Secrets Unveiled
In 1917, British codebreakers cracked a German message that revealed plans for "unrestricted submarine warfare" and an offer to Mexico to reclaim territories if the US joined the war. This revelation, known as the Zimmerman Telegram, played a significant role in bringing the US into World War I. David Kahn, in his 1967 book "The Codebreakers," highlighted the importance of this breakthrough. The German efforts to keep their plans secret were thwarted by the diligent work of the British codebreakers in "Room 40."
In contrast, the recent leak of sensitive Pentagon documents by Jack Teixeira, a young cyber specialist, was much easier. These leaks, shared on a Discord chatroom, might not lead to war but could harm US relations with allies like Ukraine. Teixeira is among over a million people with Top Secret clearance. Brett Bruen, a former US diplomat, suggests that the Pentagon needs to restrict access to sensitive information, questioning why so many people, especially those with brief government tenures, have access to such critical data.
Kori Schake, writing in the Financial Times, sees some positives. While the leaked details are valuable to adversaries, they aren't groundbreaking. Issues like Ukraine's ammunition shortages and US surveillance of allies were already known. These leaks are less damaging than those by Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning. However, Schake warns that technology makes it easier to gather and share information, raising concerns about future leaks.
In Tennessee, two Democrats expelled for participating in a gun control protest were reinstated by local officials. Rep. Justin Pearson, writing for CNN Opinion, sees this as a warning to those using undemocratic tactics. He cites Martin Luther King Jr.'s belief that justice prevails over time. Pearson notes that most Americans, including many Republicans, support common-sense gun laws, despite legislative resistance.
Democratic strategist Max Burns argues that the politics of gun control are changing. The NRA's influence is waning, and Democrats are increasingly vocal about gun reform, making progress in state laws. Burns suggests that Democrats have a chance to build a strong coalition on this issue, similar to how abortion rights became a key concern in the 2022 midterms.
The Supreme Court recently ensured temporary access to a key abortion drug, giving justices more time to consider a Texas judge's suspension of its FDA approval. Michele Goodwin and Mary Ziegler warn that restricting this drug, used in over half of US abortions, sets a dangerous precedent. They argue that the drug's safety record is strong, and challenges to its approval are unfounded.
In Russia, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained on espionage charges, reminiscent of Nicholas Daniloff's 1986 arrest. Gershkovich's family received a hopeful letter from him, expressing his determination to stay positive.
The Amazon series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" returns for its final season, evoking nostalgia for David Perry. As a Jewish historian, Perry reflects on balancing memories of past hardships with moments of joy. The show offers a humorous escape while acknowledging its complexities.
In CNN Opinion's "Little Kids, Big Questions," 10-year-old Ronan asks if animals can be smarter than humans. Jane Goodall explains that many animals solve problems and use tools, challenging the notion that only humans possess these abilities.
A Texas jury recently convicted Daniel Perry of murder for shooting a Black Lives Matter protester. Despite the jury's decision, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott plans to pardon Perry, raising concerns about undermining the rule of law.
As the 2024 presidential race looms, President Joe Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have yet to officially announce their candidacies. Patrick T. Brown suggests that DeSantis's governance record should prompt GOP voters to consider their party's future direction. Julian Zelizer notes that Biden's low-key approach allows Republicans to make mistakes while he focuses on governance.
Gene Seymour, Frida Ghitis, Michael Bociurkiw, Peggy Drexler, Christopher Howard, Elliot Williams, Phoebe Gavin, and Meg Jacobs offer insights on various topics, from global politics to personal experiences.
Jill Filipovic recently experienced a smooth domestic flight in South Africa, contrasting it with the often frustrating air travel in the US. She highlights the potential for more efficient security processes, questioning why similar systems aren't more widely implemented.