Personally, I found the daughter's letter very moving. Also, I know some Canadians who lived in the same compound as the family and they have corraborated the whole of the daughter's story. I think this guy should be very proud of his kids. He must have done something right to have such exceptional children.

I hope that the father is freed in the next couple of years. I think the Emir is an exceptional man and that Sheikha Moza is a wonderful woman. I know that they are both compassionate and pragmatic and I suspect that they will help ensure that this man is quietly released in a couple of years to be with his family.

My understanding is that Downs was attempting to sell his secrets to Iran. This was indeed treason and a serious crime and I am sure the harsh sentence was to deter future attempts at the same thing. He deserves a serious punishment there is no doubt. But nobody died or was hurt and abused and this guy has lost everything. Most of all, his children have been severly punished for something they had no part in.

Sometimes, gentleness is the strongest act.

Just call me Tigasin. That's what I'm talking about