Gabbard Revokes Biden-Era Assessments on Mysterious Ailments
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, revoked two Biden-era assessments that questioned whether Havana syndrome was caused by a foreign adversary, citing exclusion of evidence and flawed medical studies.
- The revocation was praised by former officials affected by the syndrome and supporters like Rep. Rick Crawford, who argued the previous assessments discredited victims and hindered their medical care.
- Havana syndrome involves symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, often reported after hearing strange sounds or feeling pressure, with initial suspicions pointing to Russia or another adversary.
- Despite skepticism in later intelligence assessments about foreign involvement, Gabbard’s move may prompt renewed investigations into the origins of the syndrome before her expected departure next week.
- Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos, who experienced symptoms, called for government accountability and reaffirmed the belief that a foreign adversary targeted American officials.