We are left in an inconclusive grey area because of non cooperation. I think part of the challenge is holding the Chinese government accountable for suppressin

We are left in an inconclusive grey area because of non cooperation. I think part of the challenge is holding the Chinese government accountable for suppressing reporting, delaying a site visit, deleting information, and interfering with a transparent independent process by requiring review/approval of the WHO report. I am frankly in favor of assuming a lab leak in the absence of explicit evidence just because my estimation of likelihood points in that direction, and even more so given the obstruction of transparency so far. The WHO and NIH also deserve scrutiny. And the press and social media companies for censoring discussions that could have pushed for transparency and investigations sooner. Accountability will help us handle future situations better, and will help us get back to valuing civil discourse and freedom of expression. Beyond that, what’s at stake is safety from dangerous research. Maybe that means a ban on gain of function work, or updated protocols, or independent audits of BSL labs by an international team like we have for nuclear controls. Just a week ago Nate Silver of 538 wrote (https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1398678561599508480 https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1398678561599508480), "it seems very warped that a bunch of prominent scientists are saying we shouldn't investigate the claims for reasons that have little to do with science and lots to do with politics". This author it seems, is one of those pushing this warped position.