1.) How do US government officials, and then individuals like Edward Snowden and those associated with WikiLeaks view Snowden’s actions differently? Why
2.) How has the U.S relationship with Russia been affected by their decision to grant Snowden asylum, especially considering the way it occurred?
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To answer these questions, we need to examine the different perspectives and opinions held by various individuals and entities. Let's start by understanding how US government officials and individuals like Edward Snowden and those associated with WikiLeaks view Snowden's actions differently.
1.) US government officials:
US government officials generally view Edward Snowden's actions as a breach of national security and an act of espionage. They argue that by leaking classified information about the National Security Agency's surveillance programs, he endangered the safety of Americans and compromised important intelligence operations. They believe that Snowden should have followed proper channels to express his concerns rather than going public and potentially endangering national security.
2.) Edward Snowden and those associated with WikiLeaks:
Edward Snowden and those associated with WikiLeaks, including Julian Assange, view his actions as whistleblowing and an act of public service. They argue that Snowden's intent was to expose the government's mass surveillance programs, which they consider to be a violation of privacy rights. They believe that Snowden's actions were necessary to inform the public about the government's intrusive practices and ensure transparency and accountability.
The difference in perspective here lies in the interpretation of Snowden's actions as either a breach of national security or a move towards exposing government wrongdoing. US government officials argue that Snowden's actions jeopardized their operations, while Snowden and his supporters argue that his actions were justified to protect civil liberties.
Now, let's move on to the second question regarding the impact of Snowden's asylum in Russia on the US-Russia relationship.
2.) U.S. relationship with Russia:
Edward Snowden sought asylum in Russia after initially being stranded in transit at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in 2013. This move significantly strained the relationship between the United States and Russia. The US government strongly criticized Russia for providing sanctuary to Snowden, considering it a blatant disregard for international law and an affront to US interests.
The granting of asylum to Snowden further exacerbated the already tense relations between the two countries, particularly at a time when there were already conflicts over issues such as Ukraine and Syria. The incident led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties, with the US government responding by canceling bilateral talks, imposing sanctions, and publicly condemning Russia's actions.
To sum up, the decision by Russia to grant asylum to Edward Snowden negatively affected the US-Russia relationship. It intensified existing tensions between the two countries and led to a breakdown in diplomatic communication.