There's another kidnapped American we've forgotten about: Roxana Saberi.

[bushmeister0]

While we're all high-fiving eachother over the rescue of Captain Phillips from Somali pirates, we might want to consider the case of another American recently kidnapped by another band of pirates.



Saberi, a free-lance journalist for the BBC, NPR, CBS and other news organizations with dual Iranian-American citizenship was arrested in Iran two months ago for buying a bottle of wine. Then the Iranians said she had violated the law by acting as a journalist, even though they knew she had been reporting, since they revoked her press credentials two years ago. And then a few days ago they slapped spying charges on her. Her "trial" was yesterday and today it's over with. The NYT reports the Iranian prosecutors say the verdict will be handed down in two weeks. I'm pretty sure we all know what that will be.

It's difficult to figure out what the Iranians are up to here. Obviously, Saberi is not a spy. President Obama has offered his open hand and the Iranians have said they're willing to talk, even as they announce the opening of another facility to produce uranium. The Israelis are again threatening to attack and there are elections coming in June, which might oust nutty Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and usher in a more moderate cast of characters.

I know Obama's got the economy, the pirates, the North Koreans and a whole host of other problems, but there's a 31 year-old American woman looking at a life in an Iranian prison, or worse, sitting in notorious Evin Prison right now and her only hope is the United States government.

This time the Navy SEALs aren't going to be able to help. We need brains and guile to help get Ms. Saberi released. Looks like the Iranians are giving the US two weeks. The clock is running.

http://freeroxana.net/

[cali]

1. she wasn't kidnapped, but other than that I agree. I hope that

there are intense behind the scenes negotiations going on for her freedom.

There are also two women journalists in the same situation in N.Korea.

[bushmeister0]

2. Well, the Iranians do act kind of lawless. Kidnapped isn't too much of a stretch.

You;re right about the two in North Korea. Looks like kidnapping Americans is a new growth industry.

[stillcool]

3. Maybe we could trade..

for a detainee?

[bushmeister0]

6. I'm sure that's in the works.

Remember the two Iranians the US captured in Iraq back in 2006?

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/25/world/middleeast/25iraq.html?ei=5090&en=d7bbb4578e61b6da&ex=1324702800&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

[lumberjack_jeff]

4. Oh, I'm sorry? Were you saying something?

At risk of understatement, she's an attractive lady.

[Odin2005]

5. It's definitely not being ignored here in Fargo, since she is a Fargoan.

This is a fucking disgrace.

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. She was on British TV news this evening, FWIW

I don't think she's forgotten.

[stray cat]

8. Are those misunderstood environmentalists that have kidnapped her or can I hope she is freed safetly