By Diane Alter

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were arrested in 2009 after crossing into Iran by way of Iraq.

They have since been held in Iran and are accused of being spies. Their families were elated last week on news the duo would be freed only to have their hopes crushed this week when reports surfaced that their release would not take place.

The Oman government has recently stepped up its efforts in brokering a deal with Iran for their release and is carefully lobbying for the pair's release.

There was some hope last week that the two hikers would be freed after Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told NBC news that the pair would be freed this week on bail.

In 2010, Oman paid $500,000 for the release of Sarah Shroud who was hiking with her finance Bauer and Fattal.

However, as media outlets began reporting on the release it has become unclear if Bauer and Fattal will be freed this week and released to Swiss authorities as earlier reported.

While the outcome remains unclear, Oman sources feel confident the release can be finalized.

 

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Aftermath: Following the Bloodshed of America's Wars in the Muslim World

Displacement and Dispossession in the Modern Middle East (The Contemporary Middle East)

Enemies of Intelligence

The End of History and the Last Man

The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics

 

Oman Assisting United States to Release Hikers in Iran | Global Viewpoint