I'm new to this site, this is my first post, I will act accordingly and hope to be not so "FNG."
The Wikileaks thread is also the first thread I read. I very much disapprove of Wikileaks and what it
doesn't stand for, and am reposting a rant of mine from Facebook regarding Julian Assange.
First, I believe he believes his methods are commended universally. They are not, however, commended universally. At a debate on journalistic integrity and ethics last year in London, he refused to answer any questions regarding his own journalistic integrity and ethics, or questions regarding the negative effects of his "journalism." The common perception among qualified journalists there was, despite the perceived benefits of his "whistle-blowing," he was a rogue individual acting without regard for anyone but himself. Second, it is my own perception that he behaves as if he feels he has been personally wronged by the United States or its allies, and is acting out a vendetta. I think it is also obvious he desperately desires the attention he now receives. Third, I believe the majority of diplomacy should, by its nature, be secretive and time sensitive. For example, as the article you posted above clearly indicates, China has allied with and supported North Korea publicly for decades, but privately supports a unified Korea and looks at North Korea with contempt. The dialogues of diplomats that shape international policy - shaping which often is realized very far down the road - are not meant to be public, because the public demands immediacy. Diplomacy requires so much patience, delicacy, and/or candidness, can be affected by countless external factors, and can result in countless negative externalities, that its secret nature and time sensitivity should be a foregone conclusion. The recent leaks Assange has publicized - in a drawn-out, center-stage, look at me kind of way - are not his property, foment more sensationalized hatred of the West, and erode diplomatic foundations. Finally, he looks like a villain.
The link referred to above:
BBC News - Wikileaks cables: China 'frustrated' by North Korea