THE SYRIAN SITUATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200160002-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 1, 1998
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: February 25, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

Approved Por Release 2000/05/30: CIA-RDP80R01443F U670ZD01 O 2-(
NSC BRIEFING 3J 25 February 1954
THE SYRIAN SITUATION
Current Situation
A. Shishakli overthrown by army and
politicians. W&
B. New regime has proclaimed intention to
select civilian president. Army offi-
cers in background.
1. Mentioned as possible president -
77-year-old Hashim al Atasi, who
was president 1937-39, 1949-51.
Selected as rallying point for
military and civilian malcontents.
2. Leading military figure appears to
be Captain Mustafa Hamdani, chief
of intelligence. Probably sup-
ported by other younger officers
and present chief of staff.
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II. Immediate prospects in Syria
A. Uneasy alliance of military and civiliar.
B. Initially emphasis likely to be on
restoration of constitutional life
o~A
abolished 5 years ago.
,
1. Notorious divisions among Syrian
politicians likely to renew civ-
ilian wrangling that brought mili-
tary to the fore in 1949.
2. This prospect enhances opportuni-
ties for such active social revo-
lutionists as Akram Hawrani.
C. Meanwhile, military likely to insist on_
civilian rule which protects army's
preeminent position in national affairs.
D. Military leaders will be engaged in
struggle for power-within army.
2 -
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E. Outlook for Syrian internal stability
not bright. Internal dissension in-
vites traditional meddling by other
Arab neighbors, particularly Iraq.
;III. Implication for United States
A. Syria in immediate future will be too
preoccupied to concern itself with
foreign issues.
B. No progress on economic aid agreement,
refugee resettlement and Johnston plan.
C. Syria for time being will faithfully
follow Arab League, will not commit
itself on East-West issue. No indica-
tion that new leaders anti-Western.
Approved For Release 2000/05/30: CIAJt443R000200160002-2