So if the US Ambassador to China talked shit about China in a cable released by WikiLeaks

[wndycty]

And as a result China refused to help out with the North Korea situation are you fine with that?

Look I am for exposing abuses but what is to be gained by a document dump that creates unnecessary tension between the US and other countries?

[Toucano]

1. Increased transparency?

That's a plus in my book.

I think the content of these cables is likely being a bit oversold, actually. At most, it will simply confirm what people already know.

The embarrassing content, while offensive to some leaders, is probably not any different that the content of their own diplomatic cables.


US DIPLOMAT: Merkel is an uncreative cow.
MERKEL: Oh no, you DIDN'T! <snap>


I think the world will still be spinning tomorrow, but we'll see.

[Hissyspit]

2. If that happens, let me know.

All kinds of things U.S. government does I'm not fine with.

Here's what we've got so far (from NYT): "¶ Gaming out an eventual collapse of North Korea: American and South Korean officials have discussed the prospects for a unified Korea, should the North’s economic troubles and political transition lead the state to implode. The South Koreans even considered commercial inducements to China, according to the American ambassador to Seoul. She told Washington in February that South Korean officials believe that the right business deals would “help salve” China’s “concerns about living with a reunified Korea” that is in a “benign alliance” with the United States."

[Catherina]

4. +1 n/t

[TexasObserver]

3. I'm fine with the leaks. Stop with the "what if" excuses.

First, North Korea wouldn't have done what they've done without the consent of China, if not the direction.

Second, the excuse you're using is the same one that has been used ad nauseam by those in government to hide all manner of material from the public. MOST of our classified documents are classified to keep them from the public, not to protect truly critical information.

Third, why the repetition? Do you really need a second thread on the same topic? Do you think your argument is bolstered by starting more threads on the same subject?

[Catherina]

5. Unrec and hide thread. n/t

[malaise]

6. Could you tell me North Korea's threat to anyone?

Thanks.

[Alexander]

7. What if these cables were really from secret CIA alien robot ninja assassin zombies from the future?

I mean, as long as we're playing the "What if" game.

[Junkdrawer]

8. I find it more likely that the leaks will reveal the real geopolitical reasons....

for the escalation of our involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan - namely the containment of Chinese influence in the region. And this will NOT be news to China, but it may influence the US publics support of such policies.