The US Should Not Spy on Nations They Consider Allies

“Spying among friends, that’s just not done.” — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in response to charges that the United States bugged her phone. Discuss, should the United States spy on friends or not.

If we are spying to prevent acts of terror or keep government or intellectual secrets safe, are we justified in our efforts to conduct espionage against other nations? Does it matter if that spying is on a friend or ally? Do the risks of breaking trust with other nations that we would consider friends outweigh the potential benefits of gathering intelligence that could benefit our national security or intellectual property? Do you agree or disagree that spying on nations that we consider our allies should not be done? What are the benefits to our nation of spying even on those countries we consider allies?