The damage down by the WikiLeaks publication of diplomatic cables (none top secret so far) was limited (as noted in the previous post), but it certainly will crimp diplomatic activity for months and maybe years ahead. The earlier publication included information that compromised security in the Middle East and endangered lives, so, in that sense it was more serious. Now comes word that WikiLeaks may soon publish bank data stolen from the head of a major bank. The consequences could be felt in your wallet.
However NPR termed it, this is not about "whistleblowing". It is about a peculiar cultural form of antagonism to the West and to existing institutions. It something new, cyber-anarchism.
Indignation is growing in Washington. We are all waiting to hear what they are going to do about it.
(Meanwhile, colleague John Wohlstetter has an excellent review of coverage at Letters from the Capital.)
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