MUKHABARAT

TheMukhabaratis the Arabic term by which the intelligence agency of theBaath PartyinIraqandSyriawas known. The termMukhabaratcomes from an Arabic word that means "to tell on" or "news" and in English means "intelligence." Over the years — especially in Iraq—it ruthlessly dealt with the Kurds, as well as other opposition forces. In 1993, it unsuccessfully attempted to assassinate former U.S. presidentGeorge H. W. Bushwhile he was on a visit to Kuwait. Following the overthrow ofSaddam Hussein, theMukhabaratwas officially dissolved on 23 May 2003 and eventually replaced by the Iraqi National Intelligence Service in April 2004. TheUnited Statesplayed an important role in doing this.