Introduction
In 2006, a group of hackers, programmers, activists, and journalists led by Australian hacker Julian Assange created WikiLeaks, a website designed to be a platform for whistleblowers. Since its inception, WikiLeaks has published an astounding 2,325,961 US State Department records, totaling about 2 billion words. These leaked documents have shed light on various aspects of US foreign policy, diplomacy, and military operations, often revealing uncomfortable truths that the US government would prefer to keep hidden.
"The WikiLeaks Files" is a comprehensive examination of the revelations contained within these leaked documents. It offers readers a unique insight into the inner workings of US foreign policy and the often stark contrast between public statements and private actions. This book summary will explore the key findings and implications of the WikiLeaks files, providing a clear and concise overview of the most significant revelations.
The US Government's Response to WikiLeaks
The United States government has not taken kindly to WikiLeaks and its activities. Both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations have condemned the organization, with former Vice President Joe Biden going so far as to label Julian Assange a "cyber-terrorist." The US government has made concerted efforts to suppress WikiLeaks and prevent the public and researchers from accessing its information.
Some examples of these suppression efforts include:
- The Library of Congress blocking access to the WikiLeaks website
- The National Archives blocking searches for the term "WikiLeaks" in its databases
- The Pentagon implementing an automated filter to block emails containing the word "WikiLeaks" on its servers
- The International Studies Association (ISA) forbidding its 6,500 members worldwide from using WikiLeaks material
These actions demonstrate the extent to which the US government is concerned about the information contained in the WikiLeaks files and its potential impact on public perception of US policies and actions.
US Disregard for International Law and War Crimes
One of the most damning revelations from the WikiLeaks files is the United States' apparent disregard for international law and its involvement in actions that could be considered war crimes. Despite claims of just wars and moral superiority, the leaked documents paint a very different picture of US military conduct.
Civilian Casualties and Executions
The WikiLeaks files have revealed numerous instances of US forces causing civilian casualties and even executing civilians. Some notable examples include:
The 2006 incident in the Iraqi town of Ishaqi, where at least ten Iraqi civilians, including a woman in her 70s and a five-month-old infant, were handcuffed and shot in the head. The US military then used airstrikes to destroy evidence of the killings.
A classified US military video from 2007 showing US helicopters killing a dozen people in Baghdad, including two Iraqi Reuters news staff.
These incidents highlight the disconnect between the United States' public claims of conducting just wars and the reality of its actions on the ground.
Guantanamo Bay Detentions
The WikiLeaks files have also shed light on the controversial detention practices at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Contrary to official statements claiming that the detainees were dangerous terrorists, the leaked documents revealed that many prisoners were held despite posing no risk whatsoever.
This revelation exposes the flawed logic and moral bankruptcy of the "us versus them" mentality promoted by the George W. Bush administration. This worldview, encapsulated by Dick Cheney's reference to possibly innocent Guantanamo detainees as "bad guys," served to justify questionable detention practices and human rights violations.
US Torture Practices and Denial
One of the most controversial aspects of US foreign policy revealed by the WikiLeaks files is the use of torture by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Despite consistent denials from the US government, the leaked documents provide clear evidence of torture being employed as an interrogation technique.
The Case of Abu Zubaydah
A prime example of the CIA's torture practices is the case of Abu Zubaydah, a Saudi national captured in Pakistan in 2002. The WikiLeaks files reveal that Zubaydah was subjected to various forms of torture, including:
- Being forced to spend two weeks inside a coffin-shaped box
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress positions
- Physical abuse (slapping)
- Psychological torture (scattering insects inside the box)
Furthermore, Zubaydah's bullet wound from his capture was left untreated, allowed to fester and rot. Despite these inhumane treatments, Zubaydah maintained his denial of connections to al-Qaeda, which appeared to be truthful. Nevertheless, he continues to be held in Guantanamo without being charged with any crime.
CIA's Attempts to Legitimize Torture
In the face of mounting evidence, the CIA has gone to great lengths to deny and legitimize its torture practices. Some of their efforts include:
- Claiming that the torture program "saves lives" by preventing terrorist attacks
- Producing documents listing every occasion they briefed members of Congress about their interrogation methods
These attempts to justify and normalize torture practices demonstrate the CIA's – and by extension, the United States' – willingness to compromise moral and ethical standards in pursuit of their objectives.
Weakening the International Criminal Court
The United States has consistently worked to limit the power and reach of the International Criminal Court (ICC), an institution established in 2002 to investigate and prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The WikiLeaks files reveal the extent of US efforts to undermine the ICC's authority and protect American citizens from potential prosecution.
