CIA releases new analysis on COVID origins favoring lab leak theory

The CIA has recently shifted its assessment on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, now leaning towards the lab leak theory. This change in perspective comes under the leadership of the new CIA director, John Ratcliffe, who has long been a proponent of the theory. The agency released an assessment on the origins of COVID-19 following a review ordered by former President Joe Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan.

Despite former CIA director Bill Burns remaining neutral on the origins of the virus, Ratcliffe urged the agency to reevaluate the existing evidence and take a definitive stance. The assessment was made with “low confidence” but favored a research-related origin over a natural one. The CIA emphasized that both scenarios remain plausible and that they will continue to evaluate any new intelligence or information that could alter their assessment.

Ratcliffe, who was confirmed as the CIA director on Thursday, sees the assessment of COVID’s origins as part of a broader strategy to address the threat posed by China. He wants the CIA to take a more active role and not remain neutral on such critical issues. In a recent article co-written with Cliff Sims for Fox News, Ratcliffe criticized the Biden administration for allegedly suppressing evidence supporting the lab leak theory and claimed that the CIA had ample information to make a conclusive assessment.

During his testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Ratcliffe reiterated his support for the lab leak theory, stating that it is the only explanation credibly supported by intelligence, science, and common sense. He dismissed the idea that the virus emerged naturally, citing a lack of evidence to support that conclusion.

The debate surrounding the origins of COVID-19 has been ongoing for years, with the Wuhan Institute of Virology at the center of attention. The World Health Organization has called for China to share data on the virus’ origins, but transparency has been limited. As the CIA continues to reassess its stance on the origins of the pandemic, the search for answers and accountability remains a top priority for global health and security agencies.