U.S. journalist jailed in Iran goes on hunger strike

For some of those who are convinced that Saberi is unquestionably innocent, perhaps there will be a growing understanding of how force-feeding is pernicious practice.

Gandhian Girl, doubt if huger strike will work.

I thought everyone jailed in Iran went on a hunger strike to some extent.

I am for Roxana. I doubt she is a spy. Iran should free her as a good will gesture.

have they waterboarded her to get an admission of being a spy? maybe thats next. US has no principles to stand on. myabe US citizens should stay at home

I'm all for seeing her harmed as long as I can use her situation to attack the previous US administration.

Politics, politics. Iran will only let this go so far before it makes some form of concession. Having this lass die while a guest of the state would seriously blot its copy book with the US and even the Europeans. Japan would also be quick to condemn any such event as well.

With regard to whether this girl is guilty or not,　I get the impression that Iran has confused her duties as a journalist with those of an intelligence officer. Furthermore, here client list (the BBC and NPR in the US) represent the creme of the journalistic craft. Perhaps Iran's real displeasure lies with these organizations and their ability to ask uncomfortable questions.

I don't think that intelligence professionals routinely list all their clients.

Saberi may be entirely innocent. However, that she is a stringer for the BBC and for NPR would in no way compromises her ability to ply spycraft. It would only makes her cover better.

Innocent or guilty, Saberi will probably be the beneficiary of some deal-making. And Iran will have made its point.

Well, 8 years will make her 40, so they have very cleverly just about removed any possibility of her having children in this lifetime.

Well, 8 years will make her 40, so they have very cleverly just about removed any possibility of her having children in this lifetime.

I think it more likely that you have calculated a release age and cleverly related it to fecundity. I don't think there is any evidence that Iran is interested in denying Saberi a child.

SezWho2, well, from her point of view they have just taken away the possibility of her meeting someone and procreating. Deliberately, or thoughtlessly. Either way. Not surprised she is on hunger strike.

nandakandamanda,

I think that's your point of view of her point of view. No?

SezWho2, yup, you got it in a nutshell! :8)

What a bunch of thugs.

SuperLib,

They are thugs because...

...you know Saberi to be innocent? ...Iran tried and convicted Saberi in secrecy? ...Iran has so far refused to force-feed Saberi?

Yep, I think Saberi is innocent and the Iranians are a bunch of thugs. If that bothers you, then so be it.

Innocent or guilty, Saberi will probably be the beneficiary of some deal-making. And Iran will have made its point.

Yes, that they think Obama is another Jimmy Carter.

I'm inclined to agree.

SuperLib,

It doesn't bother me at all. I'm just curious as to your evidence that Saberi is innocent. Because she's a woman? Because she's pretty? Because she's an American? Because all of her neighbors agree that she couldn't possibly be an intelligence agent?

I don't know if Saberi is guilty or innocent. But I don't think I'd accuse anyone of thuggery just because they tried and convicted an accused spy. Can you think of any country that would not convict a spy--barring those who wouldn't even bother with a trial?

Saberi, who was born in the United States and grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, moved to Iran six years ago

That was her first mistake.