CIA says ‘more likely’ COVID-19 originated from a lab
Al JazeeraJAN 14
Report: Angela Merkel Concealed Intel Linking COVID to China
Above: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the presentation of her book Liberta at Rizzoli Galleria in Milan, Italy, on Dec. 11, 2024. Image copyright: Alessandro Bremec/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Merkel's decision to withhold crucial intelligence about COVID's origins wreaked havoc on her country and Europe, as well as preventing proper international investigation and accountability. The high confidence assessment could have significantly influenced global response to the pandemic and relations with China.
Narrative B
Personal attacks on Merkel or baseless intel reports don't change the continuing likelihood that the SARS-CoV-2 originated in nature, not in a laboratory. The lab leak theory remains unproven despite various intelligence assessments, and peer-reviewed scientific evidence shows that it's entirely possible COVID had natural origins.