I don't question for a second that governments around the world would stage major attacks on such a website.
Let's be honest. The content is relatively harmless except for the way it shows diplomacy for what it is. Two faced. No one will die from this information, a few diplomats may get some heat but yes a storm in a tea cup.
The issue that it really raises is about honesty and a forthright approach to our neighbours and friends. If we can not tell our friends the truth how can we expect the nations we are trying to develop relationships with to take our view seriously. We complain of other countries deceiving us but we do the same.
In the end it is the moral of the exposure not the content.

Nairbe said;
No one will die from this information, a few diplomats may get some heat but yes a storm in a tea cup.

Sorry but I think that may be wrong. One of the "cables" mentions an
Iranian cyclist as an informer, or source and mentions his championship win. In a country like Iran that could be fatal.

Yes, the Iranian cyclist story may potentially have an adverse effect and not all the cables have been released - what will future leaks reveal. I am not sure if Wikileaks does screen information provided to them with the intent to avoid potential loss of life. So far the leaks have not been assessed as unsafe.

Overall, the leaks reveal some of the nonsense that goes on in diplomatic circles and the level of bribery, wheeling and dealing that sometimes occurs between nations.

Maybe that is the reality of international politics but I don't think there is any negativity in the public being more aware of what goes on behind the scences. In fact exposure may eventually aid in eradicating the worst experiences of corruption or unethical practices. Maybe that is idealistic and people will find more devious ways to cover their tracks but we live in hope.

The emails do not form part of official international policy (although the overall impressions of a leader or a culture, may aid in determining policy). Most appear to be a subjective opinion of a diplomat or staffer written in an informal way.

Calls to arrest Assange or to label him a criminal is way OTT and I cannot see the difference in Assange releasing information or a government who leaks information to their own advantage.

"""
Considering much of diplomatic activity involves trade, this is a serious piece of economic sabotage.
"""

This doesn't seem to be happening, Shadow Minister. Lets look at some of the most damning pieces. China have come forward and openly said they stand by their words re, North Korea. They're quite happy to see reunification under Seoul's control. Saudi Arabia has flatly denied everything, understandable. The rest is just junk talk, really. So some bloke likes girls in a nurse uniform and the other bloke is an old perv showing off to his alpha male mate, whoopdy doo :)

One thing that does stand out, is those that have to gain from all of this. Israel and the US re, Iran. What a great way to make Iran look even more evil in the eyes or their fellow neighbours. But then Iran is not buying any of it. I find it amazing there's absolutely nothing in these docs re, Israel?

The one thing I feel governments fear the most, is an informed public feeding off a real time grape vine. It's absolutely demolishing their carbon dioxide fraud, just to quote one good example.

Even the New York Time refused to publish climate gate emails saying they were obtained illegally, but have no problem publishing illegally obtained sensitive government documents which could pose a threat to national security? Interesting huh? Fishy Huh?

I think it's a good thing. Governments who go about making decisions without public consultation, or who go against world opinion(as in the invasion of Iraq/Afghanistan) shouldn't winge now that we're being told what really goes on. I find it amazing that the US raves on about democracy, but whines because the world is being told what really goes on. When were we asked about the deadly drones going over Pakistan, or the invasion of Yemen last year? The US/NATO think they can treat the people like garbage and get away with it!
The US were going to spy on the Head of the UN - again! Appalling!
Sheer and utter arrogance! Good on Wikileaks! No wonder they're trying to blacken Julian's name! I'd be in fear for my life if I was him?

RM

I see he has been put on the Interpol wanted list.

This makes it difficult for Iceland to shelter him.