Spying on World Leaders
Snowden exposed CIA and NSA surveillance of over 122 world leaders across the globe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s private phone was monitored from 2002 to 2013, creating a diplomatic crisis when revealed. The agencies used these intercepted communications to gain advantages in diplomatic negotiations and gather strategic intelligence. Germany’s parliament launched an investigation after the revelations. This surveillance of allies severely damaged international trust and created significant diplomatic tensions that persisted for years.
