By Çetiner Çetin
The UK’s New Intelligence Strategy: Arabic, Kurdish, and Persian-Speaking Cadres Take Center Stage
For the first time, a woman has been appointed to lead the UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6: Blaze Metreveli. The appointment of the 47-year-old Georgian-origin chief is seen as a striking turning point, not only in terms of gender but also in a geopolitical context. Metreveli’s career at MI6 began 26 years ago when she was still a student. She specialized in counter-terrorism, particularly in the Arab world, is fluent in all Arabic dialects, and speaks Kurdish at an advanced level.
The timing of the appointment is clearly no coincidence. As tensions between Iran and Israel reach a peak, it is evident that British intelligence is shifting its focus back to the Middle East. Metreveli’s linguistic skills and field experience suggest that the Arab region will be at the core of MI6’s policies in the new era. Commentators note that the UK appears to be preparing for a more active role, particularly in the Gulf countries, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
A Quiet Shift at MI6: Is the UK Diverging from the U.S. Path?
This appointment also signifies the removal of Richard Moore from his position. The former chief was accused of being the ideologue behind covert operations against Russia and a key advisor in military sabotage efforts in Ukraine. His one-on-one meeting with Zelenskyy at MI6 headquarters drew significant backlash, as it is highly unconventional and diplomatically controversial for an intelligence chief to host a foreign head of state at their office. Suspicions have been raised that this meeting was part of an “intelligence exchange” or a process to secure “commitments.” It has also been highlighted that while the U.S. restricted intelligence sharing with Ukraine during this period, the UK did not back down.
Moore’s actions may have caused unease not only within the intelligence community but also in political circles. With Metreveli’s appointment, the UK may be shifting toward a more sophisticated yet deeply strategic intelligence approach.
New Restructuring for the Middle East: More Companies, More Language Experts
Coinciding with the appointment, another notable development is the increase in the number of private companies in the UK providing analysis and reporting for MI6. Over the past 60 days, these companies have reportedly quadrupled their staff fluent in Arabic, Kurdish, and Persian. This is not just an expansion of personnel but a clear indication of a targeted restructuring. MI6’s focus on recruiting personnel proficient in local languages for Middle East operations demonstrates that the UK is making serious intelligence preparations in the region.
The fact that Metreveli, a non-Briton, has been appointed to such a critical role shows that the UK is moving beyond its traditional security paradigm toward a more pragmatic and field-oriented approach. This choice is also seen as a strong signal that the UK is initiating a transformation in its intelligence approach, rooted in “ethnic diversity.”
A New Era for MI6: Deeper and More Localized
The British press, emphasizing Metreveli’s “international profile” and her mastery of Arabic and Kurdish, has already begun referring to her as the “female Lawrence.” However, behind this romanticized comparison lies not only rhetoric but also the sound of a new Middle East strategy. The UK’s increased intelligence operations in the region suggest deeper engagements in critical issues, from the Israel-Iran tensions to the Kurdish question.
Considering Israel’s operations in Gaza, Iran’s proxy militia structures in the region, and the uncertainties in Syria, MI6’s new era in the Middle East may not be overtly aggressive but is likely to be far more professional and supported by local networks.
