A CIA doctor investigating the mysterious Havana syndrome says he got symptoms of the illness himself
Business InsiderDec 23, 2022
US Intelligence: Foreign Adversaries Unlikely to Blame for 'Havana Syndrome'
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Image copyright: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images [via The Wall Street Journal]
The Facts
The findings of a multi-year investigation carried out by seven US intelligence agencies and released on Wednesday into the so-called Havana syndrome — a series of unexplained symptoms consistent with brain injury — cast doubt on longstanding suspicions that the hundreds of cases resulted from the actions of a foreign adversary.
Five of the agencies asserted that it was "very unlikely" that a foreign adversary was responsible for the symptoms, either purposely or incidentally, while another agency deemed it "unlikely." A seventh agency avoided commenting about a foreign actor.
The Spin
Narrative A
Though the US intelligence community has departed from the years-long narrative that a foreign adversary was causing health incidents experienced by hundreds of government officials and their families, there's yet no explanation for those suffering after serving their country. Investigations into potential reasons must continue, especially because radio-frequency energy remains a possible cause.
Narrative B
It's disturbing that the US intelligence community has yet to entirely dismiss the absurd scientific hoax called Havana syndrome, allowing the government to approve compensation for the alleged victims despite the best explanation for these concussion-like symptoms being mass hysteria, possibly due to stress. Even UFO abductions are more credible than allegations sustaining this theory.
