Today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune posted a story on Sarah Shourd, the American girl held prisoner in Iran for wandering over the Iranian border while hiking.  The Iranians had said she would be freed this past weekend, but as of now, she is still being held prisoner. 

The article states:

“The lawyer of an American woman cleared for release from an Iranian prison said Monday he is still waiting for word that the $500,000 bail has been paid.” 

Why are they charging $500,000 bail when they are saying they are releasing her on humanitarian grounds because she has had health problems? 

The Pew polling group released a poll in August showing that only 30 percent of Americans had a favorable view of Islam, down from 41 percent in 2005.  It’s actions like those of the Iranian government that are responsible for the less favorable view.  Sarah was one of three hikers in an area where the border of Iran is not clearly marked.  The hikers wandered across the border and have been in prison in Iran ever since.  The fact that Iran is demanding $500,000 for her release sounds more like a kidnapping than an arrest.