Possibly the stupidest people on the planet!

[NickFitz]

But why would real Americans put themselves in such a precarious position, surely the various (nefarious) agencies within the U.S. could've sourced neutral nationality operatives for such a "hike".

Bring on the hostage bargaining.

Nah, the Iranians know there's no real mileage in this. They'll keep them for a couple of days, then let them go with a load of puff about goodwill and so forth. Those idiots who can't read a map or use a handheld GPS unit are probably getting luxury accommodation and fine food (though not wine) at the moment, just for the propaganda value when they're handed back and tell the world's press how well they were treated once the Iranians realised they were Yanks

[wobbegong]

Oh yeh, they entered Iran by mistake... I believe them

But why would real Americans put themselves in such a precarious position, surely the various (nefarious) agencies within the U.S. could've sourced neutral nationality operatives for such a "hike".

Bring on the hostage bargaining.

[zamzummim]

Oh yeh, they entered Iran by mistake... I believe them

[NickFitz]

They deserve it if they are stupid enough to be out there in the first place, it warrants no further media interest, public sympathy, or time wasted explaining the situation to people.

You won't be saying that when you accidentally stray too far from Mablethorpe and find yourself held hostage in Skegness

[chris79]

They deserve it if they are stupid enough to be out there in the first place, it warrants no further media interest, public sympathy, or time wasted explaining the situation to people.

[xoggoth]

Excitement! People like extreme sports, I bet there is a tourist agency that specialises in tours to Somalia, camping holidays in Zimbabwe, hostels in Beirut.

[Tingles]

Who says the were 'just' tourists?


HTH

[wobbegong]

Why would they do it?