We spy on our allies. I am certain the EU and UK spy on us. Israel does it too, and we do it to them.
Spying has been around since humans began to live in groups.
I find Merkel’s outrage, fake. She is just taking advantage of the situation for her own political gain.
Anyway, what happened to “Smart Diplomacy”? Remember the one which started with the idiotic “Reset” button.
The US and the UK have several joint defense agreements. Their armed forces are integrated on many levels and officers are swapped for training. They buy and develop weapons systems together. They share a common language, a common culture, a common system of laws and a common system of government. Investment, money and people flow back and forth virtually unfettered.
Moreover, they are founding members of the five eyes. They share intelligence collection and distribution. Given these facts and the ability of the Brits to move freely in the US, what "secrets" would the UK be looking for? Military secrets? Economic secrets? Political secrets? Do you think a "bug" in the oval office would give them more insight into BHO's thought patterns than simply reading the newspapers and talking to other US political leaders? Why would they waste the resources?
Beyond that, there is the tacit five eyes agreement. Have you heard any official complaint from the UK or Canada about US spying? You won't. There is a reason for that.
Blame the idiot for Merkel’s feigned rage damnit!
what happened to “Smart Diplomacy”?
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You gotta give it to the Dems. They and their pals in the media are very good a branding things (e.g., Smart Diplomacy, War on Women, etc). It seems that every objective has a theme and they pound it with disciplined talking points. These people are viciously clever.
Too bad the Republicans have never figured out what they’re up against.