WikiLeaks and the Release of U.S. Diplomatic Cables - November 28, 2010

On November 28, 2010, WikiLeaks, an international non-profit organization known for publishing classified information, began releasing a massive trove of U.S. diplomatic cables. This event marked one of the most significant leaks of classified information in history, revealing confidential communications between the U.S. State Department and its embassies around the world.

Background

WikiLeaks, founded by Julian Assange in 2006, had previously gained attention for publishing sensitive documents related to various governments and organizations. Prior to the release of the diplomatic cables, WikiLeaks had already published the “Collateral Murder” video in April 2010, and the “Afghan War Diary” and “Iraq War Logs” later that year, which exposed military operations and incidents involving civilian casualties.

The Leak

The diplomatic cables, often referred to as “Cablegate,” consisted of approximately 251,287 documents, dating from 1966 to 2010. These cables were obtained from a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, Chelsea Manning, who had access to the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) used by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of State.

Key Revelations

The cables exposed a wide array of sensitive and candid communications, including:

• Diplomatic Assessments: Unvarnished opinions about world leaders, including derogatory remarks and candid assessments of political situations.
• International Relations: Insights into U.S. foreign policy strategies, including efforts to gather intelligence on United Nations officials and attempts to influence foreign governments.
• Regional Conflicts: Details on negotiations and diplomatic efforts concerning conflicts in the Middle East, North Korea, and other regions.
• Human Rights Issues: Reports on human rights abuses and corruption in various countries.

Global Impact

The release of the cables caused a diplomatic uproar, straining relationships between the United States and several countries. Some of the immediate consequences included:

• Diplomatic Fallout: Embarrassment and tension in U.S. relations with allies and adversaries alike, as candid opinions and sensitive information were made public.
• Security Concerns: Fears over the safety of individuals named in the cables, leading to efforts to protect sources and operatives.
• Legal and Political Repercussions: Calls for legal action against WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, as well as debates over press freedom and government transparency.

Aftermath

The release of the cables intensified debates about the role of whistleblowers and the balance between national security and the public’s right to know. Julian Assange faced legal challenges, including extradition efforts by the United States, while Chelsea Manning was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison, though her sentence was later commuted by President Barack Obama in 2017.

The “Cablegate” incident remains a pivotal moment in the history of digital journalism and whistleblowing, highlighting the complexities of information dissemination in the digital age and its profound impact on global diplomacy.