There are also safety issues to be taken into consideration in this matter.
There have been attempts on Mr. al Rehaief:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21585-2003Oct26.html
There has been heavy security around Lynch as well, including SWAT team on the roofs along her route on the day she returned home. One or both of their security details may have nixed a public meeting/photo-op.
There is more to this story than is being dished out by CNN.
I am amazed at the eagerness of some FReepers to swallow this CNN spin! Since when has this source been worthy of trust?