SENIOR EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE BRIEF

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06629249
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2022
• Document Release Date: December 11, 2017
• Case Number: F-2016-02334
• Publication Date: March 19, 2003

Approved for Release: 2017/11/28 C06629249
--TtYP-.SZQFT
SENIOR EXECUTIVE INTELLIGENCE BRIEF
19 March 2003
PASS SEIB 03-064CHX
Terrorism: Iraq-Based Terrorists Have Refuge Options
Lebanon, Iran, and Syria are the most likely places for Palestinian terrorisis backed by
Baghdad to seek refuge from a war in Iraq. Several Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist
organizations have an established presence in Lebanon and Syria, suggesting these countries
could be fertile ground for uprooted Iraqi-based Palestinians.
Some countries with large Palestinian populations or historical ties to Palestinian terrorists
would not be hospitable to fleeing Iraqi-backed terrorist groups. Egypt in January rushed PLF
leader Abu Abbas, who was attending a meeting with other Palestinian groups, out of the country
to avoid becoming involved in US efforts to render him to a third country.
Even if the groups were able to find safehaven outside Iraq, the loss of Iraqi support would be a
substantial blow for most unless they obtain a new state sponsor. The ALF and PLF are entirely
dependent on Baghdad and would be particularly vulnerable to the loss of funding.
-- The ANO, which has other sources of funding, may be able to weather a loss of Iraqi
support.
Approved for Release: 2017/11/28 C06629249