Roxana Saberi: A Political Pawn?
The detention in Tehran of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi is likely an attempt by hardliners to poison the possibility of better relations between our two countries. She was accused of spying and sentenced to 8 years, but given the right to appeal.
Saeed Leylaz, a political analyst in Iran, said he believed that his country wanted to use Ms. Saberi in negotiations with the United States, but would not keep her for long because it would tarnish its human rights record.
Iran has also been pressing for the release of three Iranian officials whom the United States took into custody in 2007 in Iraq. The men, who Iran says are diplomats, were arrested at Iran’s consulate in northern Iraq. United States forces have said the men had links to the Revolutionary Guards.
Some diplomats have suggested that another American who many believe is being held in Iran, Robert Levinson, a former F.B.I. agent, may be viewed as a high-value chip in a possible prisoner swap. Mr. Levinson traveled to Iran in 2007 on what his family said was a business trip and has been missing since then.
Saberi was initially arrested in January and charged with buying alcohol. She was later accused of working as a reporter without credentials and then charged with spying. She is currently in Evin prison in Tehran. Hopefully, better relations with the US will enable a prisoner swap and a quick end to these maneuvers. Let’s hope Leylaz is correct in that Iran does have some consiousness about its human rights record.
“but would not keep her for long because it would tarnish its human rights record.”
That is just rich. Isn’t it already tarnished? Hopefully Saberi has better luck then then photojournalist Zahra Kazemi who was arrested for taking photographs in front of the prison, and died while in prison. The Iranian government claimed that she died from a stroke while being interrogated, but doctors examining Kazemi’s body found evidence of rape, torture and a skull fracture.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Once again a glaring example, and opportunity, of what seperates us from other nations. I have already heard the cries of “just bomb the sh#t out of them”, the catch-all solution to crisis so often put forth from the conservatives. I sure hope this administration is not sidetracked by the right’s hardass attitudes, and pursues a solution more aimed at affirming human rights, instead of tearing them down.
Bernie-in-Michigan Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Where have you heard such cries James? I’d certainly like to check them myself.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Hey Bernie,
Personal friends and family. I have a lot of conservative friends(conservative town).
Additionally my whole family, mom, dad, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, all of them, are conservative Christian republicans. To be fair, my family does not use explitives very often.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Now we will see how much talking obama is willing to do.
average james Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Yah Bliss,
This is gonna test Obama for sure. I hope he succeeds for Roxana’s sake, and everybody elses too.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Bliss, I’m sure no matter what he does he’ll be wrong according to you.
April 19th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Yeah, bomb there, bomb now. Let’s slaughter the good and the bad alike. Let’s kill all the “innocents” still in the womb as well. Let’s get those dirty muslim SOBs because they don’t deserve to be sharing the same planet with us beautiful holy god-fearing Jesus-worshiping Christians! Bomb there, bomb now!
DON’T TALK TO THEM! THAT’S JUST WRONG!!!
It’s evvvviiiilllllll!
[Standard disclaimer: if you're familiar with the word "facetious" then you may comprehend the thrust of this post. If not, you're probably a republican, and don't worry about it.]
average james Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hehehehe
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Yeah…diplomacy is such a horrible thing. Bombing countries into democracy has been proven to be so much more effective!
havok333 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Don’t bomb them. Send in strike teams that can kill with one shot, as it’s far more efficient. Bombing Iran wouldn’t save this woman at all. After the rescue, THEN we could bomb their butts into the stone age (oh yeah, they’re still IN the stone age).
April 19th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I’m sure no matter what he does he’ll be wrong
Me too. Though this should surprise no one.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Oh….the negativity! Keep it up, you guys are only harming yourself more each day.
pino Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Pot, meet kettle. Kettle, this is pot.
So so gentle, you “tolerant and understanding” democrats. You bringers of love and peace and anti-hate.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
There’s a difference between being negative when it’s deserved, it’s another when it’s done to deflect from all the crows you guys are choking down.
You guys are a bunch of sore losers. I’ve seen more maturity in 8-10year old football games.
