Column by Alex Shaner
Several recent stories have pointed that the National Security Agency (NSA) has been gathering intelligence on several world leaders by listening into phone conversations.
Specifically, Angela Merkel the C\chancellor of Germany, and Spanish authorities have accused the United States of illegally obtaining telephone records.
After several allegations of domestic spying by Edward Snowden this summer, the recent stories regarding spying on allies brings up potential problems with our foreign policy.
These stories can contribute to lowering of confidence and share of support from our allies around the world.
This is a troubling notion, and our government should be aware of the long-term consequences.
All in the name of national security, these revelations seem routine.
Whether it is WikiLeaks, whistleblowers and these new allegations, support and trust from our closet allies are in trouble.
This summer with the Edward Snowden reports, domestic press and opinion were outraged that the NSA would be spying on American citizens. However, these recent stories show that our government is actively spying on foreign citizens and leaders, many of who are our closest allies.
Should the United States spy on our allies?
There have been allegations from Japan, Spain, Germany and several members of the European Union stating and denouncing the recent wave of U.S. spying.
While incredibly illegal under international law, these new allegations serve to undermine important diplomatic relations.
In an era of globalization, economic prosperity is crucial to every nation’s economic vitality.
After the recent global recession, our support for European reforms has shown that our economies are linked, and trouble in one signals trouble in the other.
Combine with economic challenges, recent battles in the War on Terror require tremendous support from our allies. All of these pacts and agreements are in jeopardy if the U.S. does not scale back and prevent these spying programs in the future.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Intelligence is currently reviewing domestic policies for spying and intelligence gathering to insure not abuse in constitutionally protected areas.
After these recent international issues, the Senate Committee is now reviewing our international policies as well.
President Obama commented that the government will review these policies to insure breach of trust and illegal usage is not tolerated. However, his actions need to go beyond simple rhetoric.
A meaningful analysis and review of the government’s spying programs is critical to maintain important foreign alliances.
The only justification offered by the government was in order to protect, monitor and share information relating to international security threats against U.S. national security.
Is it also in our interest to collect data and information from 60 million Spanish citizens every month or numbers of officials in the Germany government, one of our closest allies?
The government needs to address these problems and develop a responsible plan to ensure our alliances and relationships around the world are intact and built on common trust and respect.
Shaner is a senior international relations and politics double major and can be reached at alexander.shaner@drake.edu
