Traitor, hero, whistle-blower, snitch. Everyone has their own opinion of the actions of Edward Snowden. The establishment media certainly has done their best to portray him in the worse light possible. Let's just say for a moment that we value an honest, pragmatic and beneficial resolution. If that is the case, then the best option is for President Obama to issue a full pardon and immunity to Snowden. This will result in three major benefits:
1. Snowden can return to the US, and the US will no longer have to worry about Snowden becoming entangled with foreign powers. Making him a fugitive drives him into the arms of foreign powers, which is exactly the opposite of the interests of the United States.
2. With a pardon and immunity, Snowden can help US intelligence agencies from this point forward, at a minimum to debrief them, and to answer the many questions they no doubt have for him.
3. With a pardon and immunity, Snowden can talk to all of the "official" internal whistle-blower organizations that have been touted by many politicians and pundits. He can testify to Congress and related sub-committees. He can have a beer with President Obama and give him all of the details.
Of course this is hypothetical, and would depend upon President Obama desiring the best possible solution given the current situation, with the best outcome for national security and for transparency at the same time.
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?419583-Three-reasons-Obama-should-pardon-Snowden