In an editorial published by the New York Times on Saturday, former military intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning broke her silence to criticize the lack of transparency accorded the American public in US military operations, especially in the Middle East.

“I believe that the current limits on press freedom and excessive government secrecy make it impossible for Americans to grasp fully what is happening in the wars we finance,” Manning wrote.

Specifically, Manning points out the disparity between the information reported to the public by journalists and the daily intelligence reports that came across her desk, as well as what she actually witnessed on the ground. Also, the small number of embedded reporters with frontline access, as well as the procedure by which reporters are granted access allows military public affairs officials to manipulate media coverage.

Manning advocates for reduced influence of public affairs officials in determining who has access to information and more rapid declassification of reports when their release does not jeopardize military missions. She believes that this move would help re-establish trust between the public and those who govern it. 

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