I have never looked at the detention of the American hikers as anything but hostage-taking. Iran has had past experience with this: in the first years of the Islamic Republic, the Government brazenly broke international laws and held American diplomats and citizens. It is a strategy that has paid off in the past, and to the leaders in Tehran, it is a tried and tested method of getting back at their adversaries.

Since their arrest last July by Iranian forces near the Iraq border, three Americans Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal and Sarah Shourd have been at the center of a high-stakes diplomatic struggle between Tehran and Washington. Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the three of entering Iran to conduct espionage.

GVF -- A mother is a mother wherever she may be. She has a right to see her child, but the real question is whether the same privilege given to American women is given to Iranian mothers? Do they offer Iranian women, mother and sisters the same rights offered to American women?

TEHRAN (Reuters) President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday three U.S. citizens detained in Iran and charged with spying may be swapped with jailed Iranians in the United States.