Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
1–10 of 29 posts
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#2>...Mr. Snowden could stay in Russia only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Mr. Snowden told the gathering of activists that he did not see an obstacle in this condition. “No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the United States,” he said, according to the activists present. “I want the United States to succeed.”
A few days ago:
>Edward Snowden has withdrawn an application for asylum in Russia, apparently deciding that he couldn't abide by President Vladimir Putin's insistence that he stop leaking U.S. secrets, a Kremlin spokesman said Tuesday.
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-edward-s...
First, Hong Kong is a perfect place to avoid extradition. Despite that, he then goes to Moscow. He applies for asylum in Russia, then revokes it, then applies again.
I'm getting more and more skeptical of any claims that all of Snowden's actions are part of some brilliant plan.
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#3>...Mr. Snowden could stay in Russia only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Mr. Snowden told the gathering of activists that he did not see an obstacle in this condition. “No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the United States,” he said, according to the activists present. “I want the United States to succeed.” A few days ago: >Edward Snowden has withdrawn an…
His transit through Hong Kong did not get him returned to the US, despite many efforts to make that happen, so it doesn't seem to have turned out so badly.
Regarding Russia, were Russia going to grant him asylum they would of course want to smooth it to the greatest extent possible, so it's entirely possible the earlier dance was a part of the show (Russia showing itself as a concerned partner, perhaps hoping for some American demonstrations of overreach that would legitimize the asylum request, such as attempt to harm or abduct Snowden). He is in Russia, so neither side has any need to rush things.
Not saying it's all a part of some brilliant plan, but things seldom are as straightforward as they seem.
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#4So, what are his prospects for supporting himself post-asylum/defection? Intelligence asset? Puppet for a leftist government?
Besides the White House petition, what organized efforts are underway to bring this guy back without rebuke?
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#5I don't think I would have the stomach to run. He clearly faces a possible execution if he comes back to the United States, but I think at this point he's garnered enough support from the populous that there would be MASSIVE riots if an execution was passed or even being considered.
Plus, personally, I would rather come back to the U.S. and stand for what I did because (1) South America isn't exactly the most healthy place. (2) The socialist governments are using Snowden to get back at the U.S. and some of the rhetoric the south american officials said upon accepting his request would scare me more than facing a public trial. (3) If it was actually attempting to show the world what the government is doing because its morally wrong part of standing up for what you believe in is looking your enemy in the eye. He's made his point, clearly the rage the world and Americans feel is continuing to grow, festering under the surface. His best chances at survival are actually to come home and face the enemy, than run and get murdered in his sleep or simply disappear.
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#6>...Mr. Snowden could stay in Russia only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Mr. Snowden told the gathering of activists that he did not see an obstacle in this condition. “No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the United States,” he said, according to the activists present. “I want the United States to succeed.” A few days ago: >Edward Snowden has withdrawn an…
it's likely that the guardian or the times or the post still have stuff to leak and the "damage" he's been doing will keep coming for a few more weeks/months. therefore he can't abide by the condition until the leaks are over
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#7>...Mr. Snowden could stay in Russia only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Mr. Snowden told the gathering of activists that he did not see an obstacle in this condition. “No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the United States,” he said, according to the activists present. “I want the United States to succeed.” A few days ago: >Edward Snowden has withdrawn an…
How do you plan for a situation like this, and expect to know US' every step ahead of time?
I assume he didn't expect US would invalidate his passport that quickly, and get stuck in Russia. He wanted to flee to South America (Ecuador, most likely). But then he got stuck and Russia, and now he needs to adapt accordingly. Getting stuck in Russia wasn't in his plan, I believe.
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#8>...Mr. Snowden could stay in Russia only if he agreed to “cease his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners.” Mr. Snowden told the gathering of activists that he did not see an obstacle in this condition. “No actions I take or plan are meant to harm the United States,” he said, according to the activists present. “I want the United States to succeed.” A few days ago: >Edward Snowden has withdrawn an…
it's likely that the guardian or the times or the post still have stuff to leak and the "damage" he's been doing will keep coming for a few more weeks/months. therefore he can't abide by the condition until the leaks are over
It's not likely, it's factual http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/25/greenwald-s...
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#9So, what are his prospects for supporting himself post-asylum/defection? Intelligence asset? Puppet for a leftist government? Besides the White House petition, what organized efforts are underway to bring this guy back without rebuke?
He's a technologist; if he's allowed to work, there is obviously work.
Re: Snowden Is Said to Renew Plea for Asylum in Russia
#10So Michael McFaul, the US ambassador to Russia, called a member of the human rights delegation today and asked her to pass on to the message to Snowden that he is not considered a whistleblower [1].
This is deliciously ironic timing -- just yesterday, the US Embassy in Russia released a statement condemning the posthumous conviction of tax fraud whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky [2].
[1] https://twitter.com/RyanLizza/statuses/355704161536450562