressing sensitive issues related to the world of intelligence and the complex political landscape of the Middle East.

Born in Syria, Saneeb grew up in a culturally rich environment that drew him close to circles of thought and politics from a young age. He chose the path of writing and documentation, eventually becoming one of the most daring voices to explore, with exceptional precision, the inner workings of Syrian and Arab intelligence organizations. His writing style merges documentary narrative with a researcher’s accuracy and depth.

His most famous work, Spy for Nobody: Sixteen Years in the Syrian Intelligence
(Arabic title: “جاسوس من أجل لا أحد ستة عشر عاماً في المخابرات السورية”),
stands out as a unique and groundbreaking book that unveils the hidden dimensions of Syrian intelligence operations. In it, the author presents rare testimonies and insider information about internal conflicts and power struggles within Syria’s security institutions across different historical periods. Today, this book is widely regarded as the leading and most authoritative reference on the structure of the Syrian intelligence apparatus, offering insights and revelations never before discussed in Arab political literature.

Saneeb’s activities are not limited to authorship. He has also distinguished himself as a journalist and political analyst, contributing to a number of Arab and international media outlets. He has offered in-depth commentary on Syrian affairs and broader regional developments, appearing in television and radio interviews that explored issues such as security, democratic transition, political corruption, and human rights.

His writing style is marked by clarity, courage, and a strong commitment to factual accuracy and literary expression. Through his articles, he has often examined the complex relationships between power and society, intelligence and media, thought and freedom, believing that writing is not a luxury but a moral and historical duty toward truth.

Beyond his journalistic and research work, Saneeb is also known for his cultural and intellectual engagement, participating in seminars, conferences, and media forums where he has presented critical perspectives on the future of the Arab world and the role of intellectuals during major social and political transformations. He is widely viewed as both an influential and controversial figure — admired for his intellectual independence and refusal to conform to conventional political alignments.

In summary, Basel Saneeb — or Basel Sannib, as he is sometimes known — represents a rare model of the courageous Arab writer who chose to confront political taboos with awareness and integrity. His work has left a clear and lasting mark on Arab political literature and intelligence studies, and his name remains closely associated with one of the most important books ever written about Syrian intelligence in modern history.