Is secrecy ever justified?

I honestly think this leak provides the best opportunity for the whole world to know a lot of the truth behind the various coups and longetivity of African dictators.

That aside, I think secrecy is normal and justified for any country in looking out for its own best interests around the world. As well, it makes easier for information-sharing among nations and individual people, provided it is not misused in a way as to hurt others.

Secrets are alwsys meant to hide something from the people. They are only justified when they dont involve the other people. When it comes to government and public policies, especially on matters that rouse public interest, secrecy is just no-no!

I know that our various countries constitutions provide for our fundamental human rights and how these can be protected.It's those very constitutions that call for states' secrecy and confidentality to be observed. The balance can be on how patroitic are we when it comes to upholding our national constitutions.

the whole thing of 'behind states backs' spying, is really tricky but it would be more transparent if it works with knowledge of the victims; but to some extent some issues need not to be censured
obbu in kampala

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Trust is the real issue here.
If a "trusted" person makes a seemingly unsavoury comment about you, do you consider the context in which it was said and the motives for which it was said.
Intelligence and counter-intelligence makes for strange bedfellows and even stranger language!
My position has always been: If someone says something true about you, you shouldn't be offended. If someone says something untrue about you, ignore it or sue them for defamation after giving them the opportunity to prove the veracity of their claims.

Secrecy is justified many time when the two parties are negotiating and also when the two parties are also not negotiating. One party may be arrogant but over time the party may also become more reconcilable seeing the reasoning which other party has put forward, or at times the other party may offer some benefits, as US does to Israel many times in its discussion with Palestine.

In the event of Afghanistan and Pakistan, some times back channels suing the grease of dollars can work, this needs to be kept secret, since once in while this can go wrong, like recently a make believe Taliban made a bundle from Nato forces.

Secrecy has a place in diplomacy but not too many secrets like we have in US these days, where very thing a bit unformtable becomes classifies secret.

How do we balance the right to know the truth against the damage that might be caused by publishing it?
There is no balance to strike here. Truth never causes damage. Never ever

How much would you like to know about how your government operates behind closed doors?
As much as possible including govts of other nations. Who knows the knowledge of Saudi King urging destruction of Irans assets may come in handy at some point for someone around the globe

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Secrecy is certainly justified among dictators who have a lot to hide within their minds; however their ears refuse to hear what they see by their eyes. They are also creative with imaginary tell, telling stories of how good their governance has not failed all those among them.

To them I say if only beautiful people were the only ones allowed to have children the world would be a beautiful place, the rich would pay taxes and the poor babysit. If they don't agree with me then they should disclose their secrets so that we can go on with our lives.

Yes among political cycles

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