>On the one side some 'bad other' could be using an undefined device to attack only American people, only in foreign lands, and for uncertain reasons.
If someone were trying to sour US-Cuban relations, then it would make sense that only Americans in Cuba were targeted.
It seems highly unlikely that 21 diplomats with the same symptoms (plus those in China) were afflicted with an innocuous medical condition. None of the doctors who wrote letters of dissent physically examined the patients. Though the specific nature of the cause may be up for debate, I highly doubt there was no adversary here.
I agree that it seems suspicious and this sort of weapon has loomed as a likely culprit from early on. There are very good reasons why someone would carry this out.
That said, I feel it would be irresponsible to deny the possibility of a collective delusion. Particularly in an environment where folks are in constant close contact and under a feeling of stress. In my opinion, it's less than highly unlikely.
I would believe diplomats would be somewhat resistant against mass delusion, considering their selection (and possibly training).
Mass delusion has also been one of the leading hypothesis from the very first story on this phenomenon. Being aware of the concept would tend to dispel it, which apparently did not happen.
I'm sure those with more information have considered that possibility. The ongoing investigation leads me to believe they are not quite as sure of it as the HN crowd is. Maybe some of the cases appeared independently?
If someone were trying to sour US-Cuban relations, then it would make sense that only Americans in Cuba were targeted.
It seems highly unlikely that 21 diplomats with the same symptoms (plus those in China) were afflicted with an innocuous medical condition. None of the doctors who wrote letters of dissent physically examined the patients. Though the specific nature of the cause may be up for debate, I highly doubt there was no adversary here.