CIA shifts to lab leak theory on COVID origins

[Morphine Prince 109,648]

The CIA said Saturday it has shifted its previous assessments and has concluded that it’s likely the Covid-19 virus was leaked from a Chinese lab before it became a global pandemic but added that the agency had “low confidence” in its judgment.

“CIA assesses with low confidence that a research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely than a natural origin based on the available body of reporting,” a CIA spokesperson said in a statement. “CIA continues to assess that both research-related and natural origin scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic remain plausible.”

The spokesperson added that the agency has “low confidence in this judgement” and will continue to evaluate any new intelligence reporting or relevant information.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/cia-shifts-assessment-covid-origins-saying-lab-leak-likely-caused-outb-rcna189284

 

[DelusionalGaga 29,717]

Maybe it's because English is not my first language but isn't the choice of words kinda contradictory? The origin is most likely from the lab but also they have low confidence in that assessment? How does that fit together? 

[Debithius 6,056]

I mean yeah, we been knew. The US would obviously try to make you think otherwise since they are the ones funding the research in China lol.

[Bronco 24,796]

I mean the idea that it's a potential lab leak can't be dismissed. Because the simple fact is that nations like China, where SARS type viruses have been prevalent and deadly, have a vested interest in the study of the viruses with the intent of developing treatment and preventative measures. 
If they were conducting testing on live animals, there's absolutely a risk that it can escape into the community. 

But equally, these kinds of animal bourne viruses crossing into humans with the ability to spread from humans is inevitable the more humanity destroys animal habitats and forces them into settled areas. Which is what we're seeing with Bird Flu starting to show potential for human to human transmission.  

[Jill 31,812]

The reasons behind this decision are obvious. There is no evidence to support the validity of this theory, and it conveniently serves to undermine trust in the geopolitical rivals of the United States. If the first case of COVID had emerged in the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, or similar countries, would the CIA be making the same claims? I don't think so.

[FATCAT 60,886]

They're doing this to appease Trump. Nothing has changed, their assessment is still low confidence, but it makes trump feel good.

[Ladle Ghoulash 52,522]

1 hour ago, FATCAT said:

They're doing this to appease Trump. Nothing has changed, their assessment is still low confidence, but it makes trump feel good.

Yeah, kind of shocking that people can’t see right thru this lmao 

[Cameltoe Chariot 15,310]

I'm not believing another f*cking word that comes from any US Government source for the next 4+ years, and neither should any of you.

[PartySick 172,424]

I don't understand why it's such a scandal either way. It's the incompetence of a few lab workers at worst. It's not like China waged biological war on the planet (including themselves).

Now, the way they tried to cover it all up is irresponsible and should be cause for mistrust. But even then, it's no worse than anything the US government is doing. Our tax dollars just paid to kidnap thousands on their way to work, school, and church.

Who tf cares.

[Ladle Ghoulash 52,522]

23 minutes ago, PartySick said:

I don't understand why it's such a scandal either way. It's the incompetence of a few lab workers at worst. It's not like China waged biological war on the planet (including themselves).

Now, the way they tried to cover it all up is irresponsible and should be cause for mistrust. But even then, it's no worse than anything the US government is doing. Our tax dollars just paid to kidnap thousands on their way to work, school, and church.

Who tf cares.

What’s also hilarious is that the folks that insist that it’s a lab leak insist that it was invented as a bioweapon, but simultaneously insist that getting COVID isn’t a big deal, while also claiming that the worst thing about the vaccine is that it contains the spike protein from the virus. Brainrot for the ages.

[Roughhouse Dandy 13,599]

47 minutes ago, Cameltoe Chariot said:

I'm not believing anothing f*cking word that comes from any US Government source for the next 4+ years, and neither should any of you.

This exactly. Thank you. 

[Economy 52,842]

5 hours ago, DelusionalGaga said:

Maybe it's because English is not my first language but isn't the choice of words kinda contradictory? The origin is most likely from the lab but also they have low confidence in that assessment? How does that fit together? 

Its a bit contradictory the way a person would casually use it but from an agency perspective makes sense

 

If you lean towards an explanation (on something serious) but there is reasonable doubt, then that doubt means you can not give your conclusions with confidence

 

Thus, they have "low confidence" as in theres doubt. Confidence implies strong conviction behind what you say

 

So while i get how it might sound confusing to some, I dont think its technically incorrect or contradictory

[Helxig 45,330]

So... do we trust the CIA to be telling the truth (in which case that's a scary possibility) or do we think this is anti-China propoganda? 

[princedeeblebleble 3,609]

 I vividly remember reading about a virus leak in china before everything went to **** back then, but during the lockdowns I could not find the article in any of my history searches anymore.. were the articles deleted or something? Only god or lucifer knows. 

[NCgaga 4,345]

The way some of you immediately twist this and try to blame the USA. Like it’s a habit for you. The discussion could be about anything and immediately a few of you are “well it’s no worse than the US, or the US funds the research, or I don’t trust the USA for the next four years.”

this isn’t about the UsA. Covid came from incompetence and negligence in China. It was mishandled by China. China has huge opportunities when it comes to the handling and cross contaminating of products and food. But no, we can’t blame China. We inevitably  have to twist it around on the USA.