Kanʻān, Ghāzī, 1942-2005

Ghazi Kanaan (Arabic: غازي كنعان; 1942 – 12 October 2005; also known by his nickname Abu Yo'roub) was a Syrian military officer and intelligence chief who served as Syria's interior minister from 2004 to 2005. He was also the long-time head of Syria's security apparatus in Lebanon from 1982 to 2002. Employing tactics such as endorsing pro-Syrian candidates and employing intimidation, Kanaan had a considerable influence over Lebanese politics, ensuring Lebanon was aligned with Syria's agenda. Kanaan was questioned during the investigation into Rafic Hariri's assassination in 2005. His violent death later that year, officially declared a suicide, was met with skepticism by some, drawing international attention.