Ahmadinejad Tells Ann Curry Iran Will Release Hikers Soon

Shaun Bauer and Joshua Fattal (AP photo)

Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal, two of the three hikers arrested by Iranian authorities in July 2009 for spying, have always claimed their foray into Iranian territory was an accident.  Sarah Shourd, the third hiker was released a year ago because of illness, after paying $500,000 in bail.  Bauer and Fattal must also pay that amount to free themselves.  Let's hope Ahmadinejad's claim in true.

Procedural delays postponed the two men's sentencing until last month when they received eight years as punishment.  As I watched Ann Curry's interview, her expression changed to mild shock when Ahmadinejad delivered the news of their impending release.  He said it would happen within a couple of days.  Anne repeated his words, and he affirmed his statement by repeating, "Yes," and nodding his head.  The Iranian leader also told Curry that he was solely responsible for arranging the release.  He then spoke about Iranians being held prisoner in the US and suggested our government should reciprocate in kind.

Next week, Ahmadinejad will join other world leaders in New York at the UN General Assembly, so the possibility that this announcement was timed to lay positive groundwork for his appearance is possible.  The hikers' parents have expressed hope that the release will happen as promised.  I have long doubted whether Ahmadinejad truly has the supreme power he would like us to believe.  These two young men deserve better than to be treated as political pawns.