Harper inherited this, and if the previous Government did not want him back ( who can forget the embarrassment that this family already inflicted to the Government)  - who can blame them. 

I believe most of the repatriated western citizens were released (no proof). Hardly innocent, was he (never mind his age , family history). 


Chretien and Martin dropped the ball (or whatever intelligence officials under their command),  Harper did not bend, and Trudeau did (or rather thought he had another opportunity to showcase his Sunny Side).

Blame Harper?

How about blame the previous Government - if they had been smart and not created opportunity to be  sued over technicalities, he would have had nothing.