I've got to agree. Who vacations in a war zone and then goes hiking into remote areas? It does look suspicious. Maybe if we gave Iran a couple of billion in bailout money we could bail them out?

I agree anybody that stupid to go hiking in that country gets what they deserve. Americans wake up foreign travel is not safe. Stay home!!

Lets see, what are we going to do on out vacation?

I know, lets go to a war zone and make a lame youtube music vidio, then cross over into a country the US has had a hostile relationship since 1979 WHEN THEY TOOK AMERICANS HOSTAGE.....

Darwin Awards anyone?

I guess you can say that these three idiots are now complete. Somehow, I have a feeling that there is some activist organization behind this.

Do we know for a fact that they were not working for Blackwater, or whatever they are calling themselves these days? I just find it hard to believe that these folks were just innocently hiking in an area that should be considered dangerous for people are not somehow linked to the military or mercenaries.

I don't know, something just seems suspicious about this whole thing.

theway they describe this in the article, you'd think this is done daily as a routine adventure. I do agree tho however, something stinks in this whole deal. Why would 3 morons, who look like kids from college, with no military ties, be out hiking, more likely unarmed, in the mountains, where there is known to be people crossing boarders and so on, who want nothing more than to see Americans killed in the worst possible way to begin with? Something most defiantly isn't right with this picture, i must say. Then there is the vacation thing....i thought Americans outside of our Military, and contractors were prohibited from traveling to Iraq? when was that restriction lifted? anyone know?

Regaurdless....let them be now a lesson to those who think that haveing a licence to hug a tree, means nothing to the people in the middle east.

I have no problem trying to negotiate their release but there should be no consessions (be it their 'diplomats', policy, money, etc). I understand this will not give us the 'best hand' (to be had) in the negotiations but it's the 3 kids stupidity that got them where they are now.

"Ignorance is curable, stupidity is forever"

freds1369: Foreign travel not safe? I have been to Iran and never had problems - but I had a proper visa when I crossed the border at a normal checkpoint. If Americans are afraid to leave, then it is only America's loss.

Another three Americans (?) looking to write a million seller book entitled; "What I did on Last Summers' Vacation", or, perhaps "The Results of My Dumbed Down Education in the American Educational System." Just what idiot would go walking in these countries? They deserve what they get!

these idiots should have signed up with al gore's group, then clinton could go get them. then again, bill might not want to, there's only one chick and she's not that cute...

What a dreary bunch of posts - these people were exercising a number of freedoms - freedom of choice being the first - rather than condemn them for making a wrong one you should be happy that there's people who have more vitality than to sit at their computers and deride people braver than themselves. Would you rather choke on a Slim Jim while listening to the radio?

gee, we do NO wrong..they had no idea, they were in IRAN..we're not like our neighbors here..we can't Play the Dumb excuse their..however, we could have acted as though as if we we're delivering Kleenex to them..hehehe..oh I'm sorry, Dumb and Dumber Incorporated is a sleeping Liar Giant...ah the World of some Nuts, mostly comprised of Greedy Butts........

Their mommies and daddies should have given em GPSs for Christmas.

Niki, you are so right.

Maybe these kooks are from the WTO and got lost.

They look like troublemakers. They could be easily turned into Terrorists, minds full of mush.

Apparently a lot of folks missing alot of the FACTS about this incident, at least the facts as reported by the media.

First of all they were in the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq to start with twhich has been one of the most stable regions in Iraq before during and since the 2003 invasion.

Secondly the area they were hiking is highly touted as being one of the most beautiful parts of the region for hiking.

Probably most importantly is the fact that in this area which borders a very remote portion of Iran there are almost no discernible boundary markings NO big welcoming sign that says "You Are Now Entering the Peoples Islamic Revolutionary Republic of Iran, We Hope you Enjoy Your Visit".

Personally I wouldn't consider this my first choice as a place to take a hike but I wouldn't be so quick to make the sort of divisive remarks about someone who did make that choice. I'm sure the hikers at this point have had ample time to reflect on the wisdom or lack thereof in their choice.

In all liklihood this will play out in one of two ways, either the Iranian government will stick the trio with a particularly harsh punishment as a way to once again stick its thumb in the ey of "the Great Satan", or they may give them a slap on the wrist for tresspassing and cut the trio loose and proclaim that in so doing they (the Iranian government) have shown that they are "fair and just".

