So, how are things going in the new era of improved Iranian-American relations ushered in by Barack Obama?
Uh -- worse than during the Bush era, that's how.
Iran has decided that now is a good time to arrest an Iranian-American for buying wine -- and put her on trial for being a "spy." Roxana Saberi was arrested in January and her family wasn't even notified until after they reported her disappearance.
But don't worry -- she is receiving all the due process Iran affords.
Not much, in other words.
She just finished her one-day trial.
One day.
She's now awaiting the outcome.
I would not be surprised if Iran convicts and holds Ms. Saberi. The country has long shown a worrisome tendency to take hostages as bargaining chips. That's why, in my opinion, Iran has offered to pay cash incentives for Western tourists, especially Americans. That doesn't mean that every Iranian-American will suffer the same fate as Ms. Saberi -- but every traveler is subject to the risk of random harassment and arrest.
These are dangerous times. Iran means it when it chants "Death to America" and when it brags that it will destroy Western civilization. Westerners who travel to Iran do so at their own risk.
Comments