Saberi sentenced to eight years
posted at 9:25 am on April 18, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Here comes another international test for Barack Obama. After making overtures of friendship to Iran and speaking publicly of direct talks and normalizing relations, Tehran has responding by convicting American journalist Roxana Saberi of espionage and sentencing her to eight years in prison. The BBC, which once employed Saberi, notes that Iran tried Saberi in secret and provided no evidence publicly that support the charges:
An Iranian-American journalist branded a US spy has been jailed for eight years by Iran after a brief trial held behind closed doors.
Roxana Saberi, 31, who was arrested in January and went on trial this week, denies the charge and plans to go on hunger strike, her father said. …
The case is bound to have serious implications for relations between Iran and the US at a time when President Barack Obama has been reaching out to the Islamic Republic, the BBC’s Jon Leyne reports from Tehran.
Even before the trial began, the US state department described the charge of spying as baseless and called for her release, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has demanded her release.
Well, that certainly worked. The State Department should already be leaning on allies with more direct contacts with the mullahcracy to get Saberi freed. They may in fact already be doing this, and those connections would be by their nature quiet.
However, Barack Obama’s sunny “we’re all just folks” approach to Iran has obviously not impressed the mullahs that run the radical Islamist nation. They’re not terribly interested in friendship with the Great Satan, even if The One is running it at the moment. Regardless of who’s in charge, America stands in the way of Iran’s vision of regional hegemony, which starts at the elimination of Israel and ends with control over Mecca and Medina and all the oilfields in southwest Asia. In order to gain that, they will continue their oppression of their own people and find ways to antagonize the US as often as possible.
Instead of making nice to the mullahcracy, Obama needs to find ways to make their mission impossible. Skip the Nowruz messages and continue with the Bush-era efforts to box the mullahs out of the international community. Make it clear that the continued detention of Saberi will have dire consequences, and most of all, quit sucking up to Iran’s mullahs in public.
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Given how naive Obama and his administration is I suspect this woman will serve her full term.
Ares on April 18, 2009 at 9:30 AM
I am not convinvced he wants to make their mission impossible.
bloggless on April 18, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Calling Obama.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Maybe Obama will trade Clinton for Saberi.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 9:35 AM
PART SMOWER!
Oops!
SMART POWER!
elderberry on April 18, 2009 at 9:37 AM
What gets me is that she is an Iranian who was able to leave Iran and live in the US. Then she went back knowing full well how Iran operates. It’s not like she didn’t know better or what to expect.
Obama won’t help her.
Guardian on April 18, 2009 at 9:38 AM
You know, fantasy league presidentcy.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 9:38 AM
Wow. Hillary DEMANDED her release!
ctmom on April 18, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Its ONNNN
Breaking North Korea is expelling US nuke experts and is talking about building more nukes
William Amos on April 18, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Breaking North Korea says sanctions are act of War
William Amos on April 18, 2009 at 9:43 AM
The dangers of not fighting a war to win.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 9:43 AM
It’s not that at all, he just can’t wrap his mind around the fact that there’s real evil in the world and some of that evil rules in some countries. This was evident with Chavez yesterday.
lowandslow on April 18, 2009 at 9:44 AM
But he is oonvinced that the U.S. is evil.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Obama is a shape shifter, a fiscal conservative to those that were blind, a social conservative to those that were deaf and now he is an American bashing elitist to everyone that is foreign. His Secretary of State is as spineless as Biden is blowhard.
I’m thinking he’ll turn himself into a snake next for all those on the left to worship. Damn snake cults!
larvcom on April 18, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Yeah, you always have to go back and do it over. Sadly we never seem to learn from experience.
Oldnuke on April 18, 2009 at 9:47 AM
I feel tht she may die in prison or suffer other horrors at the hands of her captors.
SMART power Obama?…NOT so smart it seems.
theguardianii on April 18, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Maybe Nightline will start a series …
tarpon on April 18, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Wake Up
Obama is more than willing to sacrifice Saberi. Not working for her release is the most effective message Obama could project without words to keep all journalists behind HIS line or else.
His line? Do not go anywhere or say anything without his personal permission. Stay with the Obama pack. Otherwise, you are absolutely on your own. Note Well: his permission does not ensure your safety. You are on your own, regardless. The pack may turn on you at Obama’s whim.
