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I learned that my friends Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal had been arrested by Iranian soldiers on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan when their faces appeared on the evening news more than nine months ago. My initial shock at discovering they had apparently strayed into Iran while hiking in the mountains soon gave way to a sense of guilt. After all, I was the one who had persuaded them to go to northern Iraq.

I had met Sarah through a volunteer education program for Iraqi refugees in Damascus, where we both taught English. Sarah was smart and passionate, an idealist with an irreverent sense of humor. Her partner Shane, a freelance journalist, was softly spoken but wiry, energetic and inquisitive, with an enviable grasp of Arabic.

I had been to Kurdistan on vacation in 2008. Several Iraqi friends had recommended I go there and I had heard that it was both safe and stunning. When I returned from the trip, I was full of praise for the place. I regaled Sarah and Shane with tales of the breathtaking scenery, ancient cities and hospitable locals. They were sold; one day they'd have to go too, they told me. Sometime last July they raised the subject again. They were planning a trip and wanted to know where to stay and how to get around. Once again, I urged them to go. "You'll have a great time," I said. The last time I saw them was at a party in my apartment. Their friend Josh was visiting from the United States and had come along. They were leavi... >>>