U.S. hikers detained in Iran are like 'three Rachel Corries', says friend
Shon Meckfessel says he and his friends have spent their life fighting injustice in the Middle East.
By Danna Harman Tags: Iran Israel newsIf Sarah Shourd, 31, could have, she would have set sail on the recent flotilla to Gaza. Same for her boyfriend Shane Bauer, 28 and their friend Josh Fattal, 28. And they would probably be out there right now, demonstrating against Israel’s reaction, the blockade in general, and well, Israel in general.
That’s the kind of thing they believe in. Those are the sorts of activities they do. “These are like three Rachel Corries,” says their friend Shon Meckfessel, comparing them to the activist killed in Gaza who has become something of a symbol of the pro-Palestinian movement, “…we have spent out whole adult lives contesting injustices in the Middle East.”
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Detained American Sarah Shourd (R), Shane Bauer (L) and Joshua Fattal smile as they wait to meet their mothers in Tehran, May 21, 2010. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Except for now, none of those three young Americans is doing much of anything. On Saturday, it will be a year since they were taken into captivity in Iran, where they remain, in Evin prison, with almost no contact with the outside world.
Meckfessel, who was traveling with them when they were taken captive, is frustrated that so little is being done to get them released. “It just does not feel like a priority for the U.S. administration,” he complains. Is it because they are Americans who were critical of U.S. and Israeli actions? “I definitely wonder about that,” he says.
Swiss diplomats, who represent the U.S. in Tehran have managed only three visits with the captives. An Iranian lawyer has had no access. And Shourd, in solitary confinement, is said to be increasingly depressed.
The three are accused of being spies who entered the country to gather information and incite resistance to the regime - but no official charges have been made, and there is no trial date scheduled. All of which leaves the “American hikers” as they are called, in total limbo.
A year ago, the four friends had set out from Syria, where they were living and teaching in a Palestinian refugee camp, on a hiking trip to Kurdistan, in Northern Iraq, recounts Meckfessel. Staying in picturesque Suleymania, the plan was to go hiking and camping in the Zagros Mountains.
On the morning of the proposed trip, Meckfessel felt unwell and stayed behind, telling the other to go on without him – he would catch up the next day. That evening, he spoke on the mobile with the group twice, and they told him about a beautiful waterfall they visited near the village of Ahmed Awa. The group had maps, insists Meckfessel, but they were not detailed.
The last time Meckfessel heard from them was the next day, July 31, 2009, at 1:13 P.M., when Bauer called him, whispering down the line that they were being held by Iranians - and that he should immediately contact the U.S. embassy.
It seems the three either crossed the border into the Islamic Republic, or wandered close enough to it to be picked up by Iranian soldiers. “It was the last thing I expected,” says Meckfessel. “The breath went out of my chest I was so shocked. We had no interest in Iran. We did not even know we were that close.”
He admits there has been a lot of negative reaction to this story. “A lot of people really think they are spies, or, if not, then some idiots, going on an extreme silly adventure. But no, we have a deep involvement in the region. The irony is we were even doing work on some of the issues that Iran speaks about."
Just weeks before the three were taken captive, for example, he says, they were in Israel to visit another friend, Tristan Anderson, who was hospitalized for a year after being shot with a teargas canister in the head - by the IDF - while taking photos during a demonstration against the wall in Ni’lin.
“Often, when checking the Iranian press to see if there is any news about my friends I have seen coverage of Tristan’s situation, which is, of course, very sympathetic…They keep calling him a hero for standing up to Israeli and U.S. aggressions,” says Meckfessel. “The irony is they are celebrating Tristan as a hero, but holding his like-minded friends as spies.”
Anderson’s parents themselves have written to the Iranian authorities, imploring them to release the Americans. “With Tristan, they share common principles, projects and community,” they wrote. “They are not instruments of their government, but independent thinkers.”
At the time he was abducted, Bauer, a freelance journalist, was almost finished with an expose article on the IDF’s use of purportedly non-lethal weapons against protesters like Anderson. “He would have published it long ago if he had not been arrested…You would say the Iranians are standing in the way," says Meckfessel. "How ironic is that?"
