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More tagged travel, iran, safety, state-department, outdoor-recreation, hikers, prisoner-swap

Was Hiking Along the Iranian Border Irresponsible?

Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal were hiking in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region in July when they accidentally crossed the border into Iran. Iran's foreign minister said in late December that the three would be tried in court, but he did not say when a trial would begin or what the three would be charged with other than to say they had "suspicious aims." Earlier, the country's chief prosecutor said they were accused of spying. - Nasser Karimi, Associated Press Writer

Background reading

Ahmadinejad proposes prisoner swap for US hikers
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday proposed a swap of Iranians in U.S. prisons for three American hikers being held in Tehran.

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Results with 11 short comments
Total of 317 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

3.5%

No - People should be able to hike wherever adventure takes them.

11 votes

93.7%

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

297 votes

1.6%

Maybe - it depends on the circumstances. (explain below)

5 votes

1.3%

Unsure.

4 votes

Display Comments:

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

These hikers not only put themselves in a bind, but also are putting further strain on US-Iran relations.

{"commentId":12139581,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tang"}

2 votes

- Calvin Tang

- 9:06 pm EST on Tue Feb 2, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

Some places aren't safe, nor should "Adventure" be confused with deliberately flirting with danger, inviting it to consume you for a fool.

{"commentId":12151790,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"steelrain47"}

1 vote

- SSGDave

- 1:05 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

Unsure.

Interesting choice for a vacation.

{"commentId":12154733,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"mark"}

- mark

- 2:53 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

Maybe - it depends on the circumstances. (explain below)

Hiking in Iraq (at least Kurdistan) should be fine. Wandering into Iran (if they actually did) was irresponsible.

{"commentId":12154735,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"josh"}

- josh

- 2:53 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

It's obviously up to the hikers, I guess, but they shouldn't be surprised if they run into trouble.

{"commentId":12154829,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"mike"}

- Mike D.

- 2:56 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

No - People should be able to hike wherever adventure takes them.

This is *our* world. People should be free to hike wherever they choose, so long as they're willing to look out for themselves.

{"commentId":12155034,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"milkdud"}

- Milkdud

- 3:05 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

First rule of travel is Be Responsible. Don't burden others by not having your trip together. If at all possible, avoid the need for rescue

{"commentId":12157760,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"chelan"}

- Chelan K

- 4:40 pm EST on Wed Feb 3, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

One word truly sums up the hikers' logic for choosing that area: DUUHHHH....

{"commentId":12214592,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"sc-mackinnon"}

- Caffeine Queen

- 3:44 am EST on Sat Feb 6, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

These are irresponsible self centered idiots.

{"commentId":12245275,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"DafydMacPhie"}

- Dafyd

- 12:23 am EST on Mon Feb 8, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

What the hell were they doing hiking in such a country?

{"commentId":12264224,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tpuntoni"}

#10

- Tina-293371

- 9:55 pm EST on Mon Feb 8, 2010

Yes - Some inhospitable regions of the world should not be considered for outdoor recreation.

Unfortunately, this is not "our" world. Hence, the borders. I think anyone stupid enough to hike there should be left there.

{"commentId":12270922,"threadId":"782027","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"peterfields"}

#11

- Peter Fields, Pasadena CA

- 11:01 am EST on Tue Feb 9, 2010

Newsvine Discussion with 22 comments - Click here to jump to the comment form.

{"commentId":12139609,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

With so many amazing places to hike (both in the US and abroad), I don't know why these hikers had to choose such an unstable and precarious location. What do you think, should the US agree to a prisoner swap? Is our government ethically obligated to rescue people who make decisions like these three hikers did?

{"commentId":12139609,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tang"}

4 votes

#1 - Tue Feb 2, 2010 9:08 PM EST

{"commentId":12142608,"authorDomain":"democratwatch"}

Independance

These people are on their own! They have NO RIGHT to put the country in this position. I do not want to hear the NONSENSE justification their families will give. If they are too dumb to understand the issues involved, their time in an Iranian jail will help them gain ... understanding.

{"commentId":12142608,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"democratwatch"}

1 vote

#1.1 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 12:38 AM EST

{"commentId":12156422,"authorDomain":"tyler"}

tyler

Is our government ethically obligated to rescue people who make decisions like these three hikers did?

I don't think so. It's interesting to compare this to the Current journalists released by North Korea last year. I think the fact they were journalists had a ton to do with their release, they intentionally entered the country illegally.

