SECRET SFO§-B Approved For Release 2000RSd/t8 “CAS RSPUBEA0 789 ROO AIS S CRUE MENT memorandum wil DATE: 40 FEB 1989 Rerinor: DB-5C sussect: Evaluation of SUNSTREAK Reporting on U.S. Hostages: (S) TO: DT 1. (S/NF/SS-3) SUMMARY: While’ a complete and accurate evaluation of the use of SUNSTREAK reporting 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, experience 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: On the issue of locational information, SUNSTREAK reporting has been remarkably logical despite the complex and dynamic nature of Lebanese territorial and factional strife. The odds pinpointing a hostage location that would be completely illogical in the Lebanese context are great. For example a location that fell in an area controlled by the Syrians, Amal, Druze, Lebanese Forces, or Israelis would SG1C _ 3. (S/NF/SS-3) On at least one occasion SG1C. WARNING NOTICE: This information restricted. CLASSIFIED BY DT to those with verified access to SUNSTREAK DECLASSIFY ON OADR oo oa rormNo. 10 Lével 3 (SS-3). GBA PPMng 4 CFR) 101-116 a Approved For Release 26087 08/08- CXS RROVPRED.00789R000400930004-5,5 cca) NOT RELEASABLE TO FOREIGN NATIONALS
SG1B _., Approved For Release 2099/08/05 sea: amar 0789R000400930001-5 # 4,  (S/NF/SS-3) HEALTH INFORMATION: While no accurate assessment can be made at this time on SUNSTREAK 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 Community. Moreover, the health dynamic portrayed by SUNSTREAK reports ee — aici news = a 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 initial assessment is that SUNSTREAK reporting 4 shows great promise on the issues of hostage locations, but, much less” | ae tial fo jcting future ntial events. Furthermore, reports ] f i on a single hostage (rather than the SG1J 2 SECRET , SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED Approved For Releage APPA O08 Thc ARRIGR 9640N82R000400930001-5
oceania Ra we Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R000400930001-5 pfak A. Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R000400930001-5