I'm hoping for the later for the sake of the hikers, their family and friends.

But apprently there are a bunch of folks out there that seem to think that the anguish that the family and friends of Shane, Sarah, and Josh are of no consequence in this equation.

They went there of their own free will. They hiked in an area known to be dangerous. They apparently crossed a border, even if it was unmarked. If the situation were reversed and they were Iranians in the border region of the U.S. we would try them. So what's the big deal? As the saying goes, you play, you pay.

Ron- and I'm not addressing myself - It's appalling - one person with a questionable piece of thinking equipment actually said, "They look like troublemakers"

I imagine this defective unit takes pride in being a Freedom loving American.
What is freedom if it is not exercised from time to time?

I think you all are being too harsh on these people. I think they should be tried in court and whatever evidence there is against them be made public then they should get what they deserve.

Now, there are a few Iranians (nuclear scientists) kidnapped by U.S. in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, who have never been told if they would see justice and tried in American court. and, our media propaganda have been making a monster out of Iran.

Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27. Their families said they were hiking and had strayed across the border accidentally.

These people aren't young ignorant kids like some would want you to believe. They are more than mature enough to understand where they were and the risks they were taking. Furthermore, they should also have been well aware that even if they were on the right side of the border they could have still been abducted for political purposes. Shame on them for putting themselves in harm's way, now they are pawns in a game that will play itself out with them being used in an exchange for detained Iranians. So it goes. Fools.

"Last month, Iran's judiciary announced espionage charges against the trio — Shane Bauer, 27, Sarah Shourd, 31, and Josh Fattal, 27. Their families said they were hiking and had strayed across the border accidentally."

They must have been looking at secret natural rock formations, which coulld be used to destroy the economy of Iran. LOL

We should just call their bluff and allow them to be tried. Maybe the "thrill seekers" will learn something from their experience, and Iran will be exposed for the uncivilized brutes they are to the world.

R.H.R wrote:

What a dreary bunch of posts - these people were exercising a number of freedoms...

How about them exercising the gray matter between their ears? Exercising their responsibility? I simple GPS device would have kept them out of this problem.

Heck, in 15 minutes I could've taught them how to read a map, determine where they are (resection & intersection), orient the map, etc...

Ron in Co...

First of all they were in the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq to start with twhich has been one of the most stable regions in Iraq before during and since the 2003 invasion.

Secondly the area they were hiking is highly touted as being one of the most beautiful parts of the region for hiking.

And all of this could have been avoided by them learning to read a frilling map.

One of the remarks that seems to be getting played out over and over is:

"These are not kids!"

Well i got news for some of you geniuses regardless of the ages of these folks they are in fact someone's sons and daughter so that makes them someone's kids. My kids are just a bit younger than this trio yet if I'm alive when they are old enough to draw social security and become senior citizens in the eyes of the rest of the world but they will still be my KIDS!

When did the US lift the travel ban to Iraq? Go hiking in a war zone & near a border that intelligence & military experts say is used to smuggle weapons to the insurgents in Iraq? Something isn't right about this whole matter.

I want to know why is'nt this front page news? and why is'nt this the main topic on our news channels?

I am American, and I know for a FACT that Iran hates America,Americans anything and anyone who associates with us. So, those 3 Americans never had a chance no matter if they were innocent or guilty!

We should support them and not condemn them and insult them!

squirmwerm-I think this is bluster by Iran. They will make it look very serious, and probably make them apologize for being spies. Then there will be some backroom administration negotiations, and they will be released. It won't however, be real soon. There may even be a trial, to make it look like they are spies. I hope the lesson learned, is once we are outside our borders, our rights end. These 3 were very stupid and immature. They are paying a very high price. Just my opinion.

I've got to agree. Who vacations in a war zone and then goes hiking into remote areas? It does look suspicious. Maybe if we gave Iran a couple of billion in bailout money we could bail them out?

People who are not afraid of life?

If they're not afraid of life, let's hope that they're not afraid of death, because their stupid vacation may cost them their lives.

Worse yet, they could have cost the lives of soldiers sent to save their sorry butts if the situation was such that a rescue was possible before they were tucked away in what ever prison they are currently in.

If I play with dynamite and blow myself up, then I would have been an idiot and deserved what I got. The same goes here. They did it to themselves.

Idiots.

TIDubai I have been to Iran and never had problems

I doubt very seriously that you look like an American tourist. No American tourist is going to Iran and not have problems in this day and age. Wake up America.