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Have I missed something? I have yet to see any right wing website say anything about the two shaking hands. As a matter of fact, the only negativity I’ve seen about this is coming from left-wing sites that are trying to suppose the reaction from conservatives.
Can anyone point me to a right wing website that has said anything about this?
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Jared,
Actually the home page at Fox news online had it as the main picture and story.
I assume we are talking about Obama and Chavez shaking hands.
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:17 am
AVERAGE JAMES,
I was looking more for a website that says all of the things the left-wing thought they would say about them shaking hands.
I’m not talking about a routine news story.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:55 am
OK, gotcha
April 19th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
the negativity!
Look, the man is a fool and a rookie. He is without a CLUE and is being given a pass by all ya’ll. So, serious, with all honesty….
you guys are only harming yourself more each day.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
you’re delusional
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
all ya’ll ? im sure it was a rookie mistake cause you’s no fool. is ya?
April 19th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
you’re delusional
Which part?
April 19th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Which part?
Your big right toe!?!?!?!?!?
April 19th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
A bit off topic…but Roxana is smokin’ hot!
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Ok, I don’t see that at all. Seems very average looking.
When I think of a woman being referred to as “smokin’ hot”, I think Angelina Jolie.
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Erm.. chicks are notoriously bad at knowing which other chicks are hot.
For example, Angelina Jolie? Not ridiculously hot.
Roxana Saberi? In addition to being an accomplished journalist, and currently a political prisoner, she is, as Jared stated, smoking hot.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Really? Ok, I will take your guys words ~ you’d know better than me.
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Im agreein with Jared shes hot.
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
angelina jolie – not hot
halle berry – hot
hillary clinton – not hot
roxana saberi – hot
pino Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
angelina jolie – not hot
For the record, something about crackers and throw come to mind……
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
angelina is hot (not smokin)
halle berry is hot
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I gotta get in on this and agree,
Roxana—Pretty freakin hot
Halle Berry—smokin hot
Angelina Jolie—just regular hot
April 19th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Your big right toe
Hmm, while interesting having you think of parts of me, I was referring to which part of what I said was delusional.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Yeah Pino I know that, I was being a smart-ass. I’d assumed you’d pick up on that!
April 19th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
There’s a difference between being negative when it’s deserved, it’s another when it’s done to deflect from all the crows
Ahh yes, another lesson on the tender mercies of compassion.
I’ve seen more maturity in 8-10year old football games.
I see. So, somehow being a cheerleader for 8-10year old football games qualifies you as chief decider on what is and is not proper negativity?
You were a bully, weren’t you?
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
No, I was never a bully. Sorry to disappoint you!
I’m just sayin’…….so many cons have been nothing but negative over everything Obama does. Good, bad, indifferent…..doesn’t matter, they just try to keep dragging him down no matter what.
Best example so far was good ol’ boy Newt, going on TV and stating that he knows the situation with the pirates would not end good because he doesn’t think the Obama Administration will handle it correctly. Funny….Newt had nothing to say after the situation was over. In fact, I’d take it one bit further and say that I would not be surprised if half (not all) of these so called ultra conservative Christians would have preferred the situation not turned out favorably, just say they could scream “see, we told you he was weak”, “he couldn’t even handle a little boat with 4 stupid kids”! But of course, since it did end well, Obama obviously had really nothing to do with it.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:34 am
I heard that from my boss almost verbatim.
“Obama really had nothing to do with it.”
The day before he was chiding me about my weak and lame idea that I hoped the situation could be resolved without loss of life. He said, “If Obama had any balls, he’d take back the captain and just blow away the pirates.”
After it all went down I said,”You must be pleased, the pirates are dead. Did Obama do ok ?”
“Obama really had nothing to do with it.”
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:29 am
HAHAHA…… Had almost the identical discussion with several conservatives co-workers. Obama will do nothing right in these guys minds.
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 3:22 am
Kindof like how Bush could do nothing right…
partisan disapproval seems to go in cycles…
April 19th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
all ya’ll
Added for affect. Even funnier, albeit perhaps only to me, cause I really ain’t from the South. But the concept remains the same.
