Edward Snowden Granted One-Year Asylum in Russia

The Los Angeles Times reports, "Edward Snowden granted asylum, leaves Moscow airport in taxi," and "Snowden asylum may presage rocky period in U.S.-Russia ties."

WASHINGTON — Now that Russia has granted temporary asylum to former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, the question is not whether the decision will hurt U.S.-Russian relations but, rather, how bad the damage will be.

Russian officials maintained Thursday that the action was "insignificant," in the overall relationship with Washington. But the White House reacted angrily, a contrast with President Obama's first term, when the administration was eager to strengthen ties with Russia to enlist the Kremlin's help on an array of issues.

More at the Guardian UK, "White House 'reconsidering' Russia summit after Snowden given asylum."

And I always love watching Democracy Now! Communist Amy Goodman cheers against the United States, and of course bringing on clueless hacks like Spencer Ackerman adds a special comedy to the reporting. This guy's a crack international affairs analyst!