It is also not my goal to conclusively prove or even allege that Assange is a federal asset. Rather, I think there are enough worrying questions that should be made known more broadly
Please don't do this. This is a right-wing tactic: "I'm not making any claims, I'm just asking questions."
At the same time, the two leaks were not entirely damaging to the US government.
"Collateral murder" absolutely was damaging to the US government. It showed the callous disregard the US military had for (non-white) human life and it put them under a lot of scrutiny. It also helped a lot of "fence-sitters" take a side opposing the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The murderers were never prosecuted.
Because that's US policy. Not prosecuting them was also a bad look for US govt.
Wikileaks, however, was never formed to build credibility around damaging the US or the West in general; it was purposely founded to go after the enemies of the US government.
What? This claim needs arguments.
confined to a small room in the Ecuadorian embassy with no possibilities of ever leaving — a golden prison.
"A golden prison." lmao. As someone who has experienced prison, his freedom taken away, you can lock a person up in a 5-star resort for 10 years and I guarantee you that person will go crazy, experience negative mental and physical effects. When criminals commit crime, they expect and are ready for the consequences, Assange never expected to be prosecuted by thr US never having stepped foot on US soil.
I think Assange’s release signals a new chapter for Wikileaks
I assume part of the plea deal is that Assange will not engage in any similar activities that landed him in trouble the first time. And even if it wasn't, if I were Assange, I'd probably take a loooooong break from it all and spend time with my family.