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Iran sentences U.S. hikers for spying
www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/20/iran.......Were they spying on Iran or actually hiking along the Iraq/Iranian border? I can think of hundreds of better and safer places to enjoy the great outdoors. But, to me, this is about something else. It shows the contrast of a RADICAL countrys' serious and effective control of its borders to that of a Democracy. Free nations obviously have porous borders and weak laws governing illegal entries. PURPOSEFUL mass migration has occurred in the East and the West in recent years. This has produced unprecedented, widespread political changes and social unrest. The laws and policies of the United States concerning its borders have been grossly ineffectual. I hope the procrastination of and the resistance toward 'shoring up' our borders and strengthening our immigration laws won't prove to be a catastrophic mistake.
R Glass... you're probably right on them not hiking the Iran/Iraq border again, probably only because they won't be allowed back in the territory.
I also don't think they will do the 8 years. I fully agree that this is Iran making a point. Very similar to what happened with those journalists in Korea. I also remember hearing a bit about stories like the one you mention. This type of thing has been going on for quite some time now. People really should try not to put themselves in this type of situation. I mean, Iraq or Iran...neither side of the border is safe.
The sentence is going to be appealed. My prediction is, they won’t do the 8 years. They are being used as Pawns or Bargaining Chips. Iran once held a Female French Student that was sentenced 10 years (I think it was 10 years) for Espionage. She was released and a short time latter France released the assassin of the appointed Prime Minister under The Shah.
Hiking on the Border of Iraq and Iran? I don’t think they are guilty of anything but being Stupid. If nothing else, Iran has proved Ron White wrong. Ron White says, “You Can’t Fix Stupid.” I bet they don’t Hike on the Border of Iraq and Iran again.
Hiking on the Border of Iraq and Iran? I don’t think they are guilty of anything but being Stupid. If nothing else, Iran has proved Ron White wrong. Ron White says, “You Can’t Fix Stupid.” I bet they don’t Hike on the Border of Iraq and Iran again.
Lol. As much as I hate violence, some people just have it coming don't they. Hopefully he learned a lesson and saved himself further beatings in the future. What a dimwit.
A true dumb idiot moment that springs to mind for me was in the Dominican Republic. I tell you, the locals are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life...warm, friendly and very welcoming. My husband and I tend to not hang out at the resorts and go more off the beaten path. We were at a locals bar..fantastic place. Great music and we were having a blast. Spanish is the primary language there, and although we don't speak it, we tried our best..knowing only a few words. We tried to speak spanish, they tried to speak english, and we are all doing just fine. Then the only other non local walks in and attempts to order a drink. The bartender couuldn't understand him, so I tried to help by ordering him a beer in spanish (I know that one..lol). This guy turns around and starts just going off about it...how if "they" want his tourist dollars, "they" should learn to speak his language. Then he starts spouting off about the food. I said "you do understand you are in another country right?" He then starts berating the bartender who still has no idea what the guy is talking about. I finally called him a "typical ignorant tourist" and stomped off. He was escorted (a bit roughly) out and told it would be safer for him to stick to the resorts. Quite frankly, he was lucky he didn't get his butt kicked. He seemed to think that this whole beautiful country was his little playground, and he didn't have to make any effort..it should all come from the people that lived there. Yikes. Why bother travelling..the whole purpose is to learn and enjoy other cultures. I don't get it why some even bother going.
A true dumb idiot moment that springs to mind for me was in the Dominican Republic. I tell you, the locals are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in your life...warm, friendly and very welcoming. My husband and I tend to not hang out at the resorts and go more off the beaten path. We were at a locals bar..fantastic place. Great music and we were having a blast. Spanish is the primary language there, and although we don't speak it, we tried our best..knowing only a few words. We tried to speak spanish, they tried to speak english, and we are all doing just fine. Then the only other non local walks in and attempts to order a drink. The bartender couuldn't understand him, so I tried to help by ordering him a beer in spanish (I know that one..lol). This guy turns around and starts just going off about it...how if "they" want his tourist dollars, "they" should learn to speak his language. Then he starts spouting off about the food. I said "you do understand you are in another country right?" He then starts berating the bartender who still has no idea what the guy is talking about. I finally called him a "typical ignorant tourist" and stomped off. He was escorted (a bit roughly) out and told it would be safer for him to stick to the resorts. Quite frankly, he was lucky he didn't get his butt kicked. He seemed to think that this whole beautiful country was his little playground, and he didn't have to make any effort..it should all come from the people that lived there. Yikes. Why bother travelling..the whole purpose is to learn and enjoy other cultures. I don't get it why some even bother going.
Adgal, my friend.... that takes common sense. It's not for sale or rent, so you either have it or not. Truly tragic when one follows another and neither of them possess it.
