A ‘Havana Syndrome’ Investigation in Congress Rests on Politics, Not Science
Lawmakers should look in the mirror if they want answers to who hyped dubious reports of Havana syndrome. Instead they are investigating the spy agencies telling them the truth about the mystery
Cuban Flags fly in front of American Embassy.
PhotosByByron/Getty Images
In February, the House Intelligence Committee announced an investigation into spy agency handling of “Havana syndrome”—an array of health complaints first reported by U.S. diplomats and covert agents working in Cuba since late 2016. The lawmakers aren’t happy with their spies’ doubts about this mystery syndrome.
After years of speculation over the possible involvement of Russian or Chinese agents using a sonic or microwave weapon, in March 2023 the U.S. director of national intelligence reported that most U.S. intelligence agencies regarded that scenario as “very unlikely.” Instead, the intelligence community reached a consensus that the “syndrome” was “probably the result of factors that did not involve a foreign adversary, such as preexisting conditions, conventional illnesses, and environmental factors.”
These findings did not sit well with some members of the Intelligence Committee, namely representatives Mike Turner, Jason Crow and Brad Wenstrup, who had sponsored legislation in 2021 providing medical care for Havana syndrome patients and directing federal agencies to “address and mitigate these attacks.” Supporters of the bill assumed that the anomalous health incidents were targeted assaults on American citizens.
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Instead of shooting the messenger, the congressional committee should unearth the…
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