How I met Julian Assange and secured the American embassy cables

[Swagman]

Philip Dorling
December 11, 2010

GETTING to WikiLeaks's secret headquarters took quite some time and was not without complications.

This year a careful reading of statements by the WikiLeaks co-founder, Julian Assange, led me to conclude his small organisation had landed what could be the biggest leak of classified information - a vast trove of US documents that, among other things, would provide deep insight into the realities of Australia's relationship with our most important ally, the US.

As a journalist I thought this was a story worth going for. Curiously few, if any others, thought likewise. Consistent with the old journalistic maxim that ''Noah is a better story than flood control'', most media interest was focused on Assange himself, admittedly an elusive and intensely interesting figure, rather than what he might be about to release through the WikiLeaks website.

Six months of emails, clandestine meetings and confidential exchanges followed before arrangements for a visit to Britain were locked in.

<snip>

As for Assange, he is an impressive figure. Highly intelligent, articulate and deeply committed to his cause. And he certainly isn't in it for the money. For someone under immense pressure he was remarkably calm, focused and measured.


http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/how-i-met-julian-assange-and-secured-the-american-embassy-cables-20101210-18sxj.html

[Lucinda]

1. Thank you!

Interesting read.

[Matilda]

2. An October interview with Assange by Tony Jones

also gives an impression of a highly intelligent and rational person.
Cool and calm, but under no illusions about the risks he is running.
It is all still relevant, although it dates back to October this year.
I thought he was impressive.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/07/30/2968349.htm

[sabrina 1]

3. Thank you. He is indeed a very impressive and committed

individual. I saw him on TED a few months ago and was very impressed by him. As he said himself, Wikileaks has changed governments with the work they have done. Kenya eg. He spoke about how little interest the world press had in the brutality that was going on there, the disappearance of over 500 people, torture and persecution. He wanted to do something about it. He cares about human rights and believes that when a government has too many secrets, very bad things can happen. History certainly proves him right about that, and we don't have to go back in history actually, to see how true it is.

It is shameful that the U.S. is now in the position the Soviet Union was in, Iran when they issued a Fatwa on Salmon Rushdie, China when he jailed those who spoke out for freedom and equality at Tiananmen Sq. WE, are now among those oppressive governments who have far too many secrets.

He is a very brave man. He is gathering support from all over the world and if the U.S does attempt to prosecute based on the Espionage laws, I think it will start a virtual war.