O is no bueno.
And no, I ain’t from the deeper South either, amigo!
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
The English language needs a plural ‘you’ form, most other languages have one.
Y’all is a perfectly acceptable word, I use it all the time. (and whether I use a word or not IS of course the test of whether it is acceptable or not. For example, ‘yoose guys’, not acceptable)
pino Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
heh heh
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
how ’bout “you ‘uns”
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
oh I forgot ….Christine Aguilera smokin hot x’s 2
JaredfromTexas Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
wait…are we talking Christina Aguilera before the weight gain? or after? or before again? or after again?
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
lol what weight gain? googlin
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
You really need to come to Brazil some time.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:36 am
I’ve heard about Brazil.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I’ve always had a thing for Mira Sorvino…..Smokin hot
April 19th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I was being a smart-ass
Works better when it’s funny.
pino Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
See, like that.
That was funny.
And so was that!
Stop, I kill me!
craig7120 Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
yeah using all ya’ll was funny but you gots to throw in ifn also.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Grouchy!?!?
April 19th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
nothing but negative over everything Obama does.
Look, you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. He is bad, wicked bad. This dude is overwhelmed, over matched, over … well, um, just under qualified.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Pino,
What do you find so darn horrible about Obama?
April 19th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Grouchy!?!?
Not at all, having a blast. You?
April 19th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
You really need to come to Brazil some time.
Sigh.
You just HAD to go there didn’t ya? I envy you Mr. Cara, most certainly envy you.
Just don’t tell my wife!
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I envy you Mr. Cara, most certainly envy you.
I won’t mention that tomorrow and Tuesday are both holidays, in that case.
Honestly, I really miss the US. The US is absolutely the best country in the world (most of my Brazilian friends would say Brasil, and they too would be correct).
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:40 am
It’s a perspective thing.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
What do you find so darn horrible about Obama?
1. He is without experience as an administrator. He hasn’t Done [capital D] anything.
2. He is horrible horrible wrong on all things economic.
3. His view of the role of Government is simply not sustainable. You can not legislate the nature of people.
4. He is way wrong on abortion.
5. I worry about his ability to Govern. This as opposed to simply campaigning for the next 4 years.
6. What he might, MIGHT, have gained in his view of treatment of detainees, he simply gave back. He is literally adhering to the Bush policy.
What do you find so darn attractive about Obama? And please, none of this late night, neon hazy light talk about Hope and Change and that endless blather. What did he do, or what has he done, that would make you think he has any capability to bring us from where we are to where we need to be?
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
1 – his drug czar isn’t a lunatic (though he is a law enforcement officer, as opposed to a doctor, which is what a drug czar should be, as long as we are having something so ridiculous as a ‘czar’)
2 – let’s see on the detainees, I think he’ll do better than Bush. I think he will do the right thing.
3 – he has stopped waterboarding, and been less ambiguous about being anti torture
4 – he isn’t hostile to having friends around the world (it isn’t a badge of honor to be hated), we have some friends again.
Frankly, 2-4 McCain would probably have been OK on as well, probably not better than Obama, maybe a little worse, but same ballpark. But you know my view on Palin, coupled with McCain’s age…
A 10 year younger McCain with a different running mate would have been as or more interesting to me than Obama. (And Biden in the whitehouse would only be slightly better than Palin in the whitehouse, by the way)
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:06 am
McCain would have done a better job than Bush. But, besides his age and the complete train-wreck pick of Palin….I had concerns about his temperament. The man at times was a loose cannon; in my opinion, not a good characteristic for a President. I love Obama’s temperament.
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
1. The man is incredibly intelligent.
2. He has a wonderful temperment.
3. He has already put a dent into helping us gain back our deserved international respect.
4. He’s not arrogant; no cowboy politics.
5. He has a great view of diplomacy.
6. I (and many economic strategists) think he IS on the right track.
7. Handled the Somalia pirate situation well.
8. Much needed stem cell research (I’m sure you’ll disagree).
9. Taxing cancer sticks to pay for children’s health care.
10. Majority of Americans can feel we can trust our own gov’t again.
Plus….give the man a chance Pino. He’s only been in there for a couple months and walked into a load of crap to clean up.
