Sarah shourd

MUSCAT, Oman - Oman's royal leaders have long preferred the understated approach: No high-rises like their Gulf neighbors and policies that quietly balance close ties with both Washington and Tehran.

MUSCAT, Oman - American Sarah Shourd planned a medical exam Wednesday for the first appraisal of her health after more than 13 months in an Iranian prison, said Omani officials after the country's rulers mediated a deal for a half million dollar bail to win her release.

MUSCAT, Oman - American Sarah Shourd is resting in Oman's capital Muscat on her first full day of freedom after a surprise bail deal with Iran secured her release after more than 13 months in custody.

TEHRAN, Iran - In just a few dizzying hours, American Sarah Shourd exchanged a cell in Tehran's Evin Prison for a private jet crossing the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, after an apparent diplomatic deal to cover a $500,000 bail and secure a release that seemed in jeopardy from the start.