No treason here

The New York Times has published an article on the use of private charters and planes from CIA-operated companies to perform "extraordinary rendition", ferry spies about the world, and the like. It's a very detailed report, listing the company names, airplane types, and details of flights.

Winds of Change's Bill Roggio doesn't like it, not one little bit:

All of this is extremely valuable to al Qaeda members...

What exactly is the purpose of the New York Times in reporting on sensitive issues such as these? Do they even care about the consequences of making such information pubic? It appears the editors of the New York Times feel that breaking a titillating story about sensitive CIA operations is much more important than national security and the lives of those fighting in the war. All to our detriment.

He stops barely short of calling it treason (although you'll find that in the comments).

As it seems clear that the US government can't, or won't, provide proper oversight of CIA activities, it falls upon the press to monitor them as best they can. The Times is doing exactly what it should.

These planes are being used to take prisoners to be tortured by others, a practice which besmirches the name of the United States. That al-Qaeda also tortures is no excuse. Think about it — is "We're No Worse Than Al-Qaeda!" the kind of slogan that inspires you? This "extraordinary rendition", by destroying others' respect, legitimizing the violation of human rights, and providing fodder for Islamic fundamentalists' propaganda, hurts US national security far more than any article in the New York Times could.

Besides, if the Times can find this out, how difficult would it be for al-Qaeda?