CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T00975A004900030002-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 15, 2002
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: January 6, 1960
• Content Type: REPORT

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6 JANUARY 1960
1. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
II. ASIA-AFRICA
UAR regime's position with Syrian con-
servatives probably improved as result
of Nasir-Baath split, but other Syrian
problems remain.
Moroccan political situation continues un-
easy, although leftists have decided to
avoid showdown for time being; Premier
Ibrahim reportedly plans to resign about
1 March.
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
6 January 1960
DAILY BRIEF
1. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
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II. ASIA-AFRICA
Morocco: The political situation in Morocco continues
uneasy, but the various divergent forces are apparently
agreed that the government of Premier Ibrahim should con-
tinue in office until the King's return from his forthcoming
tour of Arab capitals. Leftist elements which had threatened
to challenge royal police authority last month have decided
to avoid a showdown for the time being. New difficulties may
arise, however, if Ibrahim carries out his reported plan to
resign about 1 March and is replaced by a new government
less representative of urban and labor elements
UAR: President Nasir's split with the socialist Baath
party, evidenced by last week's resignation of five party mem-
bers from the Syrian region cabinet, has probably improved
his regime's standing in the eyes of more conservative Syrian
elements. Nevertheless., his regime still faces a difficult task
in maintaining public confidence in Syria. The late arrival of
winter rains threatens a severe grain shortage for the third
consecutive year, and Vice President Amir's measures to im-
prove the general economic situation will not be productive for
some time. The major Syrian complaint- -Egyptian domination
of the union- -may be ameliorated somewhat, however, if Nasir
makes significant concessions to the Syrians in his selection of
a new cabinet and parliament next month.
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I. THE COMMUNIST BLOC
II. ASIA-AFRICA
Nasir Still Faces Difficulties in Syria
President Nasir's split with the socialist Baath party,
evidenced by last week's resignation of five party members
from the Syrian region cabinet, has probably improved his
regime's standing in the eyes of more conservative Syrian
elements. These elements- -landowners, merchants, and
old-line politicians--now probably hope for a larger role
in managing Syrian affairs, denied them by the powerful,
socialist Baathists who controlled Syrian politics at the time
of union with Egypt two years ago. Nasir--who sought con-
servative support in undermining Baathist strength in last
July's elections--may make further concessions to these ele-
ments in his selection of a new cabinet and parliament next
month.
Despite any gain in conservative support, however, the
Nasir regime still faces formidable difficulties in maintain-
ing its prestige in Syria while attempting to hold together the
two-year-old union. Enforcement of its ban on party activity
and the strict security measures imposed within the army
seems to depend largely on the watchdog apparatus maintained
by former colonel Abd al-Hamid Sarraj, who is essentially an
opportunist and might decide to take advantage of Syrian oppo-
sition to serve his own interests. In addition, the Baathists,
although outlawed, still retain a significant following, includ-
ing members of the military.
Another threat to the regime is the worsening economic
situation in Syria. Lack of adequate rain for winter crops is
expected to reduce drastically Syria's grain harvest and sup-
ply of livestock. This third successive year of drought will
intensify the economic pinch, which has been popularly blamed
on the Egyptians, and the regime's moves to further state
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control of the heretofore free Syrian economy are resented
on nearly all levels. UAR Vice President Amir's current
mission in Syria is to reassure the' Syrian public of the gov-
ernment's good intentions as well as to expedite reform and
industrialization measures. Although his reception in Syria
has been generally good, his efforts will not have immediate
visible results; meanwhile;, Syrian dissidence may increase.
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN
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