Friday, November 13, 2009

About That Outstretched Open Hand

I suspect that when President Obama offered his outstretched hand to Iran's mullahs, hoping they'd unclench their fist to reach back to us, I imagine he didn't have this in mind:

The families of three Americans accused of espionage in Iran are attempting the delicate feat of keeping a spotlight trained on the plight of their loved ones while trying to avoid the tangled politics of the tense U.S.-Iran relationship.

Even as the Americans' captivity passed the 100-day point this week, the families of Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal together have orchestrated a sophisticated public relations campaign that has included joint family statements, a Web site and online petition, even a logo. And they have been careful not to criticize Iran or its leaders, instead repeating requests for compassion and leniency for three young people they say simply went astray when they crossed into Iran while on a hike in a part of northern Iraq popular with tourists.


Yep, Iran reached out their open hand and grabbed three innocent Americans to hold as hostages.

We keep pretending that Iran is a friend just waiting to be made, while Ahmadinejad and the Iranian mullahs don't even pretend to be anything but evil.