Part 94 – OCTOBER 4, 1988
''Since the hostages' problem, with its political dimensions and deadlines, is being discussed by the big powers, this means that the hostage issue is nearing its end.'' - Grand Ayatollah Sheik Mohammed Fadlallah [1], Spiritual Leader of Hizbullah – Party of God
Last Friday, Britain and Iran agreed to restore full relations. On Saturday, a goup known as the Islamic Holy War for the Liberation of Palestine promised in a statement to free one of their four captives.
The pro-Iranian kidnappers stated that the release was in line with positive political developments in the Middle East.
The four hostages held by the group are Alann Steen, 48 years old, Jesse Turner, 39, and Robert Polhill, 54, all Americans, and Mithileshwar Singh, 60, an Indian. All are lecturers at Beirut University College and were seized together on Jan. 24 of last year.
The Islamic Holy War for the Liberation of Palestine has said they wanted the United States to recognize Palestinian rights.
The race to the White House
The White House categorigally denied that the release of a hostage is the result of a deal with Tehran.
''Someone who articulates that ought not be allowed to operate heavy equipment. Neither the Vice President nor any of his emmissaries would involve himself in an effort of that kind. The whole premise is silly; we are not going to play politics with the hostage situation,'' said Mark Goodin, a spokesman for Mr. Bush.
''This Administration made one disastrous foray into quid pro quos with Iran for hostages. I can't believe they'd be stupid enough to do it again. These things always come out - that was the lesson of Iranscam - and in a tight election, in the last month, that sort of revelation would be disastrous for the Bush campaign,'' argues William Quandt, a Brookings Institution scholar who closely follows hostage matters
''To play politics with this would be absolutely disastrous, if it came out looking like that,'' agreed Graham Fuller, an analyst for the RAND Corporation who formerly was an expert on Near Eastern affairs for the CIA.
Nevertheless, Quandt believes that ''it is plausible that the Iranians are seeking to influence American politics with the latest hostage release.''
NOTES AND REFERENCES
1. The Oracle of Hizbullah: Sayyid Muhammad Husayn FadlallahOfficial WebsiteSecond Round for Iran and Iraq; Peace Talks Resume at U.N. - October 1, 1988
GULF PEACE TALKS ADVANCING SLOWLY - October 4, 1988
North and 2 Others Lose Bid to Overturn Iran-Contra Charges- October 1, 1988
Hopes Rise for the Release of Hostages in Lebanon - October3, 1988
BEIRUT KIDNAPPERS RELEASE A HOSTAGE AFTER 20 MONTHS - October 4, 1988
Hostage Release Could Play Role in the Campaign, - October 4, 1988
