Is the U.S. going to press Russia to have Edward Snowden delivered to U.S?

[ehcross]

[Roselma]

1. No...he is no longer of value to the U.S.

He has found his safe place.

[ehcross]

4. Edward Snowden is no longer of value to the U.S.

I hasten to disagree with the statement that Snowden is no longer of value to the U.S.

And I don´t think granting him the prerrogative of being "untouchable" by the laws of his country, after having betrayed his oath is of loyalty sends the proper message to the intelligence community, to his fellow citizens and to his country.

It is still clearly within his reach to cause more damage to the United States that could result in people getting killed. Furthermore, Snowden could well put his priviledged knowledge on the market, possibly endangering the National Security of the United States. while he enjoys material benefits from the wholesale of vital NSA secrets.

[Roselma]

7. I don't think the US government cares much anymore.

If Snowden sneaks back into the US, they might go after him. At this point, it simply isn't worth the diplomatic troubles to bring him back to the US. He has found his new home. Let him have his freedom in Russia. This does not mean that he would not be intercepted in his travels outside of Russia. Let's assume he knows everything ever to have been known at the time that he took off for Hong Kong, it is different now. People in the field have been replaced. Programs have been changed. NSA has closed the barn door and locked it.

[ehcross]

9. The U.S.Government doesn´t care anymore?

It certainly would be comforting to know for sure that Snowden is in custody and that his goodies have been confiscated, thus bringing this headache to an end. But the truth is already known and, for all we know Snowden is in Russia, most probably "cooperating" with his new bosses. Nothing further will be known until his masters decide to let him go. I am sure the NSA will be able to recover and find another Edward Snowden. I also trust the NSA will make sure their goodies are upgraded to make Snowden´s obsolete. Over and out.

[Roselma]

10. I think trying to "get" Snowden is

likely calculated by our government not to be worth the effort and risk to our relationship with Russia. NSA has likely already assumed that he took everything and gave it to Russia/China/whomever he could. No turning back. Can't undo it. Can only mitigate and close the opportunity for future hackers. Snowden will slip up on a trip outside of Russia and be apprehended. Meanwhile, he vacations in Russia enjoying the freedoms he claims he did not have in the USA.

[MADem]

2. Let the Russians keep him in jail. They can feed him, house him, and take care of his healthcare.

That's essentially where he is...in a big Russian jail, his every move watched, his every keystroke recorded, his every website visited surveyed.

He had privacy concerns before? They ain't nuthin' compared to the ones he's got now!

[ehcross]

6. Russia is the clear winner.

Yes, the Russians will love to keep him in jail. They will feed him, house him, and take care of his healthcare.

There are numerous benefits the Russians will enjoy by having him in custody. Edward Snowden is a genius, and geniuses have unlimited creativity. Edward Snowden will no doubt sell the Russians the idea of replicating for them the NSA´s best achievements. It would be a real bargain for Putin, wouldn´t it? Just think how much the U.S. government paid to have such a marvel of 21st century electronics, and be able to listen to a cricket sitting on an asteroid!

No, Americans, the loss of Edward Snowden is a serious matter indeed. Much more serious than you want to admit.

And Russia is the clear beneficiary. Again!

[MADem]

8. He's not a genius--he's a good thief, and a deceiver.

They'll never trust him. Hey, if you'll screw over one government, you'll screw over another. And for all they know, he's a double agent with a "treasure trove" that exaggerates our capabilities--I'm sure, true or not, that's crossed their minds. Unless they're idiots, and I don't think they are that.

He's a wild animal, stuck in a cage in the Pootie Poot zoo. Ask the ghost of Kim Philby, True Believer, how well he dealt with his lot in life as a guest of the Russians.

He will be watched relentlessly, monitored continuously, and scrutinized incessantly, until he leaves Russia, or dies.

But hey, believe what you'd like--whatever gets you through the night!

[bemildred]

11. See, that's the problem, that makes him perfect for the spook business, no?

So how do you tell the ones that are going to be loyal from the ones that might think for themselves once in a while? It's a tough question with no good answers.

And with some private company that needs to worry about revenue, there are all those extra worries too, cutting corners on security and you know those guys are in it for the money when you hire them.

[Agnosticsherbet]

3. No.

[bemildred]

5. I thought we had already done that. nt