Julie - once there was no such thing as GPS, cell phones, etc, I personally don't own a cell phone. Is it sometimes inconvenient? Sure. But it's worth it to me.

Well, Iranian tourist typically go through the airport and arrive in a proper way. They don't wonder in from war torn Iraq. These three are obvious spies and got what they deserve.

From your choice of words it's obvious that you are a three foot ten inch red haired person with halitosis - in case you're wondering how I know - the use of the word wonder instead of wander gave you away, Shorty.

You are all a bunch of pussies. Americans should be able to go where ever they want, whenever they want, anywhere in the world. We have spent more treasure and blood on the freedom of others than any nation in history and that buys us the right to be treated better than the rest of the human race. Any nation who molests our citizens when they are travelling peacefully abroad should be reduced to smoking ash.

Well said

All of that sounds really, really good. However, with that sort of knowledge in mind, why then would three normal twenty somethings, then decide to go hiking in the area? What, they wanted to see if Iraq was really a war zone, and if Iran's regime is serious in their suppression of opposition?

As quick as we are to tell other folks how to run their countries, it does not excuse the apparent stupidity of American citizen's. Something just doesn't smell right about this to me.

Well everybody said what I was going to say. Why the hell are they hiking near the border of Iran. I hope the best for them if there were no illegal activities taking place. People, don't vacation near a war zone. Hell, they could have been kidnapped. Boneheads.

Oh it WILL be a fair trial...

The story ALREADY said that the sentences handed down would be...

Wait a second...That would mean that there wouldn't be a real trial, just a mock one. I thought it was based on law for a second, then I realized it's more Muslim-terrorist-cover-up bull@!$%#.

bart,

You have repeated the anti-Iran propaganda garbage the American mass media have been feeding the public. Regardless, however, there is a possiility that they have connections to either CIA, MOSAD, or other agency. the $500 million Congress just passed to undermine Iranian regime must be spent in some way. We'll soon find out. For their sake, let us hope they really were hikers, just very very stupid ones.

Maybe they are working for the CIA, MI - 6 or here in America AAA crossing guards at a local school. Give us a break, three bozos near a hostile border. They should receive jail time or a good smack in the head for being jerks...that is it!

When you have a foreign national who enters sovereign nation with out authorization in most cases it's a violation of immigration laws. In Iran with its government anyone who enters that is from the west works for CIA, Brits or other intelligent services. In sum as the retired F.B.I agent are being held as chips ..unless they have a “show “ trail and are deported …still long over due.

The only issue that I have that this government has a total lack of direction when dealing in such matters. We are dealing with a government (NOT A PEOPLE ) who work outside of any international law . Iran ( government ) acts the way it does because they are aware that USA or Western nations will not take action …at least at this time

My answer to Iran would be a US Navy Carrier Task force.. In international waters on exercises ...

I am sorry to say that in Iran we are dealing with a sick leader and government .....the people who stand up and fight this force of evil will always be honored .

I was going to go with "We could always send Bill Clinton to meet with an Ahmadinejad look-alike", but I like yours better,

And I to am wondering what three Americans would be doing hiking in Iran.....

They should send the entire Congress over there. Hopefully, none of them will come back.

I'm going with Hillary wearing the pants this time... its her moment to try to prove that she actually has a reason to exist. She'll get their heads cut off for sure.. on second thought your right, better send Jimmy or Bill. Even better yet, send all 3, maybe we'll get lucky and all 3 will be detained!

or send Bush to dazzle them with his intellectual prowess

They would send the very viable combo of Gov. Bill Richardson and Bill Clinton, the two that were able to get the two journalists freed from North Korea.

What. This was supposed to be a joke right? Oh, well then they will probably send Dick Cheney, as we know his diplomatic skills are top notch!

rottenwill,

Last week, when asked about it, Hillary said she knew nothing of the situation.

Say what you want, but Bush ran a tighter ship than this crap!

Yes, because Hillary should have nothing more on her mind then three schmucks who supposedly, accidentally cross into a country that the US does not have a diplomatic relationship with.

Wow! Sure glad Bush would have been right on top of that, as we know there wasn't much on his mind!

"wendywiesenthal-1
They should send the entire Congress over there. Hopefully, none of them will come back."

The lack of spray on tanning products alone would make Boehner lose his mind!

