Statement Regarding Forbes Article on David House

Today, a Forbes article written by Andy Greenberg concerning Bradley Manning activist David House claimed that I had accused Mr. House of being an informant.

While I have never made this accusation, Mr. Greenberg is a wonderful journalist and I am not at all surprised as to why he would be under the impression that I had indeed accused Mr. House of the charge. The truth is, Mr. House and I have been enveloped by an especially bitter relationship, which resulted from a series of disagreements over activism practices between myself and Mr. House. This bitter relationship has resulted in absurd amounts of mistrust between the both of us, and this mistrust has made us each paint a deeply negative image of the other.

I may never be friends with Mr. House again, but today I would like to once and for all lay to rest any bitterness that exists between us. Because the fact that such a disagreement has been allowed to exist and grow for more than an entire year is absolutely ridiculous; All this time spent being obsessively critical could have been spent doing more work on the things that matter and that I care about, and I am no longer going to waste any of my time with this negativity that has been the source of nothing but unpleasant things. I am better than that, and Mr. House deserves better than that, just like everyone else.

This bitterness has affected both of our circles of friends in the activist community of which we are a part of, and although I owe that community a whole lot, I don't owe it any more drama or antagonism. It no longer matters to me which side did what mistake; Even if I don't work with Mr. House, he should continue to raise money for Bradley Manning, release his Department of Justice notes, and to do whatever else he deems fitting of his political beliefs, and I recognize his ability to do so surrounded by a community soundly equipped to judge his actions for itself. Supporting Bradley Manning financially and politically is important, and everyone should help if they can!

We're better people, and we can go on without tainting everything with disagreements dating more than a year back. It's not necessary for everyone to get along perfectly with everyone else for good work to be done. And, in fact, a degree of diplomacy, tolerance and understanding is always a valuable contribution towards any activist community. I am going to put the past behind me and focus my future on cultivating only the most positive relationships possible.

I would like to apologize for any unfair inconveniences that I may have caused to anyone through these aforementioned disagreements.

Thank you,
- Nadim Kobeissi