Noam Chomsky
professor and
political activist
"These young people represent a segment of the U.S. population that is critical of [US] policies, and often actively opposed to them. Hence their detention is particularly distressing to all of us who are dedicated to shifting U.S. policy to one of mutual respect rather than domination."
"These young people represent a segment of the U.S. population that is critical of [US] policies, and often actively opposed to them. Hence their detention is particularly distressing to all of us who are dedicated to shifting U.S. policy to one of mutual respect rather than domination."
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Full Letter From Noam Chomsky

I have been deeply concerned at the continued detention of Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal, and hope that the Iranian government will be able to arrange for their release without delay. Iran has ample reason for caution and suspicion with regard to the actions and plans of Washington, but these young people represent a segment of the U.S. population that is critical of these policies, and often actively opposed to them. Hence their detention is particularly distressing to all of us who are dedicated to shifting U.S. policy to one of mutual respect rather than domination.

I therefore appeal to the Iranian leadership to act in a humanitarian spirit and release Shane, Sarah and Josh.

Noam Chomsky Institute
Professor
MIT Cambridge
MA 02139
January 6, 2010

Link to PDF of letter

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