I agree, why should the secretary of state be aware of a major diplomatic incident that will make nuclear negotiations with Iran even tougher?

What was I thinking?

P.S. Nuclear and BM negotiations ARE BY DEFINITION a diplomatic relationship! We dont have FULL diplomatic relations.....BIG DIFFERENCE! So you worked for the Bush administration it seems?

bsbfankaren, do liberals live in the theoretical? Just curious.....

Good points ScoMata.

O.K. so theoreticailly speaking, Hillary Clinton is aware of the situation, and working on a way to solve it. And since the Bush Administration ran such a tip top ship, I am sure, theoretically of course, one of the fine diplomats from that administration will be taking to the airwaves to give suggestions as to how to solve this here issue. Dick Cheney appears to have ample time on his hands...

Does that work better for you?

More questions. How did these lovely folks get visas to go to Iraq? Did they get visas to go to a neighboring country, then decide to take a side trip to Iraq, and hike along the Iranian border? So many of you spend time trying to blame someone in the Obama administration for everything under the sun, that you don't look at the most obvious questions in this matter. How many laws did these three break before getting captured in Iran?

Lets see, they give us 3 idiots and we ok them 3 nuke plants now thats a fair deal.

This is what I should have done from the beginning. 

ScoMata1964, last week was what...Dec 4?  Maybe Dec. 2?  This article proves that you are infact a lier, as it is dated Nov 9:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dcnow/2009/11/clinton-calls-for-release-of-three-americans-held-in-iran.html

Now. Anymore lies regarding Hillary Clinton? Come on, surely you can come up with something that is not easily disputed!

Send the actor, Sean Penn. He likes negotiating with Terror Leaders, such as the late Saddam Hussein.

I'm sure he wants the publicity, talking on Iran's level to the "Mad" getting them released.

He's very important in the center of high security issues.

Theoretically, Hillary will run against Obama in 2012, and win!

What cave have you been living in? Iran housed, fed, insured, gave jobs, and schooled the children of over 10 Million, I mean MILLION Afghans for the past 20 years. There are still over 2 million there awaiting some peace and stability in their homeland to return. Contrary to your types, Iranians are most hospitable, humane, and kind people.

in the picture they will be wearing backpacks and are at the end of Iranian soldiers bayonets..

And why would a female go hiking in a region of the world where female autonomy isn't exactly guaranteed?

I think all of this, including the pictures, are designed to make us believe they are stupid, when it fact they might actually have been working for Blackwater or Xe as I guess they are known now.

Remember...Waterboarding doesn't work. I think the Iranians have a bit better form of torture.

They will probably tickle them to death.

Our Educational System doesn't require geography, it get in the way of all the "Diversity" and "Social" program stuff. The don't even require 5th grade reading for graduation, the news media will tell you what to do and think.

As I posted above

They went into a war zone and make a lame youtube music vidio, then crossed over into a country the US has had a hostile relationship since 1979 WHEN THEY TOOK AMERICANS HOSTAGE.....

I am not ashamed one bit to call thes 3 IDIOTS!

Their is so mush hate. If one of your kids did a really stupid thing as these kids did, you might think something different.

They are far from kids two are 27 and one is 31. This is beyond a stupid thing, there are soldiers fighting over there, the last thing the US needs is people putting them selves in danger in a war zone.

Cat -

These are not kids. They are adults acting like kids. I take that back...kids have more sense.

I think it is a bit much to call a 27 year-old or 31 year-old a "kid". Their brains should be past the "youth retard" stage. They are grown adults.

NancyforO:

sry but, I for one, when my kidr told me she/ he was heading for Iraq for a little summer vacation, would have probably put my foot dead square in her/ his a$$ for being that retarded. Had she/ he gone anyway, yes i would be a bit upset, ok, more than a bit. I tell you one thing tho, as upset as i would be, and to read what people are saying, do you honestly for 1 second think i could blame them, and i don't mean the "kids". who are actually. or should be responsible adults.

As far as speaking to Iranian Pres. over there as a parent, I would defiantly request his audience for letting me put my foot in my kids behind as a punishment, on any public tv that wants to see it, as a form of punishment. A form of idiocy, that no better punishment could possibly fit, and make sure as positive, that part fits into their stupid "music video", with each foot planting to the beat of a great, maybe the greatest drummer in all time to one of Neil Pert's, drum solo's as a end cap grand finale!