Kregg Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Danielle said: 1. The man is incredibly intelligent.
K: How do you draw this conclusion?
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:37 am
You mean you’re actually questioning this man’s intellect? I heard his IQ is around the 130 range.
Plus, his education, the way he speaks, the way he carries himself ~ he’s a smart cookie.
Kregg Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:48 am
Danielle said: You mean you’re actually questioning this man’s intellect? I heard his IQ is around the 130 range. Plus, his education, the way he speaks, the way he carries himself ~ he’s a smart cookie.
K: I”m simply asking how YOU have determined him to have a superior intellect. I’m sure we all have an opinion but I was interested in yours…
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:16 am
I like your outlook Danielle,
1. The man is intelligent. (incredibly?…so far so good)
2. He seems stable, certainly not a hothead.
3. Diplomacy is back, I like his style.
4. Seems a humble man, unassuming.
5. Diplomacy is back.
6. Let’s give it a shot, the status quo sucked and put us here.
7. Seems to perform well under pressure.(pirates)
8. Science minded, forward thinking.
9. Don’t mind the tax on smokes (I smoke), but think the money could be aimed at smoking related health issues. Universal health care in the near future.
10. I certainly feel better about government today.
He has inherited a sh#tstorm, give the man an honest shot at this. So far so good, in my opinion.
craig7120 Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:32 am
AJ Im in agreement with that post. Im not gaga over Obama but the alternative (ssda) was not an option in my opinion. Im glad we have a science minded person in the house above all.
Um Cara Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Can’t believe I left the science part out! Yes, Craig – that is a huge plus for me w/ regards to Obama as well. McCain was calling for a freeze on science spending. And Bush… well…
And I don’t know too many people who ARE ‘gaga for Obama’, but so many people on the right seem to think we are?
I suspect some elderly black people are especially fond of Obama, as it must seem amazing to them to see a black man as president, when they remember being forced to use separate drinking fountains, and forced to sit at the back of the bus (to highlight some of the lesser indignities they had to endure).
But I really don’t think there are that many people just over the moon with Obama, and remember – he had a very tough primary, there were quite a few Democrats who wanted a different Democrat as their president.
Um Cara Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:09 am
9. Taxing cancer sticks to pay for children’s health care.
I hadn’t heard that was the plan for that money. I think that’s a terrible idea. We are going to need people to continue smoking in order to pay for children’s health care?
We should pay for children’s health care with general tax dollars. Cigarette tax money should be used excursively on helping people quit smoking, and health care for smokers, and health care for ’second hand smoke’ effects.
It should go directly towards things having to do with smoking (so a baby with health problems due to her mother and father smoking, sure).
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Yes, they are being taxed pretty high now. I’m not a smoker, but I heard that a pack of name brand cigs are about $6 – $7 a pack. I think the idea is to make them so much less affordable that people will quit. I personally know 5 people that have quit since this tax.
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:25 am
But I did hear that the higher tax rate was going to help fund children’s health care programs.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Total agreement Um !! Excellent point.
April 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Um Cara,
I’ve probably asked you this before, but how long have you been in Brazil? And what city?
Um Cara Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Couple years, Sao Paulo.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Um Cara Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
1. Don’t follow that one.
2. So far he is the same. Bagram, same.
3. Water boarding is an emotional practice now. There are other ways….
4. Might need some details on this one. Who is now are friend that wasn’t before?
Danielle Reply:
April 19th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
1. Neon hazy light talk.
2. Neon hazy light talk.
3. Again, would need details. Who loves us that used to hate us?
4. Neon hazy light talk.
5. Neon hazy light talk.
For the record, we ARE talking about qualifications for President and not those for a one night stand, right?
6. Define many. And Krugman doesn’t count.
7. This one is unfair for Obama. If it went bad, he gets the blame, but when it went right…well, really, he didn’t DO anything. This is a non issue.
