[corresation]

His transit through Hong Kong did not get him returned to the US, despite many efforts to make that happen, so it doesn't seem to have turned out so badly.

Regarding Russia, were Russia going to grant him asylum they would of course want to smooth it to the greatest extent possible, so it's entirely possible the earlier dance was a part of the show (Russia showing itself as a concerned partner, perhaps hoping for some American demonstrations of overreach that would legitimize the asylum request, such as attempt to harm or abduct Snowden). He is in Russia, so neither side has any need to rush things.

Not saying it's all a part of some brilliant plan, but things seldom are as straightforward as they seem.

[venomsnake]

The whole thing just showed that Pax Americana is over.

And the damage was made by US government alone. The leaks were small enough to just let the whole thing die down. But by wasting enormous amounts of diplomatic efforts and capital they managed to lose face in front of the whole world.