OUTRAGE – AT 10:38 A.M. ET:  Iran has sentenced two American hikers who drifted into Iranian territory to eight years in prison, claiming that they were "spies."  From AP:

TEHRAN, Iran — Two American men already held for two years in Tehran have been sentenced to 8 years each in prison on charges of espionage and illegal entry into Iran, state TV reported Saturday.

The announcement appeared to dash hopes for the imminent release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal after Iran’s foreign minister suggested earlier this month that the trial could clear the way for their freedom.

The Americans deny the charges and say they were only hiking in a scenic and largely peaceful area of northern Iraq near the Iranian border.

COMMENT:  Iran has not presented a single shred of evidence against the Americans.  I must label this as informed speculation, but I suspect the real reason for the sentences is to have American hostages.  Most of us recall the hostage crisis of 1979, and what it did to the Carter administration.  Knowing that there are Americans imprisoned in Iran would weigh heavily on any American president considering, for instance, an attack on Iran's nuclear program. 

Iran has now been formally charged by American officials with fomenting terror attacks in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Its nuclear program proceeds, without effective intervention by the "international community."  And yet, it has disappeared from the front pages of American newspapers.

By the way, please note that fringe Republican candidate for president, Ron Paul, actually defends Iran and its drive for a nuclear weapon.  He did so quite openly during the last presidential debate, asserting that we are responsible for Iran's behavior.  I hope more people become familiar with Ron Paul's eccentric and inept foreign-policy views before he's taken seriously.

August 20, 2011