Robert Levinson, an American who is missing and last seen on Kish, an  Iranian Island, is still missing. Apparently held by Iranian authorities.

Releasing him immediately would, of course, be the right thing to do, and we hope the Iranian authorities reach that conclusion sooner rather than later. It would go some distance in demonstrating Iran’s ability to conduct itself in a way that becomes a great civilization.

We’re reminded of Shakespeare’s admonition in war that soldiers behave with restraint towards civilians:

we give express charge, that in our marches through the

country, there be nothing compelled from the
villages, nothing taken but paid for, none of the
French upbraided or abused in disdainful language;

for when lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the
gentler gamester is the soonest winner.

Henry V,  Act 3, Scene 6

Thanks to Rodger Morrow for keeping on this story.

Robin Wright’s Washington Post April 4 piece here.

It’s our fervent hope that Bobby Levinson is released immediately, and that in the meantime, he knows that he’s in the thoughts of many good people. And me, too.

– JS