Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
BBC News
American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, captured on the Iran-Iraq border in 2009, have been released by Tehran. Like Sarah Shourd, imprisoned with the pair but released last year, the bail on Bauer and Fattal was paid by Oman, a U.S.-allied nation which enjoys good relations with Iran. Officials in Muscat also arranged transportation out of Iran.
“We are so happy we are free and so relieved we are free,” Mr Fattal said to reporters soon after their arrival on Wednesday in the Omani capital, Muscat. Mr Bauer added: “Two years in prison is too long and we sincerely hope for the freedom of other political prisoners and other unjustly imprisoned people in America and Iran.”
Also waiting on the tarmac was Sarah Shourd, 32, a third US hiker who was with Mr Bauer and Mr Fattal when they were arrested. Ms Shourd became engaged to Mr Bauer while they were in prison, before she was freed last year on humanitarian grounds and returned home. Soon after he was reunited with his son, Mr Fattal’s father told reporters: “They are healthy, happy and strong.”
Iran’s judiciary reportedly set each bail at five billion rials ($500,000). Oman paid bail of a similar amount for the release of Ms Shourd last year. The Gulf state of Oman is a US ally which has good relations with Iran.
Middle East Policy has been one of the world’s most cited publications on the region since its inception in 1982, and our Breaking Analysis series makes high-quality, diverse analysis available to a broader audience.
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BBC News
American hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, captured on the Iran-Iraq border in 2009, have been released by Tehran. Like Sarah Shourd, imprisoned with the pair but released last year, the bail on Bauer and Fattal was paid by Oman, a U.S.-allied nation which enjoys good relations with Iran. Officials in Muscat also arranged transportation out of Iran.
For more on the hikers’ release, see: