Comments on: FBI Leaks Are Hampering British Investigation Into Terror Plot

By: Wayne

Wayne — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:23:13 +0000

Most people would be surprise how many little details often consider “no big deal” can cause great harm in investigation and/or war on terror. For example giving the 50 number changes much. Knowing that there were 50 can give the terrorist an idea of how many cells has been compromise. That way they can isolate the most likely compromise cells. Also they have an idea of the cells that do not need to be isolate and can continue forward with current operations. Knowing some of the counties that were involved is of great use to terrorist also.

Yes, we need to know generally what type of action our government is doing. However we do not need to know when and how. People’s curiosity including my own is not a right to be fulfill as many think it is, especially if it compromise national security.

By: legion

legion — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 17:29:27 +0000

Mark,
Ask Dick Cheney. He's got a lot to say on the subject...

By: Old War Dogs

Old War Dogs — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 17:15:22 +0000

FBI Leaks Hampering British Investigation Into Terror Plot...

Police hit out at FBI over leaks Anti-terror police in Britain have made an angry request to their US counterparts asking them to stop leaking details of this month's suspected bomb plot over fears that it could jeopardise the chances...

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 13:20:36 +0000

If the FBI isn't allowed to leak, we'll never know what a good job Bush is doing to protect us.

By: Alex Knapp

Alex Knapp — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 12:15:23 +0000

Mark,

While a criminal investigation per se might not be equivalent, leaking details about terrorist plots prematurely could result in making it more difficult to find evidence and accomplices to the crimes, thereby increasing the likelihood of terrorist plots being successful in the future.

By: Stevely

Stevely — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:47:49 +0000

I'm sure Anderson will pipe up with an excuse any moment now.

By: Mark Jaquith

Mark Jaquith — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 07:38:03 +0000

I think that the FBI leaking details about a particular investigation is just as dangerous to American (and British) lives as leaking battlefield information.

Can you elaborate on why you equate information about a criminal investigation with wartime battlefield information, at least in terms of danger?

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 04:32:15 +0000

Let me assure you that it's not only the Brits who complain about Chatty Cathies in the FBI. Practically every national law enforcement agency in the world believes the world would be better served if the FBI stopped digging for glory and STFU.

If you don't spill info in DC, you're a nobody. Nobody wants to be a nobody.

Usually, spilling someone else's beans has little consequence, so it's a hard habit to break.