8. I agree with this one.
9. I agree with paying for kids healthcare. Taxing the things that people use is a normal liberal concept, so I am against that.
10. Neon hazy light talk.
You guys didn’t do very well.
And serious, Palin was killed in the media. Do you really think that she is doing that bad a job in Alaska as the general perception of her was made out to be? Alaska is a state being run about as well as any in the nation. Jeez.
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Pino,
Well, I think if had to select a list of charismatics that the President of the United States holds, the majority would select things like: intelligence, good temperament, very diplomatic, and if our country was previously left in a position that damaged our international reputation (as it was), then the ability to do damage control in a way that doesn’t come across as us being submissive but also not arrogant or refuse to talk to countries we disagree with.
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:10 am
oops meant characteristics
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:14 am
PALIN IS A TRAIN WRECK AND AN ARROGANT SOB AT THAT, COUPLE THAT TO HER LACK OF INTELLECT.
THE MERE SIGHT OF THAT WOMAN SETS ME OFF, CAN’T STAND HER. SHE ALMOST MAKES ME FEEL EMBARRASSED TO BE A WOMAN.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:21 am
She’s kinda hot……for a politician.
No way could I vote for her (my opinion), I don’t like her voice, but she looks …….kinda hot, for a politician.
Danielle Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:32 am
you have some low standards :)
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Like I said Danielle, kinda.:)
There are not alot of lookers in the political limelight. Her biggest problem happens when she opens her mouth. They seem to like her in Alaska. That’s just fine with me.
:)
April 20th, 2009 at 12:40 am
“Obama really had nothing to do with it.”
Like I said, politically unfair for The Blessed Leader. He was fooked if it went bad and got nothin’ if it went well.
Now, if he REALLY has balls, he’ll drive the friggin USS Ronald Reagan into those straights and do the Gipper proud!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Are you Kidding me Alan? Come on man. Have a heart. Why must people in your area (The Left) always doubt people and their sincerity?? Can it not just be that this woman is telling the truth? why is it because she sounds good and “looks like the devil–*LA Times Quote*) Must people question every person? Is there no sincerity left? I dont even watch these shows—but an artist is an artist. If she is a plant. I want to see REAL evidence not a left wing smear machine
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Maybe you read the article wrong Aerylon. You lost me.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:47 am
I hadn’t heard that was the plan for that money. I think that’s a terrible idea.
This is the problem with state sponsored health care/insurance.
How about this….take responsibility for smoking? If you do it and get sick, well, too bad.
And then not tax it.
Um Cara Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Well, I am for public health care, and addiction is a health care problem.
I don’t have a problem with taxing addictive legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, or sugar – specifically to raise money for health care dealing problems those substances cause (as opposed to general health care that I think should come from the general pool of tax dollars) – as long as it isn’t taxed at such a high rate that a black market becomes an attractive business opportunity.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Disagree with that Pino.
Total 100% government one-payer tax funded universal health care. That’s my ideal.
How about people that do not excersize enough ? Don’t eat enough veggies ? Get in a car wreck ? What if it was their fault ? Too much stress heartattack victim ?
Shall we determine if he did this to himself ? noone else to blame ? tough luck ?
I gotta quit smoking , but what about my 16 year old nephew with large b-cell lymphoma ? Lives in Montana, eats healthy, active, no smoking no drinking no drugs.
It’s gotta be universal bro.
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 1:55 am
Nah Pino,
Totally inhumane, to just let someone die. This whole-You’ve brought this on yourself man !attitude. Should we not help someone who failed a suicide attempt ? It’s a moral issue for me. Profit from suffering, bankruptcy by not having enough insurance, medical care only for the fortunate ?
average james Reply:
April 20th, 2009 at 2:02 am
Pino,
I like you anyway, you seem like an ok righty.
April 20th, 2009 at 12:56 am
A pawn? Definitely a pawn. Just as the rest of the world is. She just happens to represent the current stream of attack for Iran’s own smear machine, vs the USA’s machine.
April 21st, 2009 at 3:49 am