I remember reading on the Unrepentant Marxist about The Arab Revolt and the Conspiracist Left this neat little definition:
Marxism is based on a class analysis but the conspiracists essentially subscribe to a Great Man theory of history in which the CIA and parastatal institutions pull the strings in a global puppet show.
They think that the left’s main purpose is to pull back the curtain like Toto in The Wizard of Oz and expose the puppeteers…
Now, the Unrepentant Marxist was talking about something else, but it’s a neat little summation of the epistemological difference between ourselves and the likes of Julian Assange and the broader movement, sometimes known as Troofers . What would, for example, the conclusive exposure of 9/11 as some kind of inside job actually achieve, the proof that US Presidents are murderers and the US secret state an instrument of infinite subtlety and great reach and no moral boundaries? Well blow me down!
In other words let’s be clear, when discussing the Assange case we’re not talking about international solidarity between the organised left. Wikileaks is not part of left, neither is Assange.
There’s a strange vehemence about some arguing the case, where it’s come down, virtually to a choice between being pro-extradition or pro-rape, which surely nobody is. As far as I can see, if he is innocent, Julian Assange dug a big, big hole for himself by skipping Sweden before the allegations against him were investigated (Roobin's note: I've now heard that this was not the case - he left the country before the charges were brought). There is a third possibility, less discussed, is that Assange has a case to answer in Sweden, but that the US state is also trying to get hold of him in revenge for the Bradley Manning affair (which everyone has more or less forgotten about).
As far as we’re in a position to do or demand anything it should be along the lines of what Lenin suggested:
If this needs to be expressed in a concrete demand, then the demand should be for the Swedish prosecutors to facilitate justice - which will not be served by Assange's extradition to the US - by arranging a safe way for him to answer police questions, where he doesn't risk being abducted. That would be best both for Assange and for his accusers. See? It isn't hard.
Otherwise do we wait until Assange is extradited into the American justice system, international meat-grinder that it is, before we boldly leap into action?