S E C R E T Af 44 Y - XS
Approved For Release 200MM0~9RW &W071ftKf*ff64§%0%%f_VM -NT
DATE- '110 FEB 1989 memorandum
REPLY TO
A'rrN OFS DB- 5C
SUBJECTS Evaluation of SUNSTREAK Reporting on U.S. Hostages-(S)
TO: DT
SG1C
SG1Q
1. (S/NF/SS-3) SUMMARY: While a complete and accurate evaluation of
the use of SUNST9EAK re orting on U.S. hostages cannot be conducted until
additional hostage releases occur, 'preliminary findings indicate that
the SUNSTREAK program does, indeed, represent an additional source of
positive, hostage-related information. At a minimum, SUNSTREAK reporting
stimulates analytic deliberation, may help focus and guide collection
efforts, and forces reevaluation of extant theories and methodologies.
Moreover, experi0ce with SUNSTREAK hostage-related reporting over the
past year revealed several instances of startling corroboration of other
intelligence collection disciplines (on both locational and health issues)
and an impressive logical consistency amidst the complex factional morass
that is Lebanon. In short, SUNSTREAK reporting, even in the absence of
corroborating evidence that could be provided by a released hostage, is
assessed to be as reliable and accurate on locational issues as many other
sources of hostage-related information emanating from Lebanon- The
SUNSTREAK program represents yet another source of information and
stimulation for the intelligence analyst.
2. (S/NF SS-3) LOCATIONAL DATA:
SUNSTREAK reporting has been remarkably
dynamic nature of Lebanese territorial
pinpointing a hostage location that
Lebanese context are great. For
controlIed by the Syrians, Amal". Druze.
L
WARNING NOTICE: This information restricted CLASSIFIED BY DT
to those with verified access to SUNSTREAK DECLASSIFY ON OADR CHMONAL FORM 140. 10
(REV. 1-30)
  LiEvel 3 (SS-3). GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.9
S E C R E T WID-114
           Approved For Release 2§MMOWCUFAWttWW00789RD404QQWOQ61M§75 (364)
NOT RELEASABLE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS
      On the issue of locational information,
logical despite the complex and
and factional strife. The odds
would be completely illogical in the
example a location that fell in an area

 Approved For Release 2off jd~V-&MP0789RO00400930001-5
 4. (S/NF/SS-3) HEALTH INFORMATION: While no accurate assessment can
 be made at this time on SONSTREAK reports dealing with health
 dynamics--swings in physical and mental well-being--the overall picture
 presented by SUNSTREAK is consistent with judgments made by the Intelligence
 SP15 Community. Moreover, the health dynamic portrayed by SUNSTREAK reports
 S G 15 Despite periodic news and intelligence reports that
 certain hostages had died, SUNSTREAK reports have consistently and
 emphatically assessed all the hostages to be alive. DIA agrees with the
 assessment, and recent reporting strongly indicates the same.
 5. (S/NF/SS-3) COMMENT: Our initia
 shows great promise on the issues
 pgtegtial for predictinq future or
 d- a
 genera e s a ~e s u t 0) T fo&6"k
 hostage issue as a whole) appear to
 assessment is that SUNSTREAK reporting
 of hostage locations, but, much
                Furthermore, reports
 _2___gle hostage . (rather than the
      Ronn a sin
 ave a higher degree of accuracy.
 SG1J
 2
 S E C R E T
 SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED
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            Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO0400930001-5
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            Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789ROO0400930001-5