Iran proves there is no change in their condemnation of America as Satan. Obama is of no consequence to the mullahs UNLESS Obama serves them.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 9:50 AM
WE learn.
But Politicians stay stuck on stupid.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Obama will be given an autographed copy of the Mullah’s book “Rule of Oppression” and keep it as one of those where the cover faces the camera in the backdrop. It’ll be another omen we’ll write about after the fact instead of recognizing it right up front.
ericdijon on April 18, 2009 at 9:52 AM
you’re dating yourself – er, so am I.
ericdijon on April 18, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Would Bill Clinton act as special diplomatic envoy to secure Saberi’s release?
Whatever Obama does, please, please, please, DON’T send Hillary into that Briar Patch. She ain’t no Brer Rabbit.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Time for Obama to take decisive action by calling the UN so they can draft a resolution!
Daggett on April 18, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Right, a series titled “How Many Different Ways Can Foreign Countries Say F**k You to America”
CarolynM on April 18, 2009 at 9:54 AM
She is a future ‘gift’ for Barry when he kneels in a mosque in Qum.
A B2 needs to voice our displeasure.
Limerick on April 18, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Shelf it next to al Quran in the White House Library.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Speaking of book giving, Jake Tapper reports Chavez gave Obama a book -”Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent” by Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano.
Mr. Obama politely posed for a photograph with Mr. Chavez, shook his hand, and accepted the gift.
The book, first published in Spanish in 1971, offers a critique of the consequences of 500 years of European and U.S. colonization of Latin America.
…
The copy of the book Chavez gave Obama appears to be in Spanish, a language Mr. Obama does not speak.
CarolynM on April 18, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Another Carter-esque hostage-in-Iran crisis.
jgapinoy on April 18, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I suggest Obambi immediately apologize to Iran for all the evils done by Bush; followed by a deep bow to Ahmadinejad. Then may be, just may be, Ahmadinejad may consider Obambi his brother. All will be well.
poxoma on April 18, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Familiar story.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Naive?? I don’t know. yeah,, this woman is toast,,, unless Obama pledges to give up our nukes by next week or prosecute some of our troops for war crimes or something.
Is Obama naive? Is he acting out of ignorance?? Does it even make a difference? Who knows.
Was it naive to release the memo revealing our interrogation techniques?? Will it make us weaker,, more vulnerable to attack?? Maybe that is exactly the goal!
Why? Maybe it’s right in front of our eyes.
They seek power. they seek to remake our foundations. To reshape our nation. They have publicly stated they welcome a good crisis. What would be the ultimate crisis??? Another 911 would give them all the excuse they need to do all the things they want.
I don’t think I am too paranoid here. Hillary just repeated the line a few weeks back while overseas that they can’t waste a good crisis. Bill Clinton said after 911 he wished it had happened on his watch. Obama seeks to become President for life.
It’s all right there in front of us.
JellyToast on April 18, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Is that book in the form of a teleprompter. I think Obambi can only read off one of those. :)
poxoma on April 18, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Obama never obeys his own requirements set upon the public.
Besides, he never does his own reading assignments. And unless his cheat sheet is readily available on teleprompter, his slip is showing.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:06 AM
My heart breaks for this woman. Obama should do everything in his power to free her from the ayat’ullahs.
Including covert rescue.
blatantblue on April 18, 2009 at 10:07 AM
It seems that Mr. Obama is all to eager to bend over for other world leaders. Maybe we should chip in and send him a case of KY Jelly.
eaglescout1998 on April 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
I’m sure Obama is watching this situation very closely. Now that he sees how easy it is to imprison dissidents with made up charges and no evidence. This is something he will want to try at home.
Tommy_G on April 18, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Hornetsting and some others have sent him some tampons already.
Oldnuke on April 18, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Okay, BO, here’s your opportunity to show Iran what you’re made of. Volunteer to trade places with Roxana, okay? It’s the right thing to do. If they won’t go for that, sweeten the deal by saying you’ll include Biden & Pelosi, too.
