[David Pozen][1]:

> More broadly, Snowden’s case may clash with certain foreign policy goals. The United States often wants other countries’ dissidents to be able to find refuge abroad; this is a longstanding plank of its human rights agenda. The United States also wants illiberal regimes to tolerate online expression that challenges their authority; this is the core of its developing Internet freedom agenda.

> Snowden’s prosecution may limit our soft power to lead and persuade in these areas. Of course, U.S. officials could emphasize that Snowden is different, that he’s not a courageous activist but a reckless criminal. But that is what the repressive governments say about their prisoners, too.

I know a lot of you are tired of this NSA stuff, but how to “deal” with Snowden is absolutely fascinating to think about. Every option that I see leaves the U.S. bruised in some way, as there seems to be no clear win-win scenario. Pozen’s article is a great read about some of the options for U.S. in dealing with Snowden.

[1]: http://www.lawfareblog.com/2013/07/what-happens-when-we-actually-catch-edward-snowden/