In a way, John's activities can be linked to the attacks of Sept 11, 2001, which he confessed he knew of prior to the attack. He also stated that he never attempted to warn the United States of the pending disaster. Whether opportunity to do so ever existed is another matter. And when we sent forces to Afghanistan in response to this attack, we find the boy already there and fully armed, preparing to fight us in support of those who toppled the World Trade Center, killing thousands of U.S. Citizens and visiting foreign nationals. Or so it appeared. He was, after all, captured after an al-Qai’da retreat from U.S. bombings. It is also possible -- though highly unlikely -- that John Walker-Lindh never fired a shot at anyone.

As for Lori Berenson, I'm sure she's currently in a world of hurt, but her case is far from hopeless -- and in the Andes it takes more than just a few months to actually "rot" (couldn't help myself). She was convicted to serve a life sentence, which the US State Department is formally protesting. If you have been supporting her release (i.e., haranguing your voted representatives on her behalf), by all means continue.

Both appear to be a case of “wrong place/wrong time” scenarios,
Dan