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If I were trying to get someone out of Iran's jail, I would be making up stories about them being "like three Rachel Corries" too. Unfortunately that isn't likely to have much effect, since Rachel Corrie wasn't nearly radical enough for ayatollah's taste.
Where in the article is the indication that the four are enemies of or hateful toward Israel. They are perhaps critics of governments that allow themselves to be criticized and sympathizers with groups who are in tough circumstances.
and they got burnt
Just like Rachel Corrie was tricked into defending evil, these suckers are learning the reality of life. While I'm sure Rachel's parents would like to believe her life wasn't wasted...and really it wasn't...because she proved her "good will and courage", by willing to put herself in harms way for her beliefs. Sadly, she was tricked by the cynical Palestinian cause, who exploit her death for PR worldwide, in an attempt to garner undeserved sympathy for crisis that did not then or now exist. Now these suckers are learning the hard way that the repressive people they think of helping are just evil. Of course their bitterness will blame Israel for their own nativity and stupidity. See you in 25 or 30 years, too bad you learned the hard way, that your just suckers.
and fight with their government, but are sanctionned in their very civilian activities by countries EU countries and US who claim Human right. Actually when the politicians of all countries decide, for sure they have nothing to do with human right and good fait! they do not care about suffering people.
Its interesting how the NY Times just today had an article about a large group of Americans who were taking weapons training to fight their government (30,000 taking part so far). They don't like their government either.
I meant Pollard, Please correct
The US would have either kidnapped or killed them. They should have probably taken a geography course or at least apply for visas if they had intended to visit Iran. It seems unlikely they would not have known how close they were to the border and the fact that there is an insurgency going on in the area.
Spying is a dirty business. Remember Pollack? He used to be a loyal model employee at the U.S. DEFENSE Department. May God not abandon them. Humans are a different story.
Which is a better education about the reality of the Third World? Probably these folks will learn more (for less money) spending a couple years in the latter institution.
There is a G-d. Baruch Hashem.
Good. There is justice. Keep them in Iran for life.
I have a Muslim Arab friend who is staunchly pro-Israel. He is smart enough to think that it is not a good idea to camp around Dimona.
These anti-Israeli leftists should put actions behind their words and organize a flottila to bring hundreds of them to Iran. Since they are so supportive of Iran, Syria, and the Palestinians they should try using their actions against these people and countries and see what reaction they get.
Every generation has its defamers,most however toil in philosophy and home grown advocacy for one issue or another, But this 3 "hikers"woke up from their dream and now must face their daily realty which is not as pleasant as their dreams have suggested...What the world will do without idiots,,,how would we compare ourselves if it was not for them..I may suggest that the trio can advocate better condition in Iranians jail for all who are intern their certainly they will have the time now...schmucks.
first they want to liberate your mind of all rational notions of what living in an islamic society is like, they want your backing, and then.....they want your head. wake up. they will be ok though these 3, the families need not worry, they should rather worry for gilad shalit.
The area they were hiking was a popular mountain tourist spot known for waterfalls. The area is not a warzone. Saying the area is dangerous would be like calling Niagra Falls, NY dangerous just because its in the same state as New York City, which can be dangerous!! They in fact never actually crossed the border but were forced to cross the border at gunpoint by Iranian officials. They were seized in Iraq which was an illegal move by Iranian officials. That would actually make them hostages not criminals. Please see this report: http://www.thenation.com/article/36562/us-hikers-were-seized-iraq
defending human rights. Hikers arrested in Iran broke the law and illegally entered the country. You sir, are extremely offensive to even attempt to equate Rachael with these criminals. (Bet it won't get posted, Israelis don't like the truth)
She tried to outprotest teh pali protesters and got herself killed in teh process. Darwin Award posthumously
Israel does allow protest. Why aren;'t you in Iran protesting the possible stoning of a woman . You will then understand what the Iranian Government does when they dislike someone. BTW, would you welcome Israelis protesting the immigration law and interfering with the construction of the border fence in the USA. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East with a free press.
zone, one that is now 62 years old. people get die in war zones.
or get and maintain an education. Tough stuff that real life thing - better to wing it and scream loudly to deafen folks to BS.
will they publicly bash Iran or US/Israel for their misfortune?