Quick story I always remember when thinking of common sense and being out of ones element. I used to run a bar/night club. Quite the tourist trap, but we had our fair share of locals on either Friday or Saturday night and it switched from weekend to weekend. Some guy about my age and far smaller came in and we knew he'd be trouble eventually. (Door man let him in, but the problem could have been solved at the door... mistake on my doormans behalf.)
Half pint begins to walk around and try to make fun of the "locals". He was calling people names, trying to be a tough guy and eventually ran into the least assuming person in the bar. (Unbeknownst to numb nuts, this unassuming fellow was a former Golden Gloves boxer and one of the town toughs, for his age and size.) Numbnuts goes on to tell this kid that he'd "whip his *** and teach him a lesson.". The local kid laughed and told the guy, "step along old man, you're gonna get hurt if you keep running your mouth."
At this point, there was going to be a fight. I stepped in before punches were thrown and asked both guys to take it outside. The whole way out, numb nuts was running his mouth and proclaiming a sure victory over a dumb *** kid..... the kid let numb nuts throw a punch (normally not real smart unless you are very sure of your skills). Our old buddy numb nuts misses and ends up getting a "hall of fame" butt kicking. The kid politely bent over and said, "Welcome to Wyoming.... now shut your mouth and enjoy your stay......" and he walked away with the guy laying on the board walk.
Me being the good natured fellow I am called for a bit of medical support because numb nuts couldn't get his bearings. Turned out he needed a few stitches and had a concussion. Making matter worse, he tried to fight the cops at the hospital and he got a free night in the "Iron Bar Motel".
Lessons to be learned everywhere, my friend... and were never too old to learn them.
Quick story I always remember when thinking of common sense and being out of ones element. I used to run a bar/night club. Quite the tourist trap, but we had our fair share of locals on either Friday or Saturday night and it switched from weekend to weekend. Some guy about my age and far smaller came in and we knew he'd be trouble eventually. (Door man let him in, but the problem could have been solved at the door... mistake on my doormans behalf.)
Half pint begins to walk around and try to make fun of the "locals". He was calling people names, trying to be a tough guy and eventually ran into the least assuming person in the bar. (Unbeknownst to numb nuts, this unassuming fellow was a former Golden Gloves boxer and one of the town toughs, for his age and size.) Numbnuts goes on to tell this kid that he'd "whip his *** and teach him a lesson.". The local kid laughed and told the guy, "step along old man, you're gonna get hurt if you keep running your mouth."
At this point, there was going to be a fight. I stepped in before punches were thrown and asked both guys to take it outside. The whole way out, numb nuts was running his mouth and proclaiming a sure victory over a dumb *** kid..... the kid let numb nuts throw a punch (normally not real smart unless you are very sure of your skills). Our old buddy numb nuts misses and ends up getting a "hall of fame" butt kicking. The kid politely bent over and said, "Welcome to Wyoming.... now shut your mouth and enjoy your stay......" and he walked away with the guy laying on the board walk.
Me being the good natured fellow I am called for a bit of medical support because numb nuts couldn't get his bearings. Turned out he needed a few stitches and had a concussion. Making matter worse, he tried to fight the cops at the hospital and he got a free night in the "Iron Bar Motel".
Lessons to be learned everywhere, my friend... and were never too old to learn them.
If only everyone paid attention to adviseries...far fewer problems would arise. I could tell you story after story of dumb things people have done (witnessed with my own two eyes) to get themselves in trouble. Even little things like snapping photos of locals (without their permission) like they are on display or something....so disrespectful. If everyone would just take a bit of time to learn the local laws, and the listen to the things you were told, there would be far fewer problems.
Just a thought about the Iran/Iraq border. If that area's terrain intrigues you (or anyone for that matter) venture to the American south west. There is all kinds of desert/mountain terrain and for the most part, you have to look out for rattle snakes, scorpions, gila monsters, and lack of water. Some of those peaks are at or above 14,000 ft.... not exactly the same, but just as remote.
We took a cruise a few years back. Before we pulled into port, we were told that it is safest to walk and where we should and shouldn't go. We were told to not take "water taxis". We were told that if we took a land taxi, do not pay more than $10 either way for a ride. We were also told to stay in view of the ship..... did we follow directions? Damned right we did! We were in a foreign country and I wasn't going to risk my wifes or childrens lives.... also, when I venture to a foreign land, I do a bit of research and I always listen to reputable people that have been there numerous times.... maybe that's just me....
