American Morning
Families of hikers held in Iran await news
(CNN) - Relatives of three American hikers detained in Iran are still waiting for news about their loved ones.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/US/09/01/iran.us.hikers/art.shourd.afp.gi.jpg caption="Sarah Shourd, seen in a family photo, is one of three American hikers detained in Iran."]
More than a month has passed since Iranian authorities detained Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal after they strayed into Iran - by accident, a friend and relatives say - while hiking in northern Iraq.
Their relatives in the United States have heard nothing about their fate, they said Tuesday on CNN's "American Morning."
"We know they're being detained in Iran. Beyond that, we haven't heard anything from them," said Nora Shourd, the mother of Sarah Shourd.
The waiting takes a toll.
"It's just very difficult," said Alex Fattal, Josh Fattal's brother. "Each day feels like a month.
"It's a long time - each hour, each day - to not know under what conditions Josh, Shane and Sarah are being held and if they're OK."
The hikers' relatives said they hope the Iranian government lets Swiss diplomats visit the hikers. The Swiss government represents U.S. interests in Iran. The U.S. and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since the American hostage crisis of 1979.
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Send in Bill Clinton ~~ he'll bring them home.
My heart goes out to the families of these hikers. However, I'm still trying to figure out why they were hiking in that area–I don't mean near the border–I mean in that country. I suppose they felt like they were free to hike anywhere they wanted. However, all Americans should know that our freedom stops at our borders. I'm not saying these kids are guilty of anything–but if they make enough money to visit a foreign country, it seems like they would be smart enough to stay away from such a frivolous adventure. You don't find Mexicans along our southern border claiming they were just out hiking and got lost. I understand the anguish of the family. But, I also understand the suspicion of an already-paranoid Iranian Government.