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For another view: WikiLeaks: Bradley Manning isn't a criminal. He's a hero.
These are serious questions, yet they are a matter of apparent indifference to the Obama administration, which has focused attention almost exclusively on adjusting its skirts while doing the international walk of shame. Security procedures have beeen tweaked and hatches are reportedly being battened down, but heads are not rolling. Apparently, it’s enough that we close the barn door and hope that no other horses get away.
Overseas, this lack of command and control within the US government is an object of concern for our allies and a source of conspiracy theorizing among our enemies. Friends view the scandal as just the latest sign of American weakness, of a piece with a president whose policies appear less and less consequential in addressing the threats we face. They question the reliability and seriousness of their putative ally in Washington. Perversely, enemies like Iran are persuaded still of American might, and cannot conceive that incompetence is at the root of the largest leak in decades, if not ever.
And what of the perception at home? The State Department cables WikiLeaks published reveal an Obama administration that:
• Worries North Korea is transferring missiles to Iran, but ignores the misbehavior of the former and seeks rapprochement with the latter nonetheless.