We took a cruise a few years back. Before we pulled into port, we were told that it is safest to walk and where we should and shouldn't go. We were told to not take "water taxis". We were told that if we took a land taxi, do not pay more than $10 either way for a ride. We were also told to stay in view of the ship..... did we follow directions? Damned right we did! We were in a foreign country and I wasn't going to risk my wifes or childrens lives.... also, when I venture to a foreign land, I do a bit of research and I always listen to reputable people that have been there numerous times.... maybe that's just me....
It was the Iran - Iraq border correct? You know, I have travelled a fair amount in my lifetime, but it does tend to be smarter to listen to travel adviseries and stay away from certain places.
Brice, I agree with what you are saying, especially about knowing the laws and rules of any country you may visit. A lot of people have gotten themselves into trouble by not doing so and assuming they will be treated the same way they would in free countries. Never very smart to do so. I have visited countries where they assume if you are from the west, they will set you up in order to arrest you and then you have to buy your way out (nope, never happened to me, I keep my nose clean when traveling). They think we are all wealthy, and it happens more often then many realize.
I have the travel bug, but would I hike along the Iraq-Iran border? Or even attempt to visit either of those countries right now? Nope. I was reading up on this trying to figure out what they were doing there...does anyone know? I keep expecting to find they were part of a humane relief organization or something, but can't find anything.
Brice, I agree with what you are saying, especially about knowing the laws and rules of any country you may visit. A lot of people have gotten themselves into trouble by not doing so and assuming they will be treated the same way they would in free countries. Never very smart to do so. I have visited countries where they assume if you are from the west, they will set you up in order to arrest you and then you have to buy your way out (nope, never happened to me, I keep my nose clean when traveling). They think we are all wealthy, and it happens more often then many realize.
I have the travel bug, but would I hike along the Iraq-Iran border? Or even attempt to visit either of those countries right now? Nope. I was reading up on this trying to figure out what they were doing there...does anyone know? I keep expecting to find they were part of a humane relief organization or something, but can't find anything.
I am hard put to believe these were hiking in that kind of an area as well. However, they did say they were lured as well. Not real smart but does it deserve 8 years? I dunno
That is precisely the point. We are not dealing with America here, it is Iran. I am only 44 years old, and as long as I can remember, we've had political issues with Iran. Why go there? Senseless in my opinion.
I am simply of the opinion that when we visit a foreign country, any foreign country, we are to behave like the locals and follow the same rules. (The stance Iran is taking is a hard line stance, and I kind of appreciate it. You were here illegally, we are going to punish you now.) America incarcerates trespassers... probably far more civilly, but it is done.
Another thing, I think it is more than arrogant to think that we will change any peoples thinking in the middle east. Those people have been feuding and fighting for ever, and for the most part, they do not like Americans.
You want to travel and see the world? Good, get after it. Try to visit countries that we have not bombed in the last 20 years or so, or countries that don't harbor any ill will towards your country of origin.
I am simply of the opinion that when we visit a foreign country, any foreign country, we are to behave like the locals and follow the same rules. (The stance Iran is taking is a hard line stance, and I kind of appreciate it. You were here illegally, we are going to punish you now.) America incarcerates trespassers... probably far more civilly, but it is done.
Another thing, I think it is more than arrogant to think that we will change any peoples thinking in the middle east. Those people have been feuding and fighting for ever, and for the most part, they do not like Americans.
You want to travel and see the world? Good, get after it. Try to visit countries that we have not bombed in the last 20 years or so, or countries that don't harbor any ill will towards your country of origin.
With regards to the hikers sentence...I truly think this was what it appeared to be. A group of young people hiking in what they thought was safe territory. I don't believe they realized they had strayed into Iran territory. Super smart of them? No, not really. But certainly not deserving of what they have been given. I think this is Iran doing an "in your face" to the US. Sadly, I don't think much can be done. Iran is within their rights, and I doubt they will co operate with the US on this.
As for your point on immigration laws? Yes, I do agree that the laws need to be tightened up, but I cannot (thank God) ever imagine the US treating folks like this. Really highlights the difference between a country like Iran and one like the US. If I had to choose, I know where I would rather be.
As for your point on immigration laws? Yes, I do agree that the laws need to be tightened up, but I cannot (thank God) ever imagine the US treating folks like this. Really highlights the difference between a country like Iran and one like the US. If I had to choose, I know where I would rather be.
Marg, the 'hikers' were sentenced to 8 years.
You know, why would you be out and about "hiking" in such a tense and stressed part of the globe to begin with... especially without a reputable guide? This is akin to walking through the Congo without any assistance.
Good post Beau I think it will have a catastrophic affect and is doing so already, look at the 'Fast and Furious' debackle in Mexico and that leads straight to the top as is now coming out and maybe this administrations waterloo.There is no doubt that the purposeful mass migration has a lot to do with our problems as it has in England and they are now paying big time with problems about sharia. Did they say what the sentence was for the hikers.?
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