Iran Feature: Why It is Vital to Speak Out for the US Hostages

Among this weekend's summaries of the Wikileaks documents on the Iraq War, the story emerged that the US military initially thought three US hikers --- Sarah Shourd, Josh Fattal, and Shane Bauer --- may have been abducted by Iranian security forces on the Iraqi side of the border in July 2009.

In fact, this is not a revelation. The issue of the trio's location had been reported weeks after their detention by The Daily Telegraph and later by The Nation.

So the not-so-new claim highlights the initial abduction. But this should not obscure the even more important matter: while Shourd has been released, Bauer and Fattal are still being held in Tehran as hostages.

Yes, hostages.

I have never looked at the detention of the American hikers as anything but hostage-taking. Iran has had past experience with this: in the first years of the Islamic Republic, the Government brazenly broke international laws and held American diplomats and citizens. It is a strategy that has paid off in the past, and to the leaders in Tehran, it is a tried and tested method of getting back at their adversaries.

Holding foreigners as hostages on Iranian soil gives Tehran clear leverage at a negotiations table with the West. The strategy didn't end at the hikers' arrest. A French citizen was held hostage last year. Two German journalists were arrested earlier this month. All these cases point in one direction --- Iran comes to talks with bargaining chips.

It is unclear whether Western governments have realised this or if they have decided to keep silent. If it is the former, than it is nothing new: the West has often failed in formulating efficient foreign policy goals or actions in regards to Iran. But if it is the latter, then it is not just wrong, it is shameful and risky.

Allowing Iran to hold hostages without aggressively bargaining for their release is one thing --- refraining from attention to Iran's image as a nation that will target innocent civilians of foreign countries is another. At a time when Iran is engaged more than in trying to clear its name, playing upon the approaches of those who see the West as an Empire of Evil, failing to blame it for gross violation of international laws is unwise.

Since last year, the Iranian government has been mired in controversy not only internationally but also internally. The Green Uprising in Iran has left the government bitterly divided and many citizens ready for change. The Government is doing everything to quell internal opposition by imprisoning, torturing, and occasionally killing dissidents. At the same time, Tehran is attempting to show the world's citizens that it is a legitimate regime, fairly and openly elected, a beacon of freedom and democracy, and an honourable member of the community of nations. 

At this hour, it is vital to the interests of the West and of Iran's citizens, not to mention an urgent matter for the hostages, that people open their mouths about them. The facts about those held on bogus charges in Iran's prisons, classifying them as hostages, as soon as possible. These cases need to be publicised and brought to the attention of the world so that it knows that Iran's leaders are not just committing abuses against their own citizens but also against citizens of other countries. 

Instead of sheepishly accepting Iran's aggressive and law-breaking actions, the West needs to act immediately and speak forcefully. Otherwise, Tehran will continue to detain foreigners and may even go so far as to abduct them to win favours in negotiations.

It’s time to get the hikers home.