The positives are these and more: It has got people all over the world concerned about government interference into their private lives. The entire electronics communications network within terrorist organizations is being disrupted. They are now most likely relying far more on couriers which are easier to track and apprehend. It is making Obama look like the complete lying Bozo that he is. Obviously I could go on and on.
The negatives are what? Terrorists know not to use cell phones, emails, electronic bulletin boards, websites and other means of electronics communications? That is a positive. Did Eric Snowden out anyone who is now at risk? I haven't heard of anyone. Our intelligence communities “techniques” have been exposed. What have you learned that you didn't already suspect? Our allies in Europe are mad at us? What is new? Maybe next time they won't give a Nobel Peace Prize to an unproven liar who never accomplished anything.
I am just not buying any of it. I think that more likely than not the entire situation is an elaborate ruse to shut down terrorist communication networks. It seems more so every time they trickle out some extra tidbit. As soon as our enemies start peaking out we fire a few more shots over their heads. Maybe Julian Assange will even be allowed to go to South America after this thing calms back down. It is all just too perfect.
I agree with you that Snowden has caused terrorists to shut down or restrict electronic and phone communications.
I don’t think Obama or ValJar would do it on purpose though because they would never deliberately make the little jerk look bad, not to mention that they supported al Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria, Egypt and Libya...