{"commentId":12156422,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tyler"}

2 votes

#1.2 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:52 PM EST

{"commentId":12156724,"authorDomain":"tyler"}

tyler

FreeTheHikers.org website.

{"commentId":12156724,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tyler"}

2 votes

#1.3 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 4:03 PM EST

{"commentId":12140453,"authorDomain":"sichuan"}

Sichuan

The United States government should stay out of it and refuse to exchange prisoners. The Americans currently jailed in Iran are totally ignorant for being so close to the Iranian border. I think that anyone with the least amount of common sense would stay away from the borders of Iran, North Korea, Burma, China and a few other countries.

If the American government agrees to an exchange it will accomplish nothing but giving the Iranians a reason to publicly gloat about the "weakness" of the Great Satan and will more or less support an Iranian claim that these ignorant Americans were the agents of our government.

{"commentId":12140453,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"sichuan"}

3 votes

#2 - Tue Feb 2, 2010 9:59 PM EST

{"commentId":12151907,"authorDomain":"steelrain47"}

SSGDave

Indeed, you are correct-Some Places NEED to be put off limits and people need to feel free to Obey those restrictions. Putting people or governments in a position to use what are effectively Hostages is THE #1 source of world ignorance and issues that 3rd world countries USE against other countries-since they Do, in Fact, HAVE the Right to jail people within thier borders, Stay Away from it-You Already know they Want hostages-Why the Heck(different word intended) did you even Go there? As far as i'm concerned, You Messed Up-Live with it!!

{"commentId":12151907,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"steelrain47"}

#2.1 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 1:10 PM EST

{"commentId":12142368,"authorDomain":"alkimija"}

alkimija

It was irresponsible to take this risk. It would be like going camping in the Sudan and then expressing surprise at having been caught up in some of the conflict that's been going on there for so long. People should utilise their common sense and stay away from international borders (especially of countries with which their nations do not enjoy friendly relations!) and conflict zones.

While someone's goverment may be required to petition for someone's release in a case such as the one at hand, it does not mean that the individuals do not bear some measure of responsibility for the situation in which they found themselves.

{"commentId":12142368,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"alkimija"}

3 votes

#3 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 12:15 AM EST

{"commentId":12143507,"authorDomain":"irene498"}

Irene-498401

regardless, they are American.

{"commentId":12143507,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"irene498"}

#4 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 2:54 AM EST

{"commentId":12152038,"authorDomain":"steelrain47"}

SSGDave

Indeed, as are most of US, on here-and having been on a few of the quiet trips to bring people home, i can tell you-Some Deserve to be Left there, because some Go Right Back In for church, politics, or whatever reason they feel is worth thier lives-Don't go risking mine or my friends to "rescue" someone like that. Follow negotiations if you completely have to have them, but remember-THEY went there Of their Own Free Will. They Knew the Consequences-Nobody is Immune, Nobody is Truly Safe if you go wandering.

{"commentId":12152038,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"steelrain47"}

1 vote

#4.1 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 1:14 PM EST

{"commentId":12153584,"authorDomain":"TheWooj"}

HoneyBee-1239445

Being American does not give you the right to disregard the rules of another country. They are where they are because of their own actions. Who in their right minds would go hiking in a war torn country? DUH!

If you travel outside the U.S. be courteous and respectful of another countries rules and policies, and if you don't like those don't go.

It really is just that simple, and being American is no excuse.

{"commentId":12153584,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"TheWooj"}

#4.2 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 2:09 PM EST

{"commentId":12155098,"authorDomain":"milkdud"}

Milkdud

I think that Irene here is pointing out that they're American, so fellow Americans should lend a helping hand, regardless of whether or not it was a bad decision by the hikers to climb around the Iranian border. I don't think she's making an excuse for them, based on nationality. That's my guess, anyway.

{"commentId":12155098,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"milkdud"}

1 vote

#4.3 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:07 PM EST

{"commentId":12157669,"authorDomain":"irene498"}

Irene-498401

That's what I was trying to say Milkdud, thanks.

{"commentId":12157669,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"irene498"}

1 vote

#4.4 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 4:37 PM EST

{"commentId":12157899,"authorDomain":"brianford"}

Brian Ford

Hrm. I wasn't aware that Milkdud was still posting, these days.

Good to see you back.

