벌써 몇 번째?…‘도감청 개선’ 약속 안 지키는 미국 [9시 뉴스] / Kbs 2023.04.10.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you thought that covert surveillance and eavesdropping were exclusive to espionage novels or spy movies, think again. Let's delve into the world of international intelligence and the recent revelations that have left the global community in a state of disbelief.

The Never-Ending Tale of Eavesdropping

It's time for a trip to the United States, where the issue of espionage isn't just a concern for their allies; it's also a matter of domestic concern. Our journey begins in Washington, where the indefatigable issue of surveillance has made its mark on the international diplomatic stage.

You might wonder, has anything improved? The answer is a resounding "no." The United States' history of surveillance and eavesdropping suspicions dates back over a decade, and every time, they've promised that these transgressions would not recur. Yet, like a recurring nightmare, the issue continues to haunt us.

Let's take a step back to 2013. Edward Snowden, a former U.S. intelligence officer, dropped a bombshell by revealing that the United States had been monitoring its own allies, including countries like South Korea, Germany, and France, through a surveillance program known as 'PRISM.' Snowden's revelation included the astonishing fact that almost anyone, from the average citizen to your accountant, federal prosecutors, and even the President, had the authority to snoop around your private life.

Fast forward to the beginning of the Biden administration, and we witnessed reports that the United States had tapped into Denmark's undersea communication cables, which carried sensitive European diplomatic communications. French President Macron didn't mince his words, deeming it "unacceptable." The Biden administration, however, assured the world that such incidents were a thing of the past and that they were reevaluating their foreign intelligence practices. Well, the events that have unfolded suggest otherwise.

The Wikileaks Bombshell

In 2016, the whistleblowing platform Wikileaks unveiled more skeletons in the U.S. intelligence closet. It disclosed that the United States had been eavesdropping on high-profile meetings, including then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The breach of trust was alarming.

The recent document implicating Israel and France, among others, has left these nations bewildered. Given the sensitivity of the matter, their immediate focus has been on quelling the internal turmoil. Israel, for example, had to confront the claim that its intelligence agency, Mossad, allegedly assisted in opposing a plan to weaken the judiciary by former Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Israeli government vehemently denied these allegations, calling them pure fabrication.

France, on the other hand, denied the assertion that their military had been secretly stationed in Ukraine, a classified document that could have far-reaching consequences if true. However, it's not the end of the road for these nations. The implications of such disclosures go far beyond the borders of Israel and France, as they have the potential to inflict irreparable damage on U.S. diplomatic relations, causing a drop in trust and creating a rift that will be difficult to bridge.

The Global Fallout

As we observe these events unfold, it becomes clear that the repercussions extend beyond the borders of any single nation. The damage inflicted on international trust and relations is a matter of global concern. The U.S. media has been quick to highlight the looming risk of deteriorating U.S. diplomatic ties, and it is a genuine cause for concern.

In the grand tapestry of international relations, it's the delicate threads of trust and diplomacy that hold the world together. When these threads are strained, as they are today, the risk of unraveling becomes very real. The world watches and waits, hopeful for an amicable resolution to these recent revelations.

In conclusion, the world has once again been jolted by the unsettling reality of global surveillance. From the United States to its allies and beyond, the ripples of distrust have already started spreading. The challenge ahead is to restore faith and rebuild the bonds of trust that have been strained. Let's hope that the world's leaders can rise to the occasion, weaving a new, more secure tapestry of international relations. As we observe the unfolding drama, we're reminded that the price of trust is eternal vigilance.