I understand the argument he is making, but it is very weak. There is nothing in Russia screwing him over that offers proof he wasn't a spy and didn't provide high value espionage to the Russians and/or other foreign interests. The argument this would harm Russia's ability to turn future sources is underwhelming to say the least. It relies on Russia agreeing publicly that he was a spy. All they have to do is stick with their story he wasn't.
Even if Snowden was primarily motivated by whistleblower's conscience, he almost certainly stole more meaningful secrets in the process as a bargaining chip. A perhaps more likely possibility is that he released the information on the spy programs as an ego-stroking coverup, since anybody calling a whistleblower a spy clearly has an agenda 100% about avenging their revealed secrets, not dealing with an actual foreign agent.
Given Snowden's declining relevance, it's also not impossible he originated the rumor to stroke his ego since he gets to be the embattled hero again. We'll only ever know if Putin really does hand over Snowden.
[–] Thisismyvoatusername 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I understand the argument he is making, but it is very weak. There is nothing in Russia screwing him over that offers proof he wasn't a spy and didn't provide high value espionage to the Russians and/or other foreign interests. The argument this would harm Russia's ability to turn future sources is underwhelming to say the least. It relies on Russia agreeing publicly that he was a spy. All they have to do is stick with their story he wasn't.
[–] ShinyVoater ago
Even if Snowden was primarily motivated by whistleblower's conscience, he almost certainly stole more meaningful secrets in the process as a bargaining chip. A perhaps more likely possibility is that he released the information on the spy programs as an ego-stroking coverup, since anybody calling a whistleblower a spy clearly has an agenda 100% about avenging their revealed secrets, not dealing with an actual foreign agent.
Given Snowden's declining relevance, it's also not impossible he originated the rumor to stroke his ego since he gets to be the embattled hero again. We'll only ever know if Putin really does hand over Snowden.
[–] 8014039? 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
His glasses are looking dated, needs to retire soon. Its all about image.