The Hong Kong complication


Edward Snowden has given an interview to the South China Morning Post. In it, he says that he will provide more revelations in due course, something that Glenn Greenwald has also said will happen. I am certain that they are they are telling the truth and it will happen.

The Chinese language newspapers in Hong Kong have also weighed in, pointing out the complicated dynamics that are at play in this case and how the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have to tread very gingerly.

This poses an acute embarrassment for the Obama administration. It will undoubtedly seek to indict Snowden and extradite him to the US but that could take years to work its way through the courts. While that happens, they will be faced with a steady stream of leaks that will make them look impotent and we know that authoritarians can’t stand having their authority flouted, especially when it is done publicly. Those screaming ‘treason’ and ‘traitor’ and calling for Snowden’s head are going to go ballistic and demand that something be done to stop him. I hope the government is not tempted to do something reckless and criminal to prevent it.

Meanwhile, a march in support of Snowden has been scheduled for Saturday.

The more I reflect on it, the more I am impressed with the strategic thinking displayed by Snowden. Going public has given him more protection and support than hiding ever would have.

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