If the three hikers are so allegedly critical of Israel, then they should have received a heroes' welcome in Iran. Unfortunately for them, Ahmedinejad and the mullahs suffer from an acute case of paranoia.
A ptiy this article does not mention whether or not they are Jewish!! Or do they not feel Jewish and rather prefer to be Arab or Muslim? These people choose to attack a democracy called Israel and felt safe to undermine it with their radical views and actions. The flotilas do not add anything to the relief of the Gazans especially not when it will be a Taliban enclave in the coming years. However now they complain when they are treated the Middle Eastern way!! Do they not like Arab and Muslim hospitality?! This case shows the true face of our enemies and the US and Israel should do nothing to help these traitors!! Let the Arabs like Hamas and the Syrian government put pressure on Iran to free them as these are their socalled friends!! The US and Israel are supposed to be their enemies or not? I wish them a happy time in Iran and perhaps they should also convert to Islam as many of their extreme leftist Jewish friends did!!!
Maybe the UN Human Rights Commission should look into this? Oh, that's right, the UNHRC is too busy investigating Israel. Oh well, too bad so sad.
What this McFessel guy says, in effect, is that his friend would have published an article about the injustices of Israel if he were not held on bogus charges by Iran. Even though he is about 30 years old, it doesn't occur to him that he and his friends are rank idiots. Perhaps it will dawn on them in another 30 years. If those 3 are ever released, there is no question they will blame the U.S. and Israel for the whole thing.
I wonder how Americans would like Israeli tourists protesting the Arizona Law or interfereing with the US Border Patrol to protest the fence on the Mexican border.
Gotta love this quote: " Is it because they are Americans who were critical of U.S. and Israeli actions? “I definitely wonder about that,” he says." NO - It is NOT because of Israel - it is because of IRAN that your friends are in jail. Stop blaming Israel you fool
So the three stooges' friends think that the US is not doing enough to get them released because the moronic would-be-do-gooders had been critical of the US and Israel. Ergo, Israel (by it's very existence) shares much of the blame for their ongoing imprisonment in Iran. Here's an idea: by that logic, do the opposite! Why don't they start preaching their love of Israel and Zionism to their Iranian captors, instead? That is sure to put Uncle Sam into action and they will be released in no time flat. It never ceases to amaze me how Israel-haters never tire of putting the blame on Israel for any misfortune around the globe, in some creative way. They will never let reality and facts get in their way. Where there's a will, albeit a vile, twisted will, there's a way.
The three American hikers held in Iran are CIA agents. Their mothers should be grateful to the Iranian government for allowing them to visit their childeren in Tehran and providing generous hospitality to them. The tone of the hikers' mothers after their return to the U.S. was arrogant and callous and did not show much of an appreciation for Iran's humanitarian gesture. They spoke in the same arrogant tone to Iranian authroities as the U.S. secretary of state does. And let's be honest! This was stupid! This was not a behavior that any wise mothers whose childeren are held in prision in another country would ever show. Of course, this is not their fault! This is probably how their advisers tell them to act and those advisers,whether afiliated with the U.S, government or not, share the blame.Overall, the U.S. is too demanding in this case. Don't forget that they are not genuine hikers. They are actually spies. See how the CIA treats its captives! The CIA is bound by no moral or humanitarian standards when it comes to treating foreign suspects. They should be thankful to Iran for their humane treatment of those Americans. Remember Iran is not your enemey! Your own arrogance is your own deadliest enemey! Change your arrogant and bullying behavior and mentality toward Iran and things will improve on the other side too!
They are Mossad. No, hold it - they're probably Scientologists. I get so confused.
