> I disagree as Manning's action prompted the Arab Spring, which continues on in many Middle Eastern countries. More democratic Middle Eastern countries is bett

> I disagree as Manning's action prompted the Arab Spring, which continues on in many Middle Eastern countries. More democratic Middle Eastern countries is better for the US and for citizens of those countries. It may eventually be good, but right now Syria and to a lesser-extent Egypt are still mired in military conflict. You might as well have given the Nobel Peace Prize to President George W. Bush if "bringing democracy to a Middle East state" were the only qualification. As far as I'm concerned Manning would be disqualified for the Arab Spring alone.