Daggett on April 18, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Apparently, you understood the inference exactly.
ericdijon on April 18, 2009 at 10:11 AM
There’re all just little countries. How much harm could Iran, North Korea or Venezuela do?
hawkdriver on April 18, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Oblameless will probably say she’s lucky she wasn’t hung. Women do have that right in Iran, don’t they?
mossberg500 on April 18, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Got that right.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:18 AM
That requires honor.
The Captain of the Maersk Alabama had those guts.
Obama left him hanging in the wind for a week before permitting the Navy to take action.
During the campaign, psychiatrists analyzed Obama’s lack of appreciation for women in general. As POTUS, it will be noteworthy to see.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:22 AM
That ship has already sailed with the DHS report on domestic reich wing terrorists, hasn’t it? Are we allowed to use the word “terrorist?” Oh, that’s right, when referring to actual American citizens, it’s permissible.
mossberg500 on April 18, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I seriously doubt the UN would take any action, stand, or opinion on this issue.
They helped assert the notion that Islam is the only religion not to be insulted, by any other nation, or person. They bow to Islam.
As for Obama, and Hillary? We’re in a heap of trouble here. He’s pandering to dictators, taking no notice, or caring of his own people, or nation, and is readily available to trash this country, and it’s people, when it suits him.
Want rainbows? You’ll have better luck finding those in a box of Lucky Charms.
capejasmine on April 18, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Beating, flogging, slicing the body, removal of body parts, stoning and beheading.
No hanging.
No firing squad.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Permissible, appropriate and applicable.
maverick muse on April 18, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I’ve been saying pretty much the same thing for a year now and people keep telling me to put the tinfoil hat back on.
Everyone talks about 2010 and 2012 like it is a given but all we need is a nice little domestic man caused disaster to allow the coup to complete. It has to be domestic and that is why the DHS came out with that crap report on right wing terrorists.
jmarcure on April 18, 2009 at 10:28 AM
““When the Going Gets Tuff I will be chillin on the side of my Islamic Extremist Bros””
– Barry Soetoro
– aka Barack Obama
from his book Dreams of Screwing the Country Over Good…ghost written by National Hero and Explosives expert William “Back Door Patriot” Ayers
BillaryMcBush on April 18, 2009 at 10:28 AM
The msm will sellout one of their own through silence, in order to protect Ogabe.
artist on April 18, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Sigh…. so….
An IRANIAN/American… REPORTER… goes to Iran without a Press Pass, and gets in trouble for breaking their laws, by first buying Wine.
They then apparently trick her into making statements that they then use to convict her of espionage, in what is the same thing as our Military Tribunals (ie, secret courts for espionage).
From earlier reports she WAS meeting with female dissidents who DO want to chnage the Male/Female power and equality ratio, which IS written into both religious and secular law there.
So, foreign journalist from a country who has said they want to overthrow your government… talking to dissidents in your country… and does not tell you what they are there for (no press pass)…
Have to look at this from their perspective folks… before you start going off about Military intervention or Nukeing the place.
Romeo13 on April 18, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Maybe call Ross Perot.
Johan Klaus on April 18, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Obama is not dumb. How I wish that were the case.
.
He doesn’t care about her or anyone like her. He cares about power. He’s bought and paid for as leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Most of the real financial contributors during the election were outside the U.S.
.
Are my sentiments too “out there?”
.
Here’s what we know. The banks continue to be effectively nationalized on a larger scale. Even those banks that want to give back money they never wanted in the first place are not permitted to do so. Why? Results of strange stress tests are being kept secret. TARP fund disbursement has little or no oversight. Why?
.
The press is biased. But why? They are losing money, many papers are folding. It’s not just technology vs old paper. It’s the reporting, the content. Even on the web, the business model is not working for them. What are they getting from propping up Obama that we do not see? Why the secret NBC meeting on Obama bashing? Certainly bias does not trump business. Money doesn’t talk, it screams. Are they stupid too? Or is there something else?
.
Look at the monetary lock-in resulting from spending for generations to come, the billions given to ACORN, the seizing of the census, the virtual standing down of our military readiness. These aren’t just things on a liberal laundry list, this agenda is the careful execution of steps to a plan.
.
Granted, there is some push-back, some mistakes, some ideas that can’t be sold as quickly or easily as desired. And some of the changes originate from the useful idiots around him, but only items that do not affect the plan.
