Could WikiLeaks start a war? ... it wouldn't be the first time leaked cables led to hostilities.

[pampango]

“We intend to begin on the first of February unrestricted submarine warfare,” opened the world’s most famous leaked diplomatic cable, sent by Germany to Mexico, in January 1917. If anyone has any doubt about the potentially devastating consequences “leaked” diplomatic cables can have, the opening sentences of the infamous “Zimmerman Telegram” should lay them to rest.

Just as historians endlessly debate the causes of World War I, experts in security and free speech have locked horns over the latest cache of secret U.S. government documents made public by WikiLeaks. Do the guerrilla tactics of WikiLeaks advance an unassailable good — transparency, or risk an unpredictable backlash that far outweighs in chaos any benefit? At minimum, the revelations will complicate American policy and deeply embarrass some foreign governments. Some of the most embarrassed will claim they are fabrications (and, indeed, what guarantee do we have that a fake hasn’t been baked into the pastry?).

Back in 1917, of course, some of these concerns wouldn’t have applied. However, some facts remain unchanged. Already, for instance, some of the most aggrieved U.S. allies — particular Sunni Arab leaders “caught on cable” asking for Iran’s nuclear program to be bombed — have floated the fabrication theory. Iran itself, perhaps embarrassed by the number of fellow Muslims who would like to see it attacked, accused the United States of fabricating and releasing the material to further its own aims.

Yes, WikiLeaks could start a war. Undoubtedly, that is not their intention. Judging from the past statements of WikiLeaks founder Julian Asange, he would reject any blame for such an outcome, pointing the finger back at those who made the statements in the first place. In many cases since 9/11, the secrets held by the U.S. government have not always served a more noble purpose, and that is the fuel that runs the engine of a place like WikiLeaks. The U.S. public distrusts Washington, and the global public distrusts the United States. In effect, the public (finally) has adopted the default view of serious journalists.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/worldview/101129/wikileaks-world-war-I?page=0,0

[Sancho]

1. "we ordered a pizza" doesn't start wars!

Secrets are only a problem when they reveal illegal, immoral, aggressive, and stupid lies and policies. Revealing good behavior doesn't have any meaningful consequences. Wikileaks can't start a war unless the revealed information has a nefarious meaning!

No one would go to war if the cable said, "we intend to engage in peace talks so be careful not to shoot at anyone".

[ixion]

2. Nation states start wars. Whistleblowers do not.

'nuff said.

[Warren Stupidity]

3. plus, surely KITTEHS WILL DIE!

[KharmaTrain]

4. All Hat No Cattle...

Sorry...for those hoping this is some kind of smoking gun...it isn't. Just mostly water cooler chit chat. The only "damage" is to embarass the State Department and the US government. Diplomacy isn't pretty...isn't transparent and most importantly is desperately needed if this country is to get itself out of the quagmires in the Middle East. The release of these cables did little to bring that day closer.