Originally Posted by TheSquealer

I think the big thing is to understand that all parties did all the math right away. These are intelligence agencies of powerful countries, playing chess with each other. This game was already played and won... the winner just hasn't been announced yet. Everything you see is theater for the masses. All parties fully knew and understood what the consequences were in their actions and decisions. about 1/2 a dozen banana republics got to pretend to thumb their nose at the USA for the masses at home. Russia got to agitate the USA while buying time with Snowden, interrogating him and getting anything he had of value. There is nothing left at this point other than symbolism and symbolic statements. No intelligence agency in the world truly gives a fuck about one mans "rights". His only value has always been that the USA wanted him... other countries could pretend to defy the US or take a stand and Russia could take their usual jabs.

Holders statements were to assure the world that Snowden would be treated fairly. He would not face the death penalty (another reason Russia would not be allowed to turn him over) and that he would face a fair trial in civilian court (concerns of retribution of the government etc are other reasons under the law to not turn him over). The purpose of the letter to the Russian Ministry of Justice is to head off all the legit reasons for which an asylum request might be granted. Russia does not give a fuck about anyone's rights. They just need an out and the US Government just gave them another one and everyone gets to save face... shake hands and move on. Putin would love to have a reason to stand up and say "we as a nation, respect the rule of law... and therefore,...".

This was not a good sign for Snowden.