NSA spying scandal 

Edward Snowden file photo

In June, Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), released classified documents on top-secret NSA programs, including the PRISM surveillance program, to the Guardian and Washington Post, detailing the U.S.’s massive spying operations around the world. Later disclosures revealed that the U.S. spied on both foreigners and American citizens, as well as 35 heads of state, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It also spied on various diplomatic missions of the European Union and U.N. Headquarters, as well as on both enemies and allies. U.S. courts charged Snowden with espionage and theft of government property. In late July, Russia granted him one-year asylum, straining relations with the U.S. The spying scandal has damaged U.S. relations with many countries, including its European allies, Latin American countries and Israel.