262. Editorial Note
On January 18, 1968, the intelligence community issued Special National Intelligence Estimate 11–9–68, “Soviet Interests and Activities in Arab States.” The estimate concluded that “the main Soviet objective in the Middle East remains essentially the same as before the June war—to win for the USSR a position as dominant foreign power in the area.” However, “the Soviets are not likely to make binding military commitments to any Arab states, and they will almost certainly remain wary of direct involvement even in limited conflicts in the Middle East.” The text of the SNIE’s conclusions is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, volume XX.