Monday, August 5, 2013

""I thank the Russian Federation...




...for granting me asylum in accordance with its laws and international obligations."
(snip) Snowden already has been offered a job by Russia's top social networking site.
A pledge not to publish more information that could harm the United States was the condition under which Putin said Snowden could receive safe harbor. "Edward assured me that he is not planning to publish any documents that blacken the American government," [his lawyer] Kucherena said."
Reuters

Added: Lydia finds in USA Today:
Alexander Konovalov, president of the Moscow-based Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis, in Moscow, said Snowden's presence in Russia creates "additional problems" in relations between the two countries.
He said Russia would lose face by handing Snowden over to U.S. authorities directly, "but to send him off somewhere eventually -- that would be in Russia's interests."

40 comments:

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

"Edward assured me that he is not planning to publish any documents that blacken the American government,"

Did he say that in Russian or English?

edutcher said...

I have a feeling the word blackmail is firmly in Vlad's vocabulary.

Trooper York said...

If he would only pledge not to talk about TOP then the world would be safe for democracy.

Freeman Hunt said...

"A pledge not to publish more information that could harm the United States was the condition under which Putin said Snowden could receive safe harbor."

Ha ha ha ha ha.

Trooper York said...

Who determines what would hurt the United States?

The Russians?

If he published information about how the government invades the privacy of it's citizens he is only helping the United States get back to where it was before the Bush/Obama assault on the Constitution.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

The lawyer spoke in Russian.

I don't know... maybe its nothing.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Trooper!

lol.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

A little bird told me, Snowden's father is planning to turn over his record collection to his son when he goes to see him in Russia.

You didn't hear that from me.

AllenS said...

If the government has secrets that they don't want to get out, they could keep them with Obama's college records.

ndspinelli said...

I don't believe Trooper was kidding about the last two administrations shitting on the Constitution. I believe that if he doesn't.

Eric the Fruit Bat said...

Asylum and a good job. Now all Snowden needs is one of those cute Russian mail-order brides to complete the trifecta.

bagoh20 said...

Putin is the best President we have.

bagoh20 said...

How does it hurt the U.S. if Snowden reveals secrets about our spying on Russia. It only help the Russians. That's not hurting the U.S.

bagoh20 said...

A new successful career path identified.

Methadras said...

I've lost all respect for Snowden. Traitors gonna trait.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

What AllenS said.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Putin is the best President we have.

Putin stepped up to the plate.

Trooper York said...

They did shit on the Constitution nick. Just because they didn't have the balls to profile the people who are most likely terrorists.

That is why they strip search little old white ladies instead of just the Muslims who are the terrorists.

deborah said...

Allen, I think that's the same place they keep his medical records.

edutcher said...

Any takers Vlad knew more about what's behind the "terror alert" (if anything) than the NSA?

And 5 gets you 10, it's going to be used to justify the NSA surveillance.

No matter how phony.

PS Troop, Dubya used it within the limit of the law. You don't like the law, see Congress.

Choom is the one trashing the Constitution.

deborah said...

bago:
"Putin is the best President we have."

Remember duck and cover?

deborah said...

Ed:
"And 5 gets you 10, it's going to be used to justify the NSA surveillance."

No thanks.

AllenS said...

deborah, it's a big place.

Michael Haz said...

Social media in Russia? You mean PutinBook, right? One commenter, everyone reads.

Michael Haz said...

Of course, if Putin says he granted Snowden asylum, then Snowden will get just that: life in an asylum.

AllenS said...

Putin: "I've got good news and bad news for you."

Snowden: "What's the good news?"

Putin: "You've been given asylum in Russia."

Snowden: "What's the bad news?"

Putin: "You've been given asylum in Russia."

Joe Schmoe said...

I heard Putin also offered asylum to Alex Rodriguez, with the condition that A-Rod "stop dressing so gay."

Trooper York said...

Now that is funny.

sakredkow said...

"Edward assured me that he is not planning to publish any documents that blacken the American government,"

Hahaha! Putin has a sense of humor!

Snowden, don't show him your ring.

edutcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
edutcher said...

deborah said...

And 5 gets you 10, it's going to be used to justify the NSA surveillance.

No thanks.


Remember, I said, "No matter how phony".

It looks like the Choom Gang is putting the squeeze on anybody who might challenge him on this. Consider how Peter King was happy the effort to defund it failed.

PS As has been asked elsewhere, is closing 21 embassies a "specific" threat?

Seems like scattershot.

Lydia said...

From a Russian point of view:

Alexander Konovalov, president of the Moscow-based Institute of Strategic Studies and Analysis, in Moscow, said Snowden's presence in Russia creates "additional problems" in relations between the two countries.

He said Russia would lose face by handing Snowden over to U.S. authorities directly, "but to send him off somewhere eventually -- that would be in Russia's interests."


That "send him off somewhere eventually" sounds right out of From Russia With Love.

deborah said...

Ed:
"As has been asked elsewhere, is closing 21 embassies a "specific" threat?"

I haven't been keeping up with this. Would they be referring to the heightened security?

edutcher said...

Yes.

According to Reason, 22 embassies and consulates over the weekend and most (19) still closed.

edutcher said...

PS Here's a list of embassies and consulates.

I only count 21, but maybe there's a late addition.

bagoh20 said...

Putin to Obama: "Now that your election is over I simply love your added flexibility. It reminds me of an East German gymnast I used to visit when I was younger. She was amazing!"

deborah said...

Thanks, Ed. Also, looks like Ms. Rice is having a ball.

@bago: Yeah, baby. (That's my Austin Powers impression.)

William said...

Anyone remember Crime and Punishment. The student ends up sharing a hut in Siberia with a Jesus freak, ex prostitute. As I remember, Dostoevsky presents this as a kind of happy ending what with the student finding peace of mind and true love. Oh sure, who wouldn't want to spend the rest of their lives in a Siberian hut with a Jesus freak.....Snowden reminds me of the student in Crime and Punishment. He has found a peace that surpasseth understanding or, anyway, probability.

William said...

Anyone remember Crime and Punishment. The student ends up sharing a hut in Siberia with a Jesus freak, ex prostitute. As I remember, Dostoevsky presents this as a kind of happy ending what with the student finding peace of mind and true love. Oh sure, who wouldn't want to spend the rest of their lives in a Siberian hut with a Jesus freak.....Snowden reminds me of the student in Crime and Punishment. He has found a peace that surpasseth understanding or, anyway, probability.

deborah said...

Excellent observation about Snowden re Crime and Punishment lol.

I recently listened to an excellent audio version. The narrator was superb, which is more than half the game in an audio book.

I don't agree with your jaded take on the ending, however, you cosmopolitan toe sucker.

For sweet William.