I Can't Support the WikiLeaks Drop
by BooMan
Mon Nov 29th, 2010 at 11:35:10 AM EST
If Der Spiegel's take on WikiLeaks' document dump were to permeate down into the public's grey matter, I might count the leaks as a good thing.
On the whole, the cables from the Middle East expose the superpower's weaknesses. Washington has always viewed it as vital to its survival to secure its share of energy reserves, but the world power is often quickly reduced to becoming a plaything of diverse interests. And it is drawn into the animosities between Arabs and Israelis, Shiites and Sunnis, between Islamists and secularists, between despots and kings. Often enough, the lesson of the documents that have now been obtained, is that the Arab leaders use their friends in Washington to expand their own positions of power.
But,
the press will get this whole thing cleaned up soon, once they're done sensationalizing the embarrassment its done to America's reputation and standing in the world. It's doubtful that the public will learn anything lasting that changes how our politicians pull our strings. Unfortunately, I have to view these leaks as more damaging than helpful. They undermine our diplomatic efforts more than anything else, and I would prefer our diplomatic efforts be strengthened.I enjoy the fly-on-the-wall aspects of the leaks, and I personally am grateful to have valuable information to help inform my worldview. But
I think leaks of this type shouldn't be done in some wholesale manner. They should be aimed at educating the public about specific areas where they are being misled. This dump was not selective. It wasn't done to serve the public, although the public can benefit from some of the information. It appears to have been a clear effort to embarrass the United States and complicate our relations with allies and foes alike.more...
http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2010/11/29/113510/09
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