US-EU bugging claims: Is it OK for US to spy on allies? - Polidicks

[quote] Allegations that the US bugged European embassies and EU offices have caused outrage among some leaders. But the US Secretary of State John Kerry says its activities were "not unusual". As the political fallout continues, the BBC's Security Correspondent Gordon Corera asks whether it is ever acceptable for a country to spy on its allies. Spies spy. But on whom? Their enemies of course. But what about their friends? History suggests that it is tempting enough for it to happen on occasion but it also carries risk. If you are found out, the consequences can be major embarrassment or worse. Spy services like Britain's MI6 and GCHQ do not set their own tasks. They work off a priority list set by the Joint Intelligence Committee and agreed by ministers, which might include a range of issues from Iran's nuclear programme through to Chinese cyber-espionage - but may also include intelligence on international summits and negotiations. Spy agencies will then look for ways of gathering intelligence on these issues and then put proposals up to ministers. A proposal would list what intelligence is being sought, how it fits with the requirements set, how it would be obtained and then - crucially - what the downside would be if it went wrong. "A huge great row," is the realistic answer according to one former British ambassador. So what operations do they sign off on and do they include spying on friends? Well, that is of course, secret. [/quote] [url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23133216]BBC (Source)[/url]

I didn't even need Betteridge for this one!

It really depends on who you are. In this case, as I heard, sometimes spying on one another helps relationships, especially if there is something going on in the ally's country that is worth finding out. For example, say that there is someone hiding somewhere in the EU that is doing something such as hacking into the US government, or some terrorist. In this case, we need spies to spy on allies so that they can better protect one another from these secret threats, in a sense. Again it depends on the countries, though that is my thought on things.

Is it wrong all these stories of distrust, secret deals, and intrigue make me want a job in global politics?

[QUOTE=Mingebox;41425598]Is it wrong all these stories of distrust, secret deals, and intrigue make me want a job in global politics?[/QUOTE] Mingebox, representing Facepunch Island

[QUOTE=Mingebox;41425598]Is it wrong all these stories of distrust, secret deals, and intrigue make me want a job in global politics?[/QUOTE] It makes me not want to support my government at all.

[b]no[/b]

no it's not okay you are not even supposed to ask if it's okay. spies are secret and subtle.

They shouldn't have to spy in the first place. It's both disrespectful and a sign of distrust.

[QUOTE=Mingebox;41425598]Is it wrong all these stories of distrust, secret deals, and intrigue make me want a job in global politics?[/QUOTE] Inspiring you to make change hopefully

Honestly, one must think in order to understand these things. People cry out for injustice, saying they want everyone to break relations with the US or just, for some US citizens, move out or such. But as I learned, there is always a reason to these things, and the best way is to understand. The US is one major world power, constantly targeted by terrorist groups and so forth. When 9/11 occurred, there was a need to gather intelligence to prevent another incident from happening. This spying also included allies, cause honestly, would you really want a terrorist to attack from an allies country? Also, yes it is a sign of distrust, but in a way, it isn't if one country's spying knows the other is too. How do you know if say, the UK is working with US intelligence, trading secrets in order to benefit one another? They won't downright say it, because spies are like that.

[QUOTE=Derp Y. Mail;41425800]They shouldn't have to spy in the first place. It's both disrespectful and a sign of distrust.[/QUOTE] In an ideal world, certainly, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. US spies on countries, other countries spy on them; everyone wants to know the other's secrets in order to gain the advantage and/or keep informed on defense.

[QUOTE=jamzzster;41425842]Inspiring you to make change hopefully[/QUOTE] Sure, let's go with that.

Well i get denounced for it and then people declare war on me 3 turns later, guess it's not a nice thing to do.

I spy on my allies in Civilization and they don't bitch. :v: