socialrosiechen: U.S. Army leak may have also compromised the investigation into China's attacks on Google

Friday, June 18, 2010

U.S. Army leak may have also compromised the investigation into China's attacks on Google

Over the last few days, news has emerged that a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, Bradley Manning, was the source that recently leaked classified information to Wikileaks. But he didn't just leak 260,000 classified cables and a brutal video of an Apache helicopter mowing down civilians and journalists in Iraq -- no, he also leaked the code name and details of the government investigation into the Chinese attacks on Google and other Silicon Valley businesses.

If we're to believe the source of these claims -- wild hacker Adrian Lamo -- then it would seem that Bradley Manning has a world of pain ahead of him. I can't quite see the link between a U.S. Army intelligence agent and the investigation of China's cyber attacks, but presumably if Lamo's telling the truth about the Army leaks, he wouldn't lie about the other.

Unless he's just an attention seeker, of course -- or merely repeating the lies he has been told. I mean, Bradley Manning was only unmasked because he frickin' bragged about his exploits to Lamo in the form of email and instant messages. If you're bright enough to anonymously leak sensitive information, why would you then go and tell someone else about it? And why would you tell a hacker?! The U.S. Army is still investigating, but I wouldn't be surprised if Manning is innocent -- and that Lamo was simply being patriotic. Either that, or Manning fits the standard, stupid criminal stereotype. Everyone must know about how awesomely conniving I am!

Anyway, Lamo has spoken to both CNET and The Sacramento Bee, and it seems even hackers have scruples. Here's what he said: "I couldn't just not do anything, knowing lives were in danger. It's classified information, and when you play Russian roulette, how do you know there's not a bullet in the next chamber?"

"I am not a traitor and I wouldn't harbor a traitor."

Which reminds me, if Manning is found guilty of treachery, will he be executed?