Several former directors of US naval intelligence published an op-ed (Dec. 12, 1998, Washington Post) claiming Pollard then was already eligible to apply for parole. They said he was too "arrogant" to ask for it, wanting a full pardon instead. Peter Perl (July 5, 1998, W Post) said it was because he thought it wouldn`t be granted. Which doesn`t seem a reason not to apply.
But there`s a better reason he wants a full pardon or commutation. Then he can leave the US. Parolees typically must stay on US soil. Why is this important to him? Because he`s probably afraid of assassination.
Bill Buckley`s tales of attempts on Castro`s life; Bulgarian poison umbrellas; radioactive Russian cocktails--Pollard`s fear is reasonable, even if no one really is out to get him.
Let Pollard be paroled to Israel`s embassy in DC, or its consulate in NYC, or its UN mission. A compromise for a special-case parole. Then he might feel safe enough, and be near enough on US soil (and containable, anyway). |
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