Despite warnings from American officials that disclosing confidential documents could seriously imperil national security and would come with “grave consequences” Julian Assange and WikiLeaks recently published close to a quarter-million diplomatic cables as part of their bid for political transparency.
Famed for his brash defiance of authority Assange is accustomed to opposition from government officials who will do anything they can to prevent disclosure. As a result of the latest document dump Assange encountered a barrage of attempts including an unidentified “denial of service” attack against WikiLeaks (no word yet as to the origin of the attack, though some have speculated China was behind the attempted hacking) and threats of extradition.
Battle hardy, Assange has stayed true to his crusade for ‘full disclosure’ regardless of consequence. And to this point the man maybe hindering his own cause, as with the latest document dump that appears to be more about Assange’s ego than any real effort at governmental transparency.
Of the leaked material nothing substantial stands out rather the confidential cables read more like school slander not solid evidence of state secrets. In this case the exposure serves no purpose other than to reinforce political posturing and further chill already frosty diplomatic relationships.
Assange has merit in his mission but by way of management tarnishes the quest for truth and transparency thereby administering a blow to global diplomacy.
