EVALUATION OF SUN STREAK REPORTING ON U.S. HOSTAGES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: STARGATE
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP96-00789R000400930001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 4, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 12, 2000
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: February 10, 1989
• Content Type: MEMO

SECRET Af44Y-/S
Approved For Release 200 MSA~9RW &W07 Kf*(f6'4?% MCNT-
DATE- '110 FEB 1989
ANO 1 DB-5C
memorandum
SUBJECT: 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 SUNSTR A K 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 5S-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, SUNSTREAK reoorti
SG1C
WARNING NOTICE: This information restricted
to those with verified access to SUNSTREAK
L?vel 3 (SS-3).
CLASSIFIED BY DT
DECLASSIFY ON OADR
SECRET
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10
(REV. 1-60)
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.9
5010-114
RMW Approved For Release RE?MMO~T0gF0 EI6N NAT ONA8S ROaQ4 OQ `75 (364)
 Approved For Release 20%Jid~WEf&P0789R000400930001-5
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
Community. Moreover, the health dynamic portrayed by SUNSTREAK reports
espite 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 initial assessment is that SUNSTREAK reporting
shows great promise on the issues of hostage locations, but, much l
!pot tial for ctin future ntial ev t Furthermore, reports or sequ generate as a resu t o f ocusiim on a single ho tae (rather than the
hostage issue as a whole) appear to have a higher degree of accuracy.
SG1J
2
SECRET
SPECIAL ACCESS REQUIRED
Approved For Rele QQ(ftgL8 t6Ct*J%R q A$ 1000400930001-5
 Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R000400930001-5
f a4:::Vp
- lop
Approved For Release 2000/08/08 : CIA-RDP96-00789R000400930001-5