Hogan's Alley

Friday, December 30, 2005

Justice Opens Probe On Intelligence Leaks

Now the stakes are getting higher. AP reports that DOJ has opened an inquiry at the request of the NSA. You will recall that just such a request by CIA in l'affaire Plame led to an investigation then the appointment of a special prosecutor and subpoenas to reporters.

The Plame matter was piddling in comparison with the leak of intelligence agencies methods and means to the enemy. As a White House spokesman says, "The leaking of classified information is a serious issue. The fact is that al-Qaida's playbook is not printed on Page One and when America's is, it has serious ramifications".

Let the games begin. Anyone want to bet that the press in general has zero interest in following horrible leaks that did not originate in the White House. They believe that no secrecy in the United States is defensible, except when any critic of the Administration is arguably harmed by the leak.