No sympathy at all and hope they rot in the jail the Iranians apportioned for people like you.
being naive is a dangerous thing
I think that Danna Harman should have done a bit of digging before writing this piece as it is very difficult to believe that these people are completely innocent or that they entered Iran by mistake. All 3 Americans are known for their left wing, pro Syrian and anti-Israel position. They chose to live in Muslim Syria and, as avowed activists and sometime ‘journalists’ they often wrote sympathetic pieces about the regime in Syria while at the same time attacking Israel at every opportunity possible. They certainly never wrote anything about Syria’s appalling human rights record. It is indeed ironic that they have been caught, on what is called a ‘hiking’ trip. They actually chose the border of Iraq-Iran because Bauer, who speaks Arabic, wanted to cover the Kurdish election (25 July 2009) for the New American Media. What is really interesting in this story, aside from the fact that Iran is not prepared, yet, to negotiate with the US for their release, is the fact that Syria has done nothing to help free them. The moral seems to be: don’t go where you are not wanted and left-wing activism and anti-Israel bashing doesn’t always pay or save lives. Having said that, I hope they will not languish too long in jail – they don’t look so strong, and we all know about Iranian torture.
Judging by the names - Josh Fattal, Shane Bauer, et al are of Jewish origin. Yet they view Iran as a better place to be than Israel. It's a form of divine justice that they are now incarcerated in Iran after protesting against Israel. Maybe their experience will make them re-assess their political views - although some how I doubt it. Self hating Jews don't change.
Jewish or not they are a disgrace to clear minded people of this world. These empty headed clods deserve what they got..the inside of a prison that most of us would never want to see. Play with the devil and you get the pitchfork deep in the heart. heart.
What a pompous, egotistical, self ritcheous little ass. There is nothing wrong with being incredibly upset with the loss of friends. But his view of justice is skewed and completely unbalanced. Notice that he says that were his friends free they would be out there protesting against Israel's reaction to the Blockade "or Israel in general." In short, in their view, Israel has no right to exist! This is precisely why Israel has a blockade and fights its enemies. They act on the belief that Israel has no right to exist. Meckfessel, also seems rather paranoid in his belief that the U.S. administration is going through the motions to get his friends back. He fails to see so many non-nuanced differences between Israel and Iran that one has to question either his intelligence or objectivity. I suspect that its probably the latter.
Are busy trying to explain why tehy crossed into iranian territory. I would believe a wordw tehy said even with poor maps. When will teh Iranikan guards sentence these fools to 30m years hard labour for spying. It will teach teh American thugery a good lesson. let them rot in jail.
non violence as the internal social order can bring peace to the intra-nations relationships.... the goal is to balance the local close relationships, and adhere to non-violence...
US could have had an exchange...just like they did w/the so-called Russian "spies"...if they really cared. It's obvious that this government doesn't care.
But teh US does not care for stupid people who put themselves in harms way and expect teh government to come charging to their aid. Thiose types of people are village idiots and deserve tpo have a vacation In iran for a while. It will help themm understand thatn their sense of self importance is just that "Their sense of self importance" not too important to others. Let them stew for a few years
because I think that their anti-Israel stance was not the result of mean-spiritidness but of the usual leftist brain-washing common in universities like Berkely. It's sad they had to be disillusioned in this cruel way.
They are learning the hard way that Israel's enemies are the bad guys.
I wonder whether these innocents abroad would, if they were free, demonstrate against those that fired the missiles that fell in the heart of a southern Israeli town today( 30/7/10) Interesting as well is the fact that these people weren't detained during there visit to Israel as they were in the Iranian democracy.
Not ironic at all. It just shows the naivete of these idealistic fools.
First of all, to celebrate the current trials of these three people shows an element of crassness and ignorance which only gives more momentum to the vicious circle of hate and conflict we see around us all over. I guess that is all certain people can contribute. Second, as a pro-Zionist Jew I am well aware of certain injustices that we have inflicted on the Palestinians and I am honest and courageous enough to admit it. This doesn't mean the "other side" is crystal clean. It only means a real honest Jew/Israeli will take responsibility for the people and government that acts in his/her name. Therefore, I have no issue with these three people. Third, yes, now maybe they will get a clearer picture of the totality of Mid-east insanity. But I have only disdain for the cowardice and ill-nature of those who sit comfortably and wish others misfortune.
to acknowledge the irony of the situation that has 3 anti-Israeli activists getting themselves into such trouble with a country they obviously considered on the righteous side of things when it comes to protecting human rights of others. I wish them luck and even though I strongly disagree with their point of view I hope that their anti-Israeli background will earn them a credit in the upcoming espionage trial.
