A pardon for Edward Snowden, even if he does not personally deserve one, is in the broader interests of the United States. I know this will be an unpopular position among many of my former colleagues in the national security community. My reasons for doing so are not fully captured by that letter. They are different from those who see Snowden simply as a hero and the NSA as the villain.
The NSA’s operations are essential to national security and to international stability, but it is hard to reconcile them with the values of a free society. Snowden forced the NSA to become more transparent, more accountable, more protective of privacy—and more effective. Today, the NSA’s vital surveillance operations are on a sounder footing—both legally and in the eyes of the public—than ever before.
For that, the United States government has reason to say, “Thank you, Edward Snowden.” – Timothy Edgar
Why Obama Should Pardon Edward Snowden - [Timothy Edgar, Lawfare Blog