.
If you’re a liberal, ask yourself – are the troops home yet? Are the wars over? Is the CIA being prosecuted for torture? Are Bush policies for covert actions changed? Has any meaningful work been done for prosecuting war crimes? These are the headlines I read as important to liberals, not me personally. But ask yourself, have liberals been thrown a bone with the symbolic, future closing of Gitmo?
.
Obama now runs one of the largest auto makers in the US, and essentially the most powerful union. Would you have guessed a president would be able to fire a CEO 6 months ago?
.
Like the people who froze to death in TN, Saberi will be ignored. So will Iran’s power structure, North Korean nukes, Chavez, and Cuba’s communism.
the_moll on April 18, 2009 at 10:35 AM
understand, we are all gonna burn from this.
rob verdi on April 18, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Washington will ignore her plight. The press will follow along and not report on it.
She no longer exists. Just another person caught up in the ‘wheels of progress’.
Asher on April 18, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Bow to Saudi King Abdullah… Mission accomplished.
Lift restrictions on the dictatorship in Cuba… Mission started and prceeding nicely.
Do the really cool hand shake with freedom hater Chavez… Oh so checked off the list.
Hug Ahmadinejad (complete with reach around)… Coming soon and no little reporter chick is going to stop this surrender of America to the will of repressive regimes from continuing.
-
Oh yeah… and nix our long time allies. Still in progress.
-
RalphyBoy on April 18, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Pick Me! Pick Me!
Remember TASS? You can survive if you embrace the ideology.
There is a good argument for lousy circulation of print media in the US. I don’t have a link for the stat, but Japan (a most technically advanced nation) has enormous readership of daily printed media. OK, I’ll go out on a limb, The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) publishes a list of newspapers with the largest circulation. In 2005, China topped the list in term of total newspaper circulation with 93.5 million a day, India came second with 78.8 million, followed by Japan, with 70.4 million; the United States, with 48.3 million; and Germany, with 22.1 million. Around 75 of the 100 best selling newspapers are in Asia and seven out of top ten are Japanese newspapers. So in some countries, and for different reasons (China vs Japan) newspapers thrive. For whatever reason it may ultimately be, newspapers of the US don’t connect with hoi polloi. News media in the US, IMHO, to paraphrase an old Daly Show line, fixes the news when news breaks.
ericdijon on April 18, 2009 at 11:08 AM
I sympathize with her circumstances but she knew what she was doing and knew the risks. She was not working on behalf of people from this country and from all accounts really didn’t care about this country. What we have is a US citizen that was in a country illegally and actively working against that country. It is a shame she was caught because I agree with anyone that fights against the despicable government of Iran but should the US get involved other then to maybe ask for her release? Too what extent should the US support a citizen that has chosen to support illegal activities in another country? I hate to say it but I really don’t think she was much different then that girl that got run over by the Israeli bulldozer. The only difference is that she worked for a cause we agree with while the squashed girl didn’t.
jmarcure on April 18, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Seems like now is a bad time to fall into the hands of one of America’s (but not Obama’s) many enemies. Hey, anybody heard anything lately from those 2 American reporters being held my the Norks?
AUINSC on April 18, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Eight years?
I suspect she will be released in less than four…once Iran sees that Obama has been voted out of office.
coldwarrior on April 18, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were filming for Al Gore’s Current TV network, have been indicted on espionage charges by North Korea, and are being detained in a “guest house” in P’yongyang.
Probably will be used as some sort of bargaining chip to enable Kim Chong-il to continue his nuke program unfettered.
And, this Administration will take the bet.
coldwarrior on April 18, 2009 at 11:18 AM
ericdijon – Very well written. Sadly, so true.
.
RalphyBoy – Nailed it.
the_moll on April 18, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Was it naive to release the memo revealing our interrogation techniques??
I’d say more like, illegal. Traitorous, treasonous. By releasing those memos’ he gave aid and comfort to the enemy, in a time of war. He made vulnerable, our troops, and CIA agents. In a time of war. Obama is not a patriot. He’s a traitor to his country, and it’s people. He’s sacrficing everyone, for his own gain.
capejasmine on April 18, 2009 at 11:26 AM
capejasmine,
.