Unfortunately they are too useful as bargaining chips at the moment to be released.
They will not be released,unless Iran uses them as a bargaining chips.Ahmedinejad must be laughing his head off.
SO these three have the money to travel to the worlds hotspots and look for trouble? They should be happy that they found it. I am happy for them.
NATTALIE HOW ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOLDIERS WHO HAVE HIDDEN THE TRUTH ABOUT MANY AFGHANS CIVILLIANS BEING KILLED, THAT IS YOUR HOME LAND, NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE COUNTRY YOU LIVE IN. YOU BEST CRITISIE YOUR OWN COUNTRY NOT ISRAEL, THEN AGAIN YOU COULD GO AND LIVE IN GAZA SYRIA IRAN LEBANON IM SURE AS A FEMALE THEY WOULD WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.
You really are sick if you are happy for people's incarceration. I can't believe Haaretz posted that worthless drivel, what does it have to do with the debate if you say you are happy they could afford to get kidnapped and imprisoned.
Even As'ad Abu Khalil has called for their release, one of them is a former student of his. They were trying to learn about different cultures and make a difference and now they are being held illegally. I suspect their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are closer to yours than you realize. I would have hoped that you would express more thoughtful comments than snide remarks about hiking. I've seen similar comments on Fox News talkbacks.
"They were trying to learn about different cultures" Well, they are learning, aren't they.
antisemites have to love each other. Israel should do everything to ease the way of any potential Rachel Corrie to the Iranian border.
of course they're not spies, check out http://freeourfriends.eu and decide for yourself. the ignorance here is shocking
I don't think people here or anyone with their eyes open thinks their spies. In the (extremely) unlikely they are, I truly hope they get out of there soon and that the US does everything to expedite that. But most people, including myself, think that these people were merely arrogant and naive enough to convince themselves that because of their radical views and various misplaced sympathies with Left Wing autocracies, they didn't need to have any reservations about frolicking to and fro between nations who have no concept of Jurisprudence. Unlike other Americans CURRENTLY captured around the world - these people explicitly brought it upon themselves. It doesn't take a Middle Eastern scholar to realize that, today, Iran isn't some Sandals beach resort to kick back at. And for that reason I feel less than compelled to urge my government to spend political capitol on these people. Though I do hope Iran's got the sense enough to free them on their own.
notice how they didn't have any trouble getting in and out of Israel, a country they hate and vilify. well they love all things anti-Israel in the Middle East so as far as i'm concerned they should be quite comfortable in iran.
It's unfortunate that these three naive hikers were arrested as spies by Iran in the first place and are now being held in Evin prison as a result, but if they genuinely care about confronting "injustices in the middle east", then there is no better place for them to be at this time than in the heart of Tehran and in this notorious prison. From here they can hear the daily screams of tortured innocents framed by Iran's totalitarian regime, common citizens whose only crimes were dreaming about life, liberty, and the pursuit of their happiness in a land that has been hijacked by unG-dly men, all ammenities that the three prisoners took for granted while in the US & Israel. If their convictions are true, then they should be standing up for their morals while in prison and confronting the Iranian authorities for their repugnant behavior and not trying to acquire a "get out of Evil Evin jail card" by announcing their pro-Palestinian/Anti-Israeli stance to solicit empathy and a hopeful release.
This trifecta of dunces are being forced to truly understand the nature of the nations they defend so reflexively and thoughtlessly. These apologists have the nerves to show up at West Bank protests where the Palestinians' living standards are leaps and bounds above that of the vast majority of folks the Middle East - whether it be measured through poverty, hunger or any other index. The cat in the article said it best: "these three are like Rachel Corries" - no question about it. It's sad they're being jailed but I hope the US wastes no political chips in Iran on these self righteous ignoramuses, as there is far too little leverage in today's geopolitical climate.
