A Single Move

Contempt. There is no other word to define the American government’s attitude regarding its allies, and France in particular. By spying over the course of at least six years and three French presidents, against all rules of good conduct between friendly countries, the United States treated France as an infantile nation, whose protests are of no more importance than the whines of a badly behaved child. Not only did they dismiss the successive leaders of the Republic, but they continue to mock them by leaving their large ears on the poorly disguised roof of the American Embassy, whose imperious building is located some 50 meters from the Elysée. They’re a bit like a welcome friend that one surprises while looking into the bedroom through the lock. They have also confirmed that the America of voyeurism, in its all-encompassing power, is capable of listening to anyone on the surface of the earth and that no one, citizen or State, partner or adversary, is shielded from this Orwellian curiosity.

The French government has opportunely raised its voice. What will remain? Promises of better conduct and vague explications that don’t involve any commitment. Should France be satisfied with this, under the pretext of also needing the information coming from the NSA to fight against terrorism? That would go beyond hypocrisy. Also, one should be able to tell a friend off rather than leaving them to settle into an atmosphere of latent distrust. There is another way to acknowledge America’s doings. The beneficial light shed on the questionable practices of the NSA comes from a single courageous man, who has been pursued relentlessly for three years: Edward Snowden, tracked and threatened with life in prison for having told the truth. France would grow taller, and at the same time would send a clear and necessary message to Washington, by granting asylum (to which he is entitled) to this daring whistleblower. In a single move, France would recognize the poor behavior of a patronizing ally at the same time as beginning to regain its place as the homeland of human rights.