If you reared a stupid kid who would put our nation at risk for war with Iran, then shame on YOU!

To people who are old as I am they are still "kids".

For all the knee-jerk "let 'm rot!" post-ers: Perhaps you should examine your own level of maturity-ie wisdom.

Thank you Ron in Colorado, for your level-headed and compasionate views.

The families have a website up to publicize the situation. According to information on the site and published news stories, the American Sarah Shourd is a zealous pro-Arab journalist who has lived in Syria and Yemen, to name just two states hostile to the US. I think if she just pointed out a few of the hostile, anti-Israel pieces she has written, Iran would send her home with a medal pinned to her chest. She is surely making the world more dangerous for everyone, and seems a good fit for the Iranian regime.

Funny. why would this young woman go to Syria and Yemen of all places, where U.S. is on hostile terms with? Now Iraq and Iran.....It smell quite fishy. Many times spies do play roles to fool the govenments of hostile countries thus her pro_Palestine writing may be one such item. Iranians are very smart and can tell the differnce. As I said before, let us all wait for the evidence. It will come out soon enough.

Evidence..under what rules sir ???? Evidence that is obtained in an unbiased judicial system with an independent judiciary. Per case in point in the United States , a United States District Court judge has ruled that Gitmo COMBANTANTS ( That are found on the field of battle by US Military forces ) must come to the United States and have a CIVIL trail in a United States District Court NOT a Military Tribunal ...Sound familiar ????? This WAS before the Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder and the current administration order the closing of GITMO.

The court proceeding l in the United States of the 9/11 defendants in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York will take two years with every defendant have more defense attorneys than the graduating class of 2010 from NYU law school !! The reason for EACH defendant’s attorney will be able to file for access the governments evidence. Evidence from EVERY witness every record etc , . That is evidence that's obtained in an unbiased system of justice ..

You talk about waiting for the evidence .....Dream on. The word evidence within the Iran system of justice IS WHAT EVER they want it to be..Don't insult our intelligence ...PS Who do you work for ??

Why?

Removing Saddam was called an unjust and illegal war. Who is going to do that again?

Dictators like those in Iran and dozens of other countries are now free to act as they please, why do you think they all supported Obama? The Iranians, The Venezualans, the Afghans, The Taliban, Al Quieda, they all backed Obama and wanted Bush gone. Wonder why?

The only way anything will ever happen to them is if a Republican gets back in office and this country as a whole decides to honor the promises we made to the world after WWII that genocide, unjust land grabs, and gross human rights violations are not allowed.

ScoMata: I agree with about every word you said, outside of the republican in office part. We need people with a set of go-nads, that actually believe in the people that put them into office, that don't pocket our tax dollars for them selves, and so on. That will stand up to evil dictators and put America back into it's place as a Nation of Peace, Equality, and true Hope. That won't bow and apologise for things we have no business apologising for.

Sorry ScoMata when you mentioned genocide, unjust land grabs and gross human rights violations I thought you were talking about the strategies employed by American forces. Silly me.....

Unless you illegally somehow cross over into Mexico. They enforce illegal border crossings INTO Mexico anyway.

Unless you get shot by the Mexican drug lords....an added taste of adventure!

You fell for that sales pitch, too? There is nothing I like better around Christmas time except for looking forward to good ole' fashion jail and/or imprisonment for life by rogue nations looking for an excuse to use me as an example! And don't even get me started on the fun involved with a heat stroke! It just makes jump with holiday spirit!

These are not kids, they are 27 and 31 years old! Unless they were there for Obama... than this is there families mess. The United States has beautiful national parks go hiking there. The whole situation is insane.

Yes, because that's how we got the two journalists freed from North Korea!

Come on. Why is there no requirement for one to think before they post on this site?

Oh yeah that was another Democrap tricky Bill Clinton and his favorite cigars as a trade off.

Too bad Cheney already sent them centrifuges and nuclear components that they are using to enrich uranium. Otherwise that would have been a good trade.

What is your documentation to show that Cheney sent centrifuges and nuclear components to Iran?

Were at war,We just wait for the right thing to happen to start it that's all.This could be it.Just a matter of time. I hope they can get out and tail the tail.There still Americans

The bookies could go wild with this one: 26 years, life, execution, public be-heading, firing squad, you-tube or twitter.....the list goes on and on.

I'll take 5 to 1 odds on be-heading on you-tube!