Room for Debate: If We're Spying, Are We Still 'Allies'?

Updated October 24, 2013 10:52 PM

Allies Aren't Always Friends

Stewart Baker, former official, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

When the flaps and counterflaps are over, espionage will remain the way of the world. The U.S. can't stop gathering intelligence without running the risk of terrible surprises.
An Ally or a Spy Target, but Not Both

Jameel Jaffer, ACLU

The N.S.A. should focus on individuals believed to present real threats. Surely this cannot justify dragnets on entire populations.
Diplomacy Requires Trust Among Allies

Kiron K. Skinner, co-editor, "Strategy of Campaigning"

If Washington undermines its own leadership or that of its allies, the collective ability of the West to combat terrorism will be compromised.

Leaked documents indicate that the U.S. has spied on allies: the European Union, Brazil, France, Germany.

Is this a sign that the concept of "ally" should be redefined? Or, in the modern world, is such surveillance not really "spying"?