Intelligence Director to Edward Snowden: Hand Over Your Documents
If former NSA analyst-turned-whistle-blower Edward Snowden is sitting on any more classified documents with intent to leak their contents, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper believes Snowden ought to give them back to the U.S. government.
Over to you, Edward Snowden: Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper threw down the gauntlet on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Photo: Office of the Director of National Intelligence
If former NSA analyst-turned-whistle-blower Edward Snowden is sitting on any more classified documents with intent to leak their contents, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper believes Snowden ought to give them back to the U.S. government.
Clapper blasted Snowden during Wednesday’s session before the Senate on threats to America’s national security, claiming the expatriated analyst had emboldened the nation’s enemies, estranged allies and endangered intelligence agents by letting loose with the information Snowden leaked last year. As The Washington Post reported Wednesday, Clapper also riffed on Snowden’s recent “mission accomplished” declaration to the press:
“Snowden claims that he has won and his mission is accomplished,” Clapper said. “If that is true,” he added, Snowden should return the documents that have not been released.
Alluding to Snowden’s refugee status in Russia, Clapper scoffed at the former contractor’s comments “about what an Orwellian state he thinks this country is.”
But Snowden wasn’t the only figure high on Clapper’s list of security threats. The intelligence chief also pointed to Syria as a growing area of concern, as upheaval in that region has spawned and strengthened militant groups with anti-U.S. inclinations.
–Posted by Kasia Anderson
Wait, before you go…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Intelligence expert William Binney discusses the revelation that a widely used encryption service has been in government hands for decades.
In “Permanent Record,” the NSA whistleblower tries to convince skeptics of his motives and educate readers about mass surveillance.
Several nations have played a role in the WikiLeaks publisher’s downfall as corporate media stands idly by.
If the Democrats' impeachment action fails to address the "constitutional rot" that has occurred over decades, U.S. democracy may be doomed.
The Vermont senator's latest proposal is being hailed as "the most important stance any candidate has taken affecting press freedom so far."
Far too many are vilified, persecuted and prosecuted for their courageous acts. Just ask one of the most famous ones alive.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.