Rachel Corrie entered Israel legally the others trespassed illegally into Iran. So please don't compare apples with oranges. Rachel Corrie was murdered the others, in Iran, are at least alive and in prison. I want to see someone enter a sovereign nation without legal papers and let me see what happens to them!!!! These three Americans are spies (Tourists in a very sensitive area of the world)… of course they denied being so. They are not going to say they were spies!!! Believe what you want … border of Iran with Iraq is not a known tourist destination.
Something tells me this guys name isn't "Bob Harris." Go banter on Press TV buddy.
You got it all figured out, huh?
So just because someone doesnt share the same idiotic views as you does not make them an "arab" or "Iranian". IM Australian and am smart enough to see from what right and whats wrong.....and not always defend the crimials........ Really....I defended Israel repeatedly a few years ago....but after you guys have resorted to insults when you got nottin to say.....just sickens me.
Obviously you don't have to be Arab or a Muslim to hate Israel. Left wing buffoons such as yourself prove that everyday. But "Bob Harris" believes these 3 ARE SPYS. To believe that you either A) have to be missing a few chromosomes or B) be brainwashed or scared silly by your own government. Ergo I'm CERTAIN this guys name isn't Bob Harris. Oh and people from Australia are one to criticize Israel. You guys have completely annihilated the the native population there and as a result there are simply not enough of the victims left to rile up world condemnation of Australia.
Obviously you don't need to be Arab or Muslim to hate Israel...Lefty wing bats such as yourself proves that daily. But if you read what he said...you'd realize this guy THINKS THESE PEOPLE ARE SPIES. To believe that you have to either A) have a few chromosome missing (which sure may be a possibility given the writing) or B) be a citizen of a nation who's government WRITES iITS OWN NEWS. And BTW, Australians are one to criticize Israel...you guys have nearly wiped out the natives people there entirely. There simply aren't enough of them left to rally world animosity against you as it does Israel.
nice try. and i have a kibbutz to sell you.
Hating Israel, is that a "Get Out of Jail Free" card? Should we fell sad that they have the same views as Iranian sponsored Hamas, but jailed in Iran?
They hate Israel and Jews? Well then they got what was coming to them.
Perhaps there is justice in the world.
At least this group is honest enough to admit that they share the same objectives as the Iranians
THEY HAVE A LOT TO LEARN AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PHOTO THEY ARE ONLY YOUNG AND AT THAT AGE THEY THINK THEY KNOW EVERYTHING, THATS THE DIFFENCE.
I don't have a clue what they think the US can do for them at this point. Maybe there is something non-public that can be done through Iraq or Afghanistan.
Hope they will be released soon ! It's up to the iranian administration to recognize that these three youngsters don't belong to the bunch of agents trying to incite people against their government . (The US- Senate did agree to put 500 millions dollars to sponsor a "regime change" from inside Iran). I don't believe these youngsters are involved in these criminal acts .
Sick with their Mullah government, I think it's a crime not to help them. Do you support the government or the people? Interesting to see your opinions change from one country to another.
The irony of tree "Rachel Corries" being held prisoner and incommunicado by those heros of Arab liberation in Iran offers a welcome moment of Schadenfreude for anyone who truly believes in truth and justice. May all of the Jew haters and Israel bashers who align themselves with the retrograde enemies of humankind in the Islamic world learn their lessons this way.
First of all, supporting Palestinian causes does not equate to supporting the Iranian regime (nor does it make them "Jew haters", BTW). Second, whatever you think of the views of Meckfessel's friends, nobody deserves to be kept captive in an Iranian prison for over a year. Calling it "a welcome moment" is evidence of your callousness and cruelty.
They are supposedly for freedom, but the people they defend are the most operssive dictatorships in the world like Hamas. And Hamas has excellent relations with the other opressive dictatorhips - Iran. Close your eyes and blame Israel. Unfortunately, ignoring the horrible acts of such regiems does not buy them immunity from the criminals. Now they are experiencing exactly the kind of things THEY CHOSE TO IGNORE
Please provide a shred of evidence that the 3 hikers defended Hamas or Iran. Again, supporting Palestinian causes is not the same thing as supporting the Iranian regime. And, like I said, regardless of what you think about the hikers' political views, it's totally classless to express glee at their detainment, just as it would be classless to express glee at a pro-war neoconservative being killed by an bomb in Iraq.