Self-fulfilling prophecy: The State Department's Iran warning

The State Department sounded the red alert Monday, warning Americans not to travel to Iran.

Now, why would that be?

Well, it seems that the Islamic “republic,” the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, has decided to make taking U.S. citizens as hostages — “detaining” them, in diplomatic parlance — a priority.

Now, why would that be?

Well, it seems Iran thinks it can shake down the United States for cold, hard cash if it does so.

Now, why would that be?

The proper question is why would that not be?

The Obama administration continues to parse and dissemble over the $400 million ransom it paid to Iran in January for the release of three U.S. hostages. After weeks of denials, a State Department spokesman last week used the word “leverage.” On Monday, the White House disavowed that euphemism. Instead, said spokesman Josh Earnest, “I have never made the case that this somehow was a coincidence.”

Oh, thanks for clearing that up. And thanks for putting a price tag on the head of every American abroad.

The State Department says Iran continues to imprison Americans, especially those holding dual citizenship. But, it stresses, “the U.S. government’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Iran in the event of an emergency is extremely limited.”

What, we’re running out of ransom cash?

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