New evidence on “Havana syndrome”
The so-called “Havana syndrome,” a mysterious illness that has affected US officials around the world, may be the result of efforts by Russian intelligence, according to a new joint report by the Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes. The illness first appeared among US embassy staff in Havana, Cuba in 2016, with symptoms ranging from pain and ringing in the ears to extreme headaches and other neurological effects. As recently as last year, US officials experienced Havana syndrome symptoms at a NATO summit in Lithuania.
The joint report alleges that “sonic weaponry created and employed by Unit 29155 of the Russian GRU was probably the cause of Havana syndrome,” reports The Guardian. US intelligence officials, however, have cautioned on the direct accusation and have previously found it “very unlikely” that a foreign adversary was responsible, while Russia has denied all connection. US officials believe that “many of the Havana Syndrome cases could be explained by other undiagnosed medical conditions or environmental or technical factors,” notes Axios. According to AP, “The Pentagon’s health care system has established a registry for employees or dependents to report such incidents. In March, however, a five-year study by the National Institutes of Health found no brain injuries or degeneration among U.S. diplomats and other government employees who had Havana syndrome symptoms.” (joint report, The Guardian, Axios, AP)
Mexico
Mayoral candidate Bertha Gaytán was killed while campaigning, reports AP, noting, “It was the latest killing in the increasingly bloody runup to Mexico’s June 2 elections. At least 14 candidates have been killed since the start of 2024.”
Colombia
“As a presidential candidate on the campaign trail, Gustavo Petro promised to bring ‘Total Peace’ to Colombia. But since becoming president in August 2022, his ambitious plans to negotiate directly with the country’s criminal and armed groups have suffered a series of setbacks due to missteps, legislative roadblocks and unforced errors. Nearly halfway through his four-year term, Petro is no longer relying exclusively on dialogue. He is also turning to the military strategies used by his predecessors,” says Joshua Collins at WPR, highlighting the complex role of peace negotiations and conflict with the Gaitanistas, also known as the AGC or Clan del Golfo.
Venezuela
“Venezuela is battling a record number of wildfires, according to data released on Monday, as a climate change-driven drought plagues the Amazon rainforest region. Satellites registered more than 30,200 fire points in Venezuela from January to March, the highest level for that period since records started in 1999,” reports Reuters.
Guyana
“Guyana is focusing on eco-tourism by leveraging its rich rainforests and biodiversity, reports Cari-Bois. (Global Voices)” (via Just Caribbean Updates)
Haiti
Many of the guns used by gangs wreaking “apocalyptic” havoc on Haiti were produced in the US, reports Wall Street Journal.
Regional
“Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s reluctance to play a more active role in Haiti today stands in stark contrast to his assertive stance 20 years ago,” says Oliver Stuenkel at Foreign Policy, arguing that Brazil has the opportunity to play an important role in attempts to stabilize Haiti but that Lula has shown reluctance due to the failure of previous operations, a perception in Brasília that international police presence will not solve the issues at hand, a focus on other more-pressing priorities, and “fraught civil-military relations” within Brazil.
Rhetorical fights on social media are impeding the opportunity of developing a constructive, regional approach to challenges such as “coordinating a response to the Venezuelan crisis and improving the electoral conditions in the country,” writes James Bosworth at WPR: “Having multiple presidents fighting with each other as if they’re trying to win a reality show means that governing and cooperation do not occur.”
Argentina
Argentina’s lithium reserves are attracting attention from private sector companies and are increasingly being exported to China, the US, and Japan—but projects for locals, including a “lithium-powered solar park, using locally manufactured batteries,” are stalled, says Rest of World.
“Argentine President Javier Milei doesn’t see his government dollarizing the economy before next year’s mid-term elections,” reports Bloomberg.
Ecuador
“Ecuadoran gangsters abducted, interrogated and killed five tourists, apparently thinking they were members of a rival drug gang, officials said this weekend, while a separate attack by gunmen killed nine people on the country's coast.” (CBS)
Belize
“Belize authorities declared a state of emergency in parts of Belize City and the Cayo District, in response to an increase in gang-related activities. The measure aims to target specific individuals contributing to violence, asserting that the government and police are making efforts to support youth and reduce crime through interventions and employment opportunities. (Jamaica Gleaner)” (via Just Caribbean Updates)
Cuba
Cuba has received oil from Russia for the first since 2022, reports Reuters.
Panama
“‘The candidate who leads the voting intentions in the presidential elections in Panama, José Raúl Mulino, is convinced of closing the borders to prevent the free transit of migrants. His plan, he says, is to deport migrants who transit irregularly and prevent the Darién, the dangerous Central American jungle, from being the starting point for hundreds of thousands of people trying to reach the United States,’ reports Crónica.” More than 100,000 migrants have crossed through the Darien Gap thus far this year. (Americas Migration Brief)