BI: How would you assess Wikileaks' contribution to the revolutionary popular uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere?
Kodmani: The way official foreign sources characterized the regimes seems to have powerfully affected the public opinion of the elites (not the ruling elites). Corruption was described [by these sources, in leaked cables] in terms that are harsher than anything used by the most radical [local] activists--words that criminalized the behavior of the regimes, using terms like "mafia". Previously these were only used by a few activists, yet here we have reasonable diplomats using those words.
This is what made societies cross the psychological threshold of waiting patiently for reforms to be conducted from the top thanks to the generosity of the regimes [and recognize that] we're dealing with thugs who have no credibility. The leaks were decisive in pointing to the refusal of the ruling echelon to deal with popular grievances and the need for democracy. Leaks about Egyptian security cooperation with Israel, regarding Hamas in Gaza for example, were also damaging to the Mubarak regime.
BI: Would you say there was a cause and effect relationship here, with the leaks actually triggering the demonstrations in Tunisia and Egypt?
Kodmani: The leaks weren't the only factor. There were local and societal conditions and grievances, but the leaks were definitely a trigger.
BI: How do you understand the intent of the Jazeera and Guardian leaks of the Palestine Papers?
Kodmani: It was malevolent, seeking to paint the PLO leadership and negotiators in a bad light by revealing embarrassing details. Most of the details revealed were in any case known to many. But the presentation was malevolent.
I think this is a fair characterization, not about reading the leaks but rather when watching the promotion of the documents on al-Jazeera. This was manipulative. Regarding the Guardian, it's doing a job just as al-Jazeera was [in its actual broadcasts]. It's perfectly legitimate to publish the documents. I'm talking about the way al-Jazeera advertised their publication. This was some sort of incitement.
BI: Why did al-Jazeera incite against the PLO leadership?
Kodmani: I can't account for the motives of al-Jazeera or the Guardian.
BI: What influence have the Palestine Paper leaks had on Palestinian and other Arab support for the PLO leadership?
Kodmani: A negative influence, mainly among Arabs outside of the West Bank. Inside, there has been a closing of the ranks.
BI: Finally, having seen what Wikileaks, al-Jazeera, Facebook and Twitter have done, can you share your thoughts on the future influence of media technology on reform in the Middle East.
Kodmani: I think it's a blessing for the region, an absolute blessing. Real space is closed, there is no place for truth and free expression, and here technology is offering virtual space that is increasingly relevant and enabling for society. We have totally secretive and opaque political systems, so leaks are a way of challenging these governments. And the use of social media is a guarantee that the younger generation and the people in general, the real elites, can oppose the ruling elites. This is one way of removing the blockage of [Arab] society, so I have much hope for these means
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