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A spy whom Israel never gives up

Posted July. 31, 2015 07:15,   

한국어

Spies in movies or novels such 007, Mata Hari and Mission Impossible are attractive. They are good-looking, have a computer-like brain and ability to make quick judgment of situations, get involved in heated actions and romance. The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. woes visitors by exhibiting novel spy equipment that was actually used in espionage activities. However, it is extremely rare that the identities and activities of real spies, particularly state intelligence agents who devoted their lives to their countries, are publicly revealed even after their death.

Jonathan Pollard is one of the most famous and most controversial spies in U.S. history. A Jewish American, he served as a U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, before being arrested in 1985 for having provided a large amount of highly classified information to Israel in return for money. He was sentenced to life in prison. After serving 30 years, he will be released in parole on November 21. Although the U.S. government says that he has met the legal requirements for parole, it seems that the decision resulted from persistent lobbying by Israel and the Jewish American community in the U.S. There was strong public opinion opposing the reduction of his jail term and parole.

Initially, Israel rejected Pollard`s request for asylum probably out of concern over diplomatic relations with the U.S. However, Israel granted him citizenship in 1995 and officially admitted that he was Israel`s spy. Successive Israeli prime ministers, from Yitzhak Rabin to Benjamin Netanyahu, demanded Pollar`s release whenever they met with a U.S. president. They went as far as to requesting his release in return for a Middle East peace talks. In 2002, Netanyahu visited Pollard in prison. He was a betrayer to the U.S. but was a patriot for Israel who deserved protection.

Controversies over hackings by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), South Korea`s spy agency, are showing no signs of abating. Opposition lawmakers are pressing the agency to provide the original log files for investigation. The NIS is refusing to do so, claiming that it is not in the national interest and that exposing the agency`s intelligence activities could put some people`s lives in jeopardy. The NIS has become so humiliated to the extent of national disgrace. Even though it is necessary to investigate whether the NIS was engaged in any illegal activities or abused its power by using hacking equipment, we should not endanger spies who risk their lives to protect this country.



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