The "Snowden" Effect: We Have No Idea If It Actually Exists, But DNI Clapper Did Lie To Congress [View all]

[xocet]

"...militants have begun responding by altering methods of communication...could make it harder...."

"...have begun altering communications patterns in what was believed to be a direct response...."

"...too early to tell whether the recent changes in communications methods had caused a loss...."

"Previous dire warnings of leaks causing huge damage to U.S. national security interests have proved overplayed."

"...militants changing the way they communicate could actually hinder plots...."

"The officials declined to specify what changes were spotted among militant groups...."

"...militants' latest adjustments likely included reduced electronic transmissions and more frequent switching...."

"Exactly how serious the damage might be is difficult to measure...."

"Militants have a long history of trying to cover their electronic tracks."

"Largely using written messages and trusted couriers, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hid for years...."

"...analysts around the world are working to determine the operational impact of Snowden's exposure of methods...."

"...the potential damage...is...may have found out technical details...."

"...there could be further fallout...."

"...U.S. agencies are already operating on a "worst case" assumption...."

"U.S. and British officials insist...that...surveillance...has stopped attacks and is essential to public security."

"...is still in the early stages of damage assessment...."

"Washington may face charges of a double standard...."

"How can the United States continue to stand on high moral ground...?"

"It will make it more difficult for us to appear holier than thou...."

http://news.yahoo.com/snowden-effect-u-spies-militants-013034065.html

However, it is certain that DNI Clapper lied to Congress about the scope of NSA surveillance:

Clapper's Words: "No, Sir."

Edward Snowden has underscored Clapper's lie and, thus, deserves credit for his whistle-blowing.