Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Classified – Episode 45: The Leak That Changed The World: America Exposed (Ep 3)
Introduction
In Episode 45 of The Rest Is Classified, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Corera delve into the pivotal moments leading up to Edward Snowden's groundbreaking leaks that exposed the inner workings of the United States' intelligence community. Titled "The Leak That Changed The World: America Exposed (Ep 3)," this episode meticulously traces Snowden's intricate efforts to share classified information with trusted journalists, setting the stage for a global revelation of surveillance practices.
Snowden's Initial Outreach to Journalists
David McCloskey begins by highlighting Snowden's strategic approach to leaking information. Faced with the monumental task of sharing approximately 1.5 million documents from the NSA, Snowden opts to contact established journalists rather than self-publishing his revelations.
[02:22] David McCloskey: "Edward Snowden is taking the plunge and he is going to finally reach out to journalists to get his information out to the world."
His first attempt is directed toward Glenn Greenwald, a civil liberties lawyer turned journalist with The Guardian US. Snowden utilizes the pseudonym "Cincinnatus" in his initial communications, referencing the Roman figure known for relinquishing power—a subtle nod to his intent to share crucial information without holding power himself.
Challenges with Encryption and Communication
Snowden's reliance on secure communication channels presents significant hurdles. He instructs Greenwald to use PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption, a method designed to ensure that intercepted messages remain undecipherable.
[05:17] David McCloskey: “[Snowden] has to install this encryption program to receive the information.”
However, Greenwald's limited technical proficiency becomes a stumbling block. Despite Snowden's guidance, Greenwald struggles to implement the required encryption, leading to delays in their communication.
[06:17] Gordon Corera: "But he also admits in his memoir, No Place to Hide, that he's not that into technology."
Engaging Laura Poitras: A Second Attempt
Unwilling to let the initial communication falter, Snowden shifts his focus to Laura Poitras, a filmmaker known for her documentaries on national security and surveillance. Poitras, based in Berlin and Britain, has experienced firsthand the repercussions of investigative journalism, including increased scrutiny and device seizures at airports.
[09:52] David McCloskey: "She's learning about encryption and the need to protect her stuff."
By February 2013, Poitras takes Snowden's communications more seriously, recognizing the potential magnitude of the information he might possess.
The Pivotal Meeting in Hong Kong
Snowden's journey culminates in Hong Kong, where he arranges to meet Greenwald and Poitras. The meeting is meticulously planned, with specific instructions designed to ensure secrecy and authenticity. Snowden chooses the Mira Hotel in Kowloon, selecting a quiet alcove furnished with a distinctive alligator skin-looking leather couch as their rendezvous point.
[26:34] David McCloskey: "Only when he was within a few feet of the couch did I turn around. The first thing I saw was the unsolved Rubik's Cube twirling in the man's left hand."
Upon meeting, Snowden defies the stereotypical image of a seasoned spy. Instead of a grizzled, older operative, he presents as a young man in a white T-shirt, complete with "chic nerd glasses" and a casual demeanor. This unexpected appearance initially causes skepticism among the journalists.
[29:22] David McCloskey: "They exchange the recognition, praise. What time is the restaurant open? At noon. But don't go there. The food sucks."
Despite initial doubts, the authenticity of Snowden's position becomes evident when he provides them with a document related to PRISM, a top-secret surveillance program.
Establishing Credibility and Building Trust
Through the exchange of documents and personal identification, Snowden reinforces his credibility. His narrative encompasses a deep ideological motivation, emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution and his concerns over pervasive government surveillance.
[33:42] David McCloskey: "He talks about his belief, the ideological stuff, that he believes in the Constitution."
The journalists work diligently to verify the authenticity of the information, communicating across time zones and grappling with the technical complexities of the leaked documents. The pressure intensifies as Snowden grows increasingly anxious about the impending exposure of his actions.
Government Awareness and Rising Suspicion
As Snowden remains absent from his post, the U.S. government grows concerned, sending officials to check on his well-being and whereabouts. This intervention adds to Snowden's sense of urgency, compelling him to accelerate his plans to go public.
[42:53] Gordon Corera: "He knows the net is closing around him."
Conclusion: The Threshold of Public Revelation
By early June 2013, the groundwork is laid for the historic publication of Snowden's leaks. The episode captures the mounting tension as The Guardian prepares to release this explosive information, marking a turning point that would forever alter the landscape of global surveillance and intelligence operations.
[43:34] David McCloskey: "He knows time is running out. He knows the net might be closing around him."
As the episode concludes, listeners are left anticipating the seismic impact of the forthcoming revelations, underscoring the profound implications of Snowden's courageous decision to expose classified government activities.
Notable Quotes
- David McCloskey [02:22]: "Edward Snowden is taking the plunge and he is going to finally reach out to journalists to get his information out to the world."
- Gordon Corera [05:24]: "You got to pick a code name."
- Gordon Corera [09:56]: "Factor's Fresh Never Frozen meals are dietitian approved. Ready to eat in just two minutes."
Note: Timestamps refer to the original podcast transcript.
Final Thoughts
Episode 45 of The Rest Is Classified provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate process Edward Snowden undertook to disseminate sensitive information. Through detailed narration and firsthand accounts, McCloskey and Corera illuminate the human and technical challenges inherent in one of the most significant intelligence leaks in recent history. This episode serves as a crucial chapter in understanding the enduring impact of Snowden's actions on global perspectives of privacy and government transparency.