The Intelligence from The Economist Like hell out of a bat: SARS-CoV-2’s origin
Feb 10, 2021
Georgia Banjo, a foreign affairs writer for The Economist, and Eric Connect, the North Africa correspondent, tackle pressing global issues. They discuss the WHO's findings on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the intermediary animal theory while dismissing lab leak claims. The conversation shifts to the disturbing rise of transnational repression, where authoritarian regimes silence dissent abroad. Finally, they explore Algeria’s car shortage, caused by past import bans and economic mismanagement, shedding light on the country’s struggles to build a sustainable automotive industry.
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COVID-19 Origins
- The WHO investigation suggests COVID-19 likely originated from an intermediary animal.
- A lab leak is considered less likely but not entirely ruled out.
Transnational Repression
- Authoritarian regimes increasingly repress dissent abroad, using tactics like assassinations and surveillance.
- Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder exemplifies this disturbing trend.
Algeria's Car Shortage
- In Algeria, a car shortage has drastically increased used car prices, making Hassan Huysha's 2013 Volkswagen worth its original purchase price.
- This shortage stems from a government ban on car imports to conserve foreign currency.