I totally agree. It gave me chills when the new “commander-in-chief” (cough, cough, spit) had to be given all our intelligence secrets as per our democratic process. Might just as well have sent a memo to our enemies.
the_moll on April 18, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Amen.
Daggett on April 18, 2009 at 11:36 AM
I think this is a VERY significant point. I think we’re going to hear more on this issue and it will be quite shocking.
Daggett on April 18, 2009 at 11:38 AM
She won’t serve her entire term. It’s 1373 days until the next inauguration when the final phase of Carter 2.0 will have run its course. On day 1374, Reagan 2.0 will finally put the adults back in charge. If not, then this woman’s capture will be the least of our worries.
gregbert on April 18, 2009 at 11:40 AM
She will rot away in jail until a real man or a real woman is in the White House.
(The tea party in Vegas was great btw.)
Mojave Mark on April 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
FIFY
gregbert on April 18, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I didn’t think of it that way but maybe she only got 8 years because they figure BO will be in for 8 years.
jmarcure on April 18, 2009 at 11:46 AM
The reality we now live in is just plain wrong. It’s clearly unAmerican. It sickens me to see this happening to my country.
I fear that the Iranians will put her right next to the targets that the Isralis will have to bomb. It is Jimmy Carter all over again. Only this time it is worse. Our new president is so far out in left field that there is nothing that will bring him out of his stupor.
BetseyRoss on April 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Guilty or not … I don’t know.
However, the timing of her arrest and conviction did make me wonder if she is being prepared as a negotiating pawn for a period in which the Iranians might reasonably expect to be facing more international pressure.
Her imprisonment will become one more topic one which to have extended negotiations, her release one more means of obtaining concessions.
YiZhangZhe on April 18, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Why the hell should we look at it from their perspective?
She was exercising her basic human rights of free speech.
F anybody who doesn’t understand that.
mockmook on April 18, 2009 at 12:18 PM
Robert Levinson (former FBI agent) has been missing in Iran since 3/08/07, I think Pres. Obama will use this fact to give Ms. Sarberi’s imprisonment token lip service which is just the way he likes it. Plus there are all sorts of cat and mouse games Iran can play with her. If they want to encourage the administration to give concessions they can all contact with her, if they want to punish, they will let her talk to her parents. Just another stupid mistake that gives them power through manipulation.
Cindy Munford on April 18, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Did she do what they are accusing her of?? Now it’s one thing if it’s all trumped up BS, but it’s another if she actually broke their law. Doesn’t really matter how backwards their laws are. They could have a law against spitting on the sidewalk every other Tuesday..(probably do), but that’s besides the point. You’re in another country, you’re subject to their law.
Anyone remember that big deal about the son of some US diplomat in Thailand?(I think it was Thailand)…got sentenced to get his ass beat (public canning) for vandalizing some cars. He ended up getting it, although I think they got the number of whacks cut in half.
Like I said, it’s one thing if it’s all some political ginned up crap, but another if she broke their law.
BigWyo on April 18, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I am sure guilty is a relative term in this instance. When she was first arrested it was supposedly for buying a bottle of wine. Maybe the investigation of that uncovered that she was actually a spy.
Cindy Munford on April 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM
It is probably all some political BS for the most part. You would think that in a country where they hang you for being homosexual would probably have a stiffer penalty for espionage.
Hey, I’m not trying to defend Obama or Shillary. I’m just saying it’s pretty much State Department policy that if you’re in another country and you violate their laws, we’ll see you when you get out.
Whether this woman did or didn’t is another thing.
BigWyo on April 18, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Well, to borrow a phrase, that certainly worked.
edshepp on April 18, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I don’t want to appear to be defending this young woman. I believe her father is Iranian, you would think she might have a clue as to why he lives in the U.S. She probably thought she was going over there to help. Instead she has just become another pawn and one that neither side considers to be very high on the food chain.
Cindy Munford on April 18, 2009 at 12:46 PM
I don’t think it has to be domestic. It can be anything. It can be Islamic Fascists. It can be a freaking solar flare for that matter. All Obama has to do is call up the press and tell them what to call it and the need for Martial Law or other emergency powers and actions,, and then that is it. The press will pee themselves to assist the Democrats with shutting down America. they will orgasm at the thought of shutting down the internet, talk radio and anything else they can get away with.
