My few-and-far between diaries are written mostly to start discussions...and if someone disagrees with you here (or if you disagree with where you think I'm taking things), keep it civil please.
So to below the fold..
I understand why many of you applaud Wikileaks and Julian Assange (If you're not up to speed on the specifics of what was released and when, google and other diaries on DKos is your friend.) You distrust those in power, you hate the direction US foreign policy typically heads in, and so you look at the released cables as confirmation that the US and other powerful governments are dealing with each other on a different levels than what we the commoners get to see on TV. Many governments across many continents were highly embarrassed at the leaks regarding what they thought was confidential diplomacy-making. Still, apart from some denials and thorough condemnations, nothing has really come of it, besides Assange's loss of freedom.
But instead of that result from the leaks, what if the following had occurred directly and nearly immediately after the cables were released:
- North Korea, reading that China is fed-up with their role as big-brother protector for them, decides to unleash a massive artillery barrage on Seoul, before South Korea/US could gear up for a showdown now that China is out.
- The Russian leadership, their manliness being paramount to their public image and to their own self-esteem, pull out of trade talks with the EU and begin a fresh offensive in Chechnya.
- The US feels forced to back off from closely working with the Pakistanis against the Taliban.
- Iran and the US are no longer willing to work together, away from the public eye, when they have a mutual terror/insurgent enemy.
All of the above scenarios (and feel free to mention others that could very well have come from the latest few major leak releases) I believe are not at all far-fetched as possible outcomes to the leaks. If any or all of the above had happened as s direct result of the leaked diplomatic cables being released, would you, a publicly-proud supporter of Assange and Wikileaks, feel the same way as you do now? Would you have also declare so publicly?
Discuss.