Behind Closed Doors

The lines we cross in search of change,
but all they see is treason
--Behind Closed Doors, Rise Against
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How does one comment on the irony of this situation of U.S.-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi?

The AP reports, "Iran convicted an American journalist of spying for the United States and sentenced her to eight years in prison," but does not mention the fact of her dual citizenship, nor her lapsed press credentials until later (U.S. 'Deeply Disappointed' as Iran Convicts Reporter).

The U.S. is expressing outrage over Saberi's closed door trial and sentencing, yet this behavior has become the hallmark of the Phony War on Terror (PWOT ©). Both the U.S. and Iran hide behind secret courts, justifying the need by claiming ultra secret security concerns.

Secret courts are fine for Iran because, well -- it's Iran. Ditto China, the Stans, etc. But they are inconvenient in the democratic liberal tradition. Judicial transparency is what made America different.

This case highlights what is being largely ignored to our dissolution. America fears Iranian and North Korean nukes and missiles, while what we should fear are secret U.S. courts, with all that implies: secret police, secret judges and possibly secret legislation. The sun no longer disinfects the U.S. judicial system. The same shade clouds the legislative and executive functions, as well.

Secrecy is a threat greater than nuclear weapons. Nukes can destroy armies and cities, but they cannot destroy liberal thought.

Also, the U.S. should eliminate dual citizenship. One is either an Iranian citizen or American -- one should not be both. This would eliminate the U.S. being placed in an official action that supports an Iranian citizen from an Iranian court.

Using the Gitmo formula, Saberi is beyond the control of U.S. jurisdiction; therefore, her treatment by Iran should be construed as fair and just. It is the exact formula that the U.S. has used in the PWOT. The U.S. wants it both ways. Unfortunately, the world does not play by the U.S.'s version of Cicero dicit fac hoc.

The press wondered why Saberi's trial was fast-tracked. Maybe she is a spy for the U.S. Such things have been known to happen.

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