How Do World Leaders Cope with Being Bugged?

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

BBC: The most common reaction to news that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone was bugged by the US National Security Agency appears to be world-weary resignation.

Followed by a sly suggestion that someone of her experience and stature should have known better.

Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to Nato 2008-2009, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme "every country spies" and he could not believe that the revelations were a surprise to anyone.

Lord West, a security minister under Gordon Brown, said he had "always worked on the assumption" that people were listening to his phone calls.

"I know they jolly well were," he told Today.

"I don't think it's surprising that people try and listen. If you are a head of state there are lots of people, not just other states, who are listening.

"There are companies, all sorts of people, who want to hear what you are saying and I think you have to be extremely careful." » | Friday, October 25, 2013