
Democracy is great; anarchy is not. Freedom of speech is good; hindering diplomacy is not. There is a thin line between exercising one’s right to freedom of information and damaging the diplomatic presence of a country so integral to international diplomacy in itself.
And, without great purpose, WikiLeaks has recently crossed this line.
A self-styled news organization that provides a medium for government employees — and others ― to leak classified information, WikiLeaks, released thousands of secret diplomatic communications sent to and from U.S. embassies worldwide yesterday. CNN reports that these cables potentially “contain highly sensitive information that reveals U.S. negotiating positions, secret intelligence and other confidential matters”
This begs one question: Why? Why release information that could more than likely encumber international stability?
“Diplomatic cables might talk about political instability inside the country ― there could be information about secret deals, weapon agreements, talks with dissidents, all sorts of things,” an expert on Israel-US relations at Chatham House, Yossi Mekelberg, told The Independent. “But cables are not policy papers. When I read cables I’m often surprised at how gossipy they can be.”
WikiLeaks paints a grandiose picture of the media’s struggle against corruption and its triumphant in democracy ― including itself as part of this idealized narrative.
“Publishing improves transparency and this transparency creates a better society for all people. Better scrutiny leads to reduced corruption and stronger democracies in all society’s institutions, including government, corporations and other organizations. A healthy, vibrant and inquisitive journalistic media plays a vital role in achieving these goals. We are part of that media,” the international organization states on its website.
While WikiLeaks undoubtedly romanticizes this notion, it understands the role of media in a democracy. The organization, however, lacks the credibility and responsibility to fit into their romanticized notion.
“Leaking information of this kind will be detrimental to building the trust among officials necessary to conduct effective and productive diplomacy. It will impede doing things in a normal, civilized way,” said James F. Collins, former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, to CNN.
Journalists are entrusted with gathering and reporting information, not whimsically releasing it at the cost of “effective and productive diplomacy.” Tact is the word and WikiLeaks knows nothing of it.
News outlets like CNN, MSNBC and FOX News or the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post and the New York Times shoulder a certain responsibility for the news they report. WikiLeaks lacks this form of credibility.
“Our verification process does not mean we will never make a mistake, but so far our method has meant that WikiLeaks has correctly identified the veracity of every document it has published,” states the organization.
While all news outlets are capable of error, we wouldn’t find this disclaimer on the back of the Daily 49er let alone an international “news” source.
WikiLeaks does not seem to have malicious motives, but some of its actions are irresponsible and naive.
In other words, if WikiLeaks aims to make society better, why attack an integral tool of international diplomacy — secret communication. No one would dare argue that all information should be made public. We’re not talking about ASI financial records here. This is a matter of international stability.
No, WikiLeaks should not be shut down. It still remains a vital haven for people who are compelled to leak information. WikiLeaks, however, should act with more caution and refuse to release information that would be detrimental to international stability. Ignorance at times may very well be bliss.
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