The flurry of activity in the US State Department, with the Secretary of State Hilary Clinton making a brave attempt to explain to the world that US policy remains on course in spite of the free wheeling nature of the documents outed by Wikileaks. Though I have not gone through more than a small fraction of the documents, I cannot imagine any real probblem emanating from the publication of the embassy records. Of course there is that odd bit of political gossip, a carping comment, a biting sacrastic off the record humour etc. Why should the Secretary of State apologise to the world for the blunt assessments made by her embassy staff to the State Department as these records were meant only for the consumption of the State Department. After 30 years historians would have seen them any way and I cannot imagine any delrailment of US policy or interest as a consequence of the Wikileaks. Examples: North Korean strongman described as a "flabby old chap", the Iranian President described unflatteringly as hitler" and India as a "self appointed front runner for the UNSC seat" are all pretty staid stuff. The last remark also has the virtue of being absolutely and brutally honest. So why this fuss/
Having said that the Wikileaks do not inflict any major damage to US credibility or interests, I must add that I do oppose any attempt to suppress Wikileaks as an organisation or try to bring Jackie Assange to trial on trumped up charges. Freedom of the Press includes all forms of dissemmination of news and views and the internet server should also be covered by the logical extension of the freedom of expression. Freedom of the Press marches in step with technology otherwise the concept will haVE to be restricted to the letterpresses of the 18th century when this concept was formulated and enacted into law.
The reaction of the US Government seems to be driven more by a lust to suppress Wikileaks than any real concern over the damge done. In fact little damge has been done and the whole world understands that diplomatic pillow talk is not for the world to eves drop. So get on with your job and leave Jackie alone.