MONTHLY WARNING AND FORECAST MEETING FOR MAY 1984

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP91B00776R000100130010-6
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
6
Document Creation Date: 
December 21, 2016
Document Release Date: 
November 25, 2008
Sequence Number: 
10
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
June 11, 1984
Content Type: 
MEMO
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PDF icon CIA-RDP91B00776R000100130010-6.pdf149.54 KB
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Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Iq Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 ? SECRET NIC# 03375-84 11 June 1985 MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence THROUGH FROM SUBJECT : Chairman, National Intelligence Council Monthly Warning and Forecast Meeting for May 1984 1. Summary of key warning issues: Soviet intransigence towards the US continues to be evidenced through vituperative propaganda, large Soviet military exercises, highlighted deployments of submarines near U.S. coasts, a pressure Olympics. SECRET Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 ? ------ M Nicaragua The main runway at Puente Huete will probably be completed by October, but will lack support facilities. Additionally, construction at Bluefields and Puerto Cabezas Airfields is progressing at a faster pace than in the past. The Cubans may risk flying MIG aircraft to an airfield despite inadequate facilities and defenses when POL is available. Suriname A crisis may be looming as a result of the near depletion of foreign reserves and the need for harsher economic austerity measures. With Prime Minister Udenhout increasingly undermined by Army Commander Bouterse, Suriname may turn to Cuba for economic and military aid in the event that violence returns to the country. In the absence of Brazilian or Western aid, Cuba may see conditions as favorable for a return to Suriname. Philippines The strong showing of the opposition parties in the recent elections shattered the view of Marcos' invincibility, but also slowed the political momentum of the extreme left who did not participate in the elections. The Philippines most serious immediate problem is its financial status. Austerity measures required by the IMF will be difficult for Marcos to steer through the assembly when it convenes in July. He probably cannot meet reform requirements before the end of the year. The situation will be political and economic confusion. Dominican Republic President Blanco's prevention of a general strike on 9 May through firmness and concessions to workers is a positive sign, but new unrest is likely with IMF-mandated austerity measures. Sudan The internal political situation in Sudan remains tense. Opposition to Nimeiri's Islamization and other policies is beginning to surface in the military. If Nimeiri leaves the country during June as indicated in recent reporting, coup plotters will have an opportunity to try to seize the government. New instability in Sudan could presage responses from Libya or Egypt which may lead to a request for US support in the region. SECRET) Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 ? SECRET 25X1 2. Trend Commentary Romani a In October 1983, we observed that economic problems, lower living standards, and a hard winter would likely cause additional popular unrest resulting in demonstrations and strikes. Since then, following a severe winter, the economy has declined further. There have been problems in energy, transportation and food supplies. The regime is extremely concerned about the mood of the industrial force, but the population has remained generally quiescent. More frequent or larger occurances of unrest would be our first indication that a popular breaking point was approaching. Dutch Decision on INF The Dutch decision that effectively postpones an INF position puts added importance on allied attitudes. CIA and INR analysts believe that Italian Prime Minister Craxi's Lisbon statements on a weapons moratorium, while probably a political mistake, reflect genuine Italian thinking that a new initiative may be in order. These developments warrant close attention for signs of new allied positions during the remainder of 1984. Iran/Iraq Despite Iran's logistical and military problems, an offensive during the Ramadan period is possible. Iraq should contain the most likely offensive in the Basra area. Indi a There is continued concern about violence in the Punjab state, and the introduction of regular army forces reflects the high level of government frustration. Recent Indian troop movements and other military activities in the Kashmir may be exercises, but given India's internal problems, may be indicative of a diversion, which would include an incident involving Pakistan. Cyprus The trend is toward increasing instability due to Greek reinforcements on the island, a poor Greek Cypriot performance in its Security Council presentation, and a general belief that prolonged stalemate is to the disadvantage of the Greek position. The UN Security Council resolution on Cyprus marks a transition from active diplomacy by the Secretary General and the disputants to a period of stalemate and increasing tensions. The recent visit by a Soviet Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 ? SECRETE deputy foreign minister to discuss the problem with Greek Cypriots also bodes for increasing instability as Greek Cypriots seem to be losing international sympathy. SECRET) I 25X1 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6 Iq Next 2 Page(s) In Document Denied Approved For Release 2008/11/25: CIA-RDP91 B00776R000100130010-6