Secret Service Surveillance Among Friends

The decision by Berlin to monitor the British and American intelligence agencies seems obvious — especially if you take into account that the reverse has been happening for a long time. Nevertheless, it is a significant step.

After many months of revelations about the practices of the NSA, following reports of listening devices on embassy roofs and the uncovering of an alleged U.S. spy in the German federal intelligence service, the time has now come: The German federal government has decided to allow friendly intelligence agencies to be monitored in Germany in the future. After the ordering of the top U.S. secret service agent to leave the country, it is the second visibly decisive response of the government.

One could argue that it was probably the least they could do, especially if you take into account that the reverse has been happening for a long time. Nevertheless, it is a significant step. The top forces of German politics, with some exceptions, have traditionally always been highly concerned about their reputation among the allies. For now, however, it remains an open issue as to what this step means and what it is worth beyond its symbolic effect.

How should the 360 degree view look? Will it involve more people and, above all, more money? This is open for discussion. There is considerable sympathy from the German population for monitoring U.S. intelligence, but this will quickly become history when it becomes clear that in keeping track of the U.S., Germany will have to expand its own security apparatus as well.