The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Assesses COVID-19 Origin: More Likely from Lab than Nature
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has assessed that the COVID-19 pandemic is "more likely" to have emerged from a lab rather than from nature, according to an agency spokesperson. This assessment is a significant shift from the agency’s previous stance, which was that it could not conclude whether the pandemic was the result of a lab incident or if it originated in nature.
Background
The CIA has been investigating the origins of COVID-19 for years, and in the final weeks of the Biden administration, former CIA Director William Burns asked CIA analysts and scientists to make a clear determination on the pandemic’s origins, emphasizing its historical significance, according to a senior U.S. official.
Assessment
The CIA says it has "low confidence" in its assessment that a "research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely" and notes that both scenarios – lab origin and natural origin – remain plausible. The agency’s assessment is based on new intelligence and evidence that has been collected, but the extent to which this evidence was used to formulate the latest assessment is unclear.
China’s Response
China’s government has consistently denied that a laboratory leak caused the pandemic, and has accused Washington of politicizing the matter, particularly due to efforts by U.S. intelligence agencies to investigate. Beijing has also said that claims that a laboratory leak likely caused the pandemic have no credibility.
CIA Director’s Comments
In an interview with Breitbart following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said that one of his first priorities was getting his agency to make a public assessment on the pandemic’s origins. "That’s a day-one thing for me," he said. "I’ve been on record as you know in saying I think our intelligence, our science, and our common sense all really dictate that the origins of COVID was a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology."
Measles Outbreak
In related news, measles cases have been reported in 12 states in the United States, with cases starting to appear a month ago in Texas’ South Plains region. Of the 198 cases reported, 80 were in people who were unvaccinated, and 113 were in people whose vaccination status was unknown.
Walgreens Acquisition
In other news, Walgreens, a drugstore chain, has agreed to be acquired by a private equity firm for almost $10 billion. The company has been a public entity since 1927.
Conclusion
The CIA’s assessment that COVID-19 is more likely to have originated from a lab than from nature is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the pandemic’s origins. While the agency’s confidence in its assessment is low, the implications of this finding are significant, and it is crucial to continue to investigate and provide accurate information to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the CIA’s assessment of COVID-19’s origin?
A: The CIA has assessed that COVID-19 is "more likely" to have emerged from a lab rather than from nature.
Q: What is the evidence for this assessment?
A: The CIA has collected new intelligence and evidence, but the extent to which this evidence was used to formulate the latest assessment is unclear.
Q: How does China respond to the CIA’s assessment?
A: China’s government has consistently denied that a laboratory leak caused the pandemic and has accused Washington of politicizing the matter.
Q: What is the current measles situation in the United States?
A: Measles cases have been reported in 12 states, with 80 cases in unvaccinated individuals and 113 in people whose vaccination status was unknown.
