Published in News

US will not make a stink about Snowden

by on07 August 2013

Not really worth it

US President Barack Obama will not be making the sort of fuss about Russia granting temporary asylum to former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden many expected. Obama surprised the world by saying that he would go to Russia this autumn for a G20 summit but said he was "disappointed" that Russia granted. 

Disappointed, is not exactly the same thing as “angry,” or “furious,” nor is it calling for military options. Obama said Moscow sometimes slipped into a Cold War mentality, but pointed out that Russia was cooperative with the United States on many issues. It seems that Obama does not want to upset the Apple cart with Russia which is helpful when it comes to thinks like counterterrorism.

Getting upset with Russia is particularly pointless Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a condition that Snowden not leak any more information while he is in the country. With Snowden in Russia, Snowden is gagged. Angering the Russians is just shutting the door after the horse has bolted.

Washington still wants Snowden, who was in hiding in Hong Kong before flying to Moscow in June, to be sent home to face criminal charges including espionage for disclosing secret American internet and telephone surveillance programmes.

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