The actual theft resulted from a combination of ineptitude and an insider with a grudge. Pte. Bradley Manning had little trouble hacking into government computers to steal classified information that he shouldn't have had access to. The government's case against Mr. Assange hinges on the degree to which he may have instigated the theft. Being actively involved in obtaining classified information is much more serious than simply publishing it.
Now U.S. authorities are reputedly offering Mr. Manning a plea bargain in return for implicating Assange in the theft. Considering the seriousness of the charges faced by Manning, it will be difficult for him to refuse some sort of deal, but will the world see this as justice?
The American government already looks bad enough. If the rest of the world sees the prosecution of Julian Assange as nothing more than a show trial with trumped-up evidence, designed to blame foreigners for something that is really more a domestic issue, then mild resentment over the contents of the documents could turn into real hostility.
There is a big difference between American authorities making a legitimate attempt to defend against foreign attack, and using brute force, as the world's most powerful country, to launch a witch-hunt, for no other purpose than to divert attention from themselves. If the Justice Department succeeds in convicting the head of WikiLeaks of espionage, and putting him in jail for a long time, will the rest of the world see this as democracy in action, or the long arm of a vengeful Uncle Sam?
Important, powerful people don't appreciate being made to look foolish, and need their revenge. If this is the real reason for the government's aggressive pursuit of Julian Assange, and they are willing to go to any lengths to prove that this whole affair can be pinned on foreign agents, then the result could prove more humiliating than the contents of the documents.
American relations with other governments have suffered serious setbacks from these leaks. Politicians have a God-given talent for making bad situations worse, and are well on their way to turning embarrassment into diplomatic disaster.
Article comments
1 - Non-intervention
Good article.
2 - Elizabeth M
He is causing loss of face to someone in Sweden too. Someone with a lot to lose from Wikileaks. Guess who it turns out to be?
3 - John Tourian
It may be embarassing to US to expose its lies and atrocities while claiming to be as sanctimonious as pedofeliac Popes, but people should know the truth, esp how it financed and shielded Israewli atrocities using US-made bombs were delivered with US airplanes! It is shameful how Arab leaders have betrayed Arabs. Since at least 1,948 when Jew US President H. Truman 'created' Israel at the expense of 3 million Palestinians and demonized Arabs, true Christians, Moslems and Easterners, US has given $80 billion/year in AID to Israel and more on top whenever Israel decides to kill more Arabs to steal their land! Since then all US Presidents, but JFK, were 'Christianist' converts from Judaism (Bushes) or have Jew blood in them, including Mr Obama. JFK stated he will change US M.E policy. He was killed by Jew L. Oswald who was shot dead INSIDE Dallas P.D by J. Rubinstein and covered up by Jews LBJ, Nixon, G. Ford, Warren & 12 tribes. Since 1972 when China replaced US puppet Taiwan as 5th UN Veto power, the vast majority of UN Vetoes were cast by US and almost all were to stop UN from condemning genocide-committing 'Chosen' Israel that recently used WMD-s in 02 and 06 Lebanon (cluster, nuclear-clad bunker buster bombs and civilian deaths) and 08 GAZA: white phosphorous, civilian killings and using children as human shields. When will the part Jew US Presidents be just to all, including American 'gentiles' (Jew word for all leprous others)? These US and Jew-made Arab tragedies have been going on for 62 years! When US supports an evil Israel, the US is even more evil!
4 - Ruvy
Politicians have a God-given talent for making bad situations worse, and are well on their way to turning embarrassment into diplomatic disaster.
I wish the American politicians great success in that endeavor. It couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch.
I won't comment on the comment from John Tourian. He sounds like a fellow who forgot his meds. It happens sometimes....
5 - SimonPeter
Claus Borgstrom a senior Swedish politician appointed himself as lawyer for the twon women - one of which wroye a lovely little self help booklet early in 2010 call 7 Steps to Legal Revenge - a basic guide to framing your ex boyfriend under Swedish law. The younger of the two females has fled Sweden to live in Israel - she wants nothing to do with the prosecutor.
Julian Assange is a journalist in good standing with the Australian media and artists union.
The Swedish allegations are a good old fashioned smear campaign. The paper and cable tv press are turning on Assange because he makes them look bad. They have become a propoganda machine for corrupt States.
What is on the line here is Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press.
Long live Julian Assange.
6 - Raul
Interesting how much this resembles the character assassination of Gov. Don Siegelman by Karl Rove... who just happened to be campaign manager for the new right-wing Swedish government...
Hmmm?
7 - SimonPeter
These two stories from Australia should give the US government pause.
8 - John Lake
It is important and necessary to seek out and expose any impropriety, or appearance of impropriety. To do so serves the cause of truth and justice. Damage done may have been averted, for example, if the American policy of rendition - transport of accused terrorists to be tortured in secrecy - had been disclosed.