Limiting ICC Jurisdiction
During the 1998 diplomatic conference in Rome that led to the establishment of the ICC, US negotiators pushed for limitations on the court's jurisdiction. While most countries favored "universal jurisdiction," allowing the ICC to prosecute war crimes committed anywhere, the United States forced a compromise. The resulting agreement limited the ICC's authority to prosecute crimes committed by individuals from ratifying states or on the territory of a state party to the Rome Statute.
US Withdrawal from the Rome Statute
Despite the compromises made, the United States remained unsatisfied with the ICC's potential reach. In 2002, the George W. Bush administration took the unprecedented step of withdrawing the United States' signature from the Rome Statute. This action effectively shielded American citizens from the threat of prosecution for war crimes by the ICC.
Consequences of US Actions
The United States' efforts to weaken the ICC have had far-reaching consequences:
- US citizens can only be indicted if they commit a crime in a state that has ratified the ICC.
- The court's heavy dependence on Western financial and political support has led to a bias in its prosecutions, with only African countries' citizens being indicted in its 13-year history.
- The ICC lacks its own enforcement officers, relying on the cooperation of governments to detain and extradite indicted individuals.
These limitations severely hamper the ICC's ability to hold powerful nations, like the United States, accountable for potential war crimes and human rights violations.
US Economic Imperialism
The WikiLeaks files have also shed light on the United States' efforts to spread and institutionalize its brand of capitalism throughout the world. This economic imperialism, rooted in the country's nineteenth-century doctrine of "manifest destiny," has shaped global economic policies and trade agreements to benefit American interests.
Free Trade Agreements
In 2014, WikiLeaks released drafts of two obscure free trade treaties: the Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). These documents revealed the extent to which the United States was pushing for policies that would primarily benefit American service firms and corporations. Some key aspects of these agreements include:
- Eliminating trade barriers to increase US services exports by up to $860 billion
- Bypassing environmental and labor protection standards set by the World Trade Organization
These agreements demonstrate how the United States uses its economic and political power to shape global trade in its favor, often at the expense of other nations' interests and international standards.
The Influence of Wall Street
The WikiLeaks files also highlight the outsized influence of the US financial sector on global economic policies. Between 1973 and 2007, profits from the financial sector grew from 16 to 41 percent of total profits in the US economy. Today, Wall Street accounts for over a third of financial transactions worldwide.
This concentration of financial power gives Wall Street significant influence over US policy-making. The government often relies on the financial sector for technical expertise, training, legal knowledge, and attitudes, which then shape economic policies both domestically and internationally.
The result is a system where American financial institutions are largely free from democratic oversight and maintain a firm grip on global economic decision-making. This arrangement ensures that US financial interests are protected and promoted on a global scale, effectively merging American economic interests with those of the entire world.
Conclusion: The True Face of US Foreign Policy
The WikiLeaks files have provided an unprecedented look behind the curtain of US foreign policy, revealing a stark contrast between public statements and private actions. The leaked documents paint a picture of a nation willing to disregard international law, commit war crimes, torture prisoners, undermine international institutions, and manipulate global economic policies to further its own interests.
Key takeaways from the WikiLeaks revelations include:
The United States has repeatedly violated international law and committed actions that could be considered war crimes, including the killing and torture of civilians.
The US government has gone to great lengths to suppress and discredit WikiLeaks, demonstrating the threat these revelations pose to its public image and policy objectives.
The CIA's torture program, despite consistent denials, was far more extensive and brutal than previously known.
The United States has actively worked to weaken international institutions like the ICC to avoid accountability for its actions.
American economic imperialism continues to shape global trade and financial policies, often at the expense of other nations and international standards.
These revelations challenge the United States' self-proclaimed role as a beacon of democracy and human rights. They expose the often-ruthless pursuit of national interests and the willingness to compromise moral and ethical standards in the name of security and economic dominance.
The WikiLeaks files serve as a crucial resource for understanding the true nature of US foreign policy and its impact on the world. They highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in government actions, especially in matters of international relations and military operations.
As citizens and members of the global community, it is essential to critically examine the actions of powerful nations like the United States and hold them accountable for their conduct. The WikiLeaks files provide a valuable tool for doing so, offering insights that can inform public debate and potentially shape future policies.
Ultimately, "The WikiLeaks Files" challenges readers to look beyond official narratives and consider the broader implications of US foreign policy. It serves as a reminder of the power of information and the crucial role that whistleblowers and organizations like WikiLeaks play in exposing hidden truths and promoting transparency in governance.