We have seen how quickly the Dems can act if they want to. congress has proved with these bailouts they can get legislation accomplished in days.
This is not difficult to see. It is difficult to face, though. One must only listen to their words and observe what is happening right in front of our eyes.
JellyToast on April 18, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Maybe you should start a poll on what Iran is going to demand for her release and what President Obama is going to give them for it.
I bet they are going to ask for some economic sanction removed for her release and that President Obama gives it to them in order to start the “talks” going. :-)
JeffinSac on April 18, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Have any of you watched the movie ‘On Wings of Eagles’?…
Well that’s about the only thing that will save this woman I’m afraid. I don’t see BBC’s CEO or Gordon Brown having the balls to saver her. No question on Oblahblah: he’s just an ass.
She’s in a situation that’s truly FUBAR.
Ross Perot had far better stuff in him: When employees of his corporation were taken hostage by the Iranians, he petitioned Washington DC to do something for their release but when that failed, he hired a team of mercenaries to rescue those employees. They were completely successful, rescuing all hostages without harm.
Sadly, I don’t see that happening for Saberi.
Chaz706 on April 18, 2009 at 1:33 PM
At least in Thailand, the courts tried him in public according to the rights of Habeas Corpus. Saberi not so much.
For all we know the Iranians are simply holding her hostage.
Chaz706 on April 18, 2009 at 1:34 PM
I hate to say it, but I suspect that she’s going to end up like that Canadian journalist that was jailed there some years back.
blue13326 on April 18, 2009 at 1:56 PM
The MSM isn’t seeling out one of their own. They aren’t in the same league.
While the MSM pretends they are courageous by dreaming up thoughts of an oppressive Bush regime, or the hysterical reporting of Katrina, or some clown with a slicker standing in hurricane winds, there are some who actually take risks and try to report the stories of people who are actually repressed in this world.
Still, it makes my blood boil to see commentors here spew the, “she was stupid to go” crap. Just like the thread about the journalists captured by North Korea.
The MSM would not dare cover real stories about real people living under horrible regimes.
The majority of this country’s MSM should be ashamed of themselves. Reporters are being imprisoned or worse from Cuba to China to Iran to North Korea to Russia…
Yet they applaud some insignificant insect like Katie Couric for her brave, brave interview with Sarah Palin.
Sickening.
reaganaut on April 18, 2009 at 1:57 PM
The first international hostage of Carter’s second term. Didn’t take long.
PattyJ on April 18, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Don’t forget the two women in N. Korea.
Cindy Munford on April 18, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Thailand is Thailand…Iran is Iran. For one thing, it’s not like they came here and abducted her. For another, she’s 31 years old. She didn’t walk in there blind.
You’re probably right, for all I know the whole thing is a sham…..and if it is, then it’s time to start raising hell. But there’s plenty of fodder to rip Obama on.
I’m not going to have a cow over this until I get some more information on this as to whether or not she did violate their law.
BigWyo on April 18, 2009 at 3:11 PM
That memo was sent November 4, 2008.
Obama is now merely expanding and clarifying.
Maquis on April 18, 2009 at 3:30 PM
First, Godzilla vs. King Kong.
Now, the Messiah vs. the Mahdi.
Tzetzes on April 18, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Somehow I don’t think a hunger strike will acomplish anything. The Iranians will see it as sucide and not their problem.
Grafted on April 18, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Ah yes, thanks.
My guess is Kim doesn’t even have to dangle them as bait…he’ll just get what he wants anyway. But those two sure disappeared off the MSM radar screen fast.
AUINSC on April 18, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Asking Obama to stop sucking up is like asking a duck to stay out of the water. Nota’ gonna happen.
Griz on April 18, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Regrettably, the “dire consequences” will involve non-stop rape and torture of Saberi by those fine folks who practice the religion of peace.
I am consoled by the knowledge that the pit of Hell is deep enough, broad enough, and hot enough, to accommodate the sewage eating maggots in Tehran, Washington and the DNC. I do hope they remember to dress in light weight clothing. I’ve read that the “pit” is VERY warm.
oldleprechaun on April 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Oh come on! Of course she is guilty! She’s an American!
csdeven on April 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM
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