Fallout from WikiLeaks dump

The global attention on the leaked US diplomatic cables has now shifted from the messages to the messenger - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been detained without bail in Britain on sex crime complaints originating from Sweden.

The leaks, about 250,000 classified cables from more than 250 US embassies around the world, were obtained by WikiLeaks and are being released daily.

The cables reveal secret information about intelligence gathering by the US and strategies related to military and political actions. Some highlights of the first week:

• Saudi Arabia and other US Arab allies urge military action against Iran
• Actions to stop Iran's nuclear activities and ambitions
• Intelligence gathering on UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon
• Planned EU boycott of the inauguration of Iran president Ahmadinejab in 2009
• Unification of North and South Korea
• Criticism of Prince Charles - whether he is fit to be the King of England
• Hillary Clinton's request for information on the mental health of Argentina's president Christine Kirchman
• France, a difficult ally in the fight against terror
• Pakistan army chief pushing President Asif Ali Zardani into exile
• Canadian distrust of the US
• Alleged rampant corruption of Afghan government officials and the reported questioning of vice-president Massoud in Dubai when he flew in with US$52 million in cash
• US allies complain about 15 percent handling charges by the US on donations to build the Afghan army
• US concerns that China may be planning Internet warfare
• US and Russia decide to fight a drug war in Afghanistan

On the surface of it, I tend to agree with several analysts who point out that the leaks reveal a US concern about global security and peace.