;)

{"commentId":12157899,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"brianford"}

1 vote

#4.5 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 4:44 PM EST

{"commentId":12264325,"authorDomain":"tpuntoni"}

Tina-293371

Why should America "lend a helping hand" or do anything to retrieve these people? "Gee, let's take a vacation in Iraq and go hiking in the mountains near Iran. It's safe." When you do such stupid things you are taking your life into your own hands. Were they really that naive?

{"commentId":12264325,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tpuntoni"}

1 vote

#4.6 - Mon Feb 8, 2010 10:03 PM EST

{"commentId":12152828,"authorDomain":"tang"}

Calvin Tang

Another gripe of mine is that prisoners like this who get rescued by the US typically come home to great fanfare, parades, interviews on morning shows, book deals, etc. I propose that anyone who is rescued by the US government for doing something absurdly stupid and jeopardizing our national interests abroad - if rescued - should stand trial and face punishments once they get home. That is, if they were doing something stupid, unnecessary and reckless (i.e., there is a difference in my mind between journalists getting detained while doing their jobs and abiding by foreign laws, and a group of people "hiking" for fun).

{"commentId":12152828,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"tang"}

1 vote

#5 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 1:42 PM EST

{"commentId":12155237,"authorDomain":"brianford"}

Brian Ford

I only agree if what they were doing was actually illegal. (Was it? I honestly don't know.) Either way, yeah: No fanfare, no interviews, etc. Just be happy your sorry ass isn't dead.

On the other hand, I think the question of "was it irresponsible" is different than the question of "do they deserve to suffer much, because of an irresponsible decision..."

Yes on the former -- maybe not so much on the latter.

I think you'd have to be pretty silly to answer "no" to the question that is asked.

{"commentId":12155237,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"brianford"}

1 vote

#5.1 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:11 PM EST

{"commentId":12158002,"authorDomain":"irene498"}

Irene-498401

Maybe the media fanfare is because there is public interest in reading about the story?

It's an appealing narrative: luckless, bumbling Americans get nabbed by cruel dictatorship. America snatches it's citizens from the jaws of doom. Survivors return to our safe bosom to tell the harrowing tale - giving hope to their fellow bumbling Americans that they too might survive the terrible unknown.

But, the coverage probably does more to benefit the hostage takers.

{"commentId":12158002,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"irene498"}

1 vote

#5.2 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 4:48 PM EST

{"commentId":12159999,"authorDomain":"rochart"}

rochart

Was Hiking Along the Iranian Border Irresponsible?
No, it was just plain STUPID!!!

{"commentId":12159999,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"rochart"}

#6 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 5:55 PM EST

{"commentId":12160025,"authorDomain":"rochart"}

rochart

{"commentId":12160025,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"rochart"}

#7 - Wed Feb 3, 2010 5:56 PM EST

{"commentId":12169260,"authorDomain":"jess-g"}

Jess G

If they're too stupid to know they were in a danger zone, then too bad, nobody forced them to go there!! Dummies!!

{"commentId":12169260,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"jess-g"}

#8 - Thu Feb 4, 2010 3:30 AM EST

{"commentId":12171368,"authorDomain":"Paul-1359246"}

Paul-1359246

These folks were idiots. They went where they had no business and then got caught. Dug their own hole, so let them get themselves out of it.

{"commentId":12171368,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"Paul-1359246"}

#9 - Thu Feb 4, 2010 8:52 AM EST

{"commentId":12172520,"authorDomain":"ernestaviles"}

Ernest Aviles

Why in the World would anyone take the chance of being taken hostage or being arrested by going to places close to North Korea or Iran or even places in Mexico. I wouldnt even go to Mexico with what all is going on with them right now. You wind up dead much less taken for ransom or hostage. Anyone who goes to places that could harm them from outsiders are nuts and should get whats coming to em in my opinion. Just like bunjee jumpers and sky diving. Why put your life on the line? Doesnt your family or loved ones deserve better? I mean a 1% chance of a negative outcome with your life is not and should not be worth it.

{"commentId":12172520,"threadId":"782028","contentId":"3845842","authorDomain":"ernestaviles"}

#10 - Thu Feb 4, 2010 9:51 AM EST

{"canLink":false,"threadId":"782028","isPrivate":false}

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Was Hiking Along the Iranian Border Irresponsible?

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Results with 11 short comments Total of 317 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments

Newsvine Discussion with 22 comments - Click here to jump to the comment form.

Results with 11 short comments
Total of 317 votes - click on the "Display Comments" bar below to sort comments