How Much Damage Has NSA leaker Edward Snowden Cause?

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, an analyst with a U.S. defence contractor, is seen in this file still image taken from video during an interview by The Guardian in his hotel room in Hong Kong June 6, 2013. REUTERS-Glenn Greenwald-Laura Poitras-Courtesy of The Guardian-Handout via Reuters

Just How Badly Has Snowden Wrecked American Power? -- James Lewis, Real Clear World

Political scientists and military strategists have tried to define a new grand strategy for America since the end of the Cold War. Despite repeated efforts, the results have not been compelling, perhaps because they start from the wrong premise about America's continued global role. The chaotic global political situation we face now, with clashing values and interests, is not the same as a military threat to freedom from hostile totalitarian regimes against whom we could lead and defend. In the current situation, we are just another contender for power, one whose ideas, no matter how exceptional, are often greeted with suspicions that Edward Snowdon's leaks have only reinforced.

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My Comment: In today's web based/social media/ connected world .... the impact of an Edward Snowden can be far reaching and enduring .... especially if he has the content. The NSA revelations from Edward Snowden will be long lasting .... secrets have been disclosed and many official reputations have now been tarnished. Eventually there will be a return to balance .... and these NSA disclosures will be footnoted in the history books .... but for the U.S. right now it is a "grin and bear it" moment.