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Tue, Nov 30th 2010, 14:36

Erica Mukherjee, NYU, Silver Contributor (51)

Do take the time to click on the above link and read the article from Haaretz. Two points are brought up - one which puts WikiLeaks into perspective and one which is a startling departure from typical US rhetoric.

The editorial states that the substance of the WikiLeaks cables concerning the Middle East are all essentially common knowledge. The writer claims that calls to stop Iran's nuclear program, such as are found in cables to and from Israel and the Gulf States, can be found in traditional media sources. This does put the enormity of the leaks into persepective; while the event is unprecedented in the history of diplomacy the implications may not be as distastrous as we are led to believe.

The second point of the editorial is fairly obvious, especially when one comes across the bald statement: "Everyone would like to see the United States bomb Iran." This is far from the truth. Perhaps, as Haaretz is an Israeli publication, the writer feels comfortable speaking for the sentiments of his nation. However, US opinion, and certainly Middle Eastern opinion, is not unanimously united behind violent action toward Iran. Perhaps the writer should consult a wider variety of his previously cited "common knowledge" before spouting violent and potentially damaging rhetoric.

Wed, Dec 1st 2010, 16:19

Leimer Tejeda, New York University, Bronze Contributor (23)

I agree with Erica and the article on this particular issue and the WikiLeaks. When the news was first introduced to the American public it seemed like very confidential information. However, the article makes a good point in stating that leaders of many Arab countries agree with Israel with regards to the efforts to stop the Iranian nuclear program.

On a different note, I am glad to see that the current administration is taking careful considerations on how to approach this issue. Going in and just ‘bombing’ Iran will cause a grave disaster on the civilian population. The future will tell how the U.S. will act on the international pressures to lead the effort on stopping Iran’s program.

Thu, Dec 2nd 2010, 21:20

Andrea Aquino, NYU, Bronze Contributor (23)

I agree with the previous comments. I felt that this article, regarding very sensitive and important issues, was written in a very callous manner. Yes I do agree that many issues released through WIkiLeaks is not overly surprising. This is because we naturally have the tendency to distrust the government. We assume the fact that covert affairs are constantly occurring, and for good reason. And to echo the other comments, I agree that is is refreshing to hear that the United States is approaching the issue in Iran carefully despite Middle East pressure. It is a little disheartening that from all the news reported in the WikiLeaks, this was the more surprising aspect. It is also important to acknowledge that a violent attack is not the only, best, or most supported approach.

Wed, Dec 8th 2010, 05:44

Basia A Bubel, NYU, Platinum Contributor (191)

I agree with the article- there weren't many things that were leaked that were a surprise or something new. In fact going through a lot of wiki leaks i found nothing of much interest or surprise. We haven't learned too many new things from the wikileaks especially when it comes to feelings about Iran in the middle east.