Tuesdday November 30, 2010

I've Been Thinking:

About the WikiLeaks

I don't find the fact that this information has been leaked unsettling.

Why? Everyone realizes that these things happen.

What I do find disturbing is that so much of the so-called "intel" is opinion, not fact.

That is truly troubling.

We should not be up in arms about the leaks.

Much of information could have been deduced by closely following each story. There were real-time leaks and rumors about many of the issues covered in regional and international press.

The unprofessional documents, writings and irresponsible requests should be brought to our - the public's - attention and to the attention of watchdog groups.

There is no place for ad hominem attack in diplomacy and intelligence.

Sadly, it appears that so much US foreign policy intel which was gathered and interpreted abroad is nothing more than opinion and personal feelings.

It is not intel and it is not analysis. It is not even raw information

These leaks allow tens of thousands more people - journalists, analysts and John Q. Public - to pour over the material.

The NYTimes was correct and showed responsible judgment in redacting confidential sources and the names of people who may be put in danger.

All this info is most probably available due to new hacking techniques.

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