First of all, I'm an American. But I'm trying to understand this from the Aruban POV. That being that Aruba already has a Big Brother & that is Holland. That the Arubans & the Dutch in Aruba have a better understanding of Aruba, Aruban/ Dutch law, topography, geography, customs & languages than the American FBI does. That the FBI was allowed on Aruban soil and, so far as I know, has not been expelled. That the Arubans are capable of contacting the FBI is they want the help but that heavy-handed tactics are going to be met with resentment & resistance.
So far as 'if it were my daughter', all of the above still applies. And, of course, the knowledge that travelling to a foreign country is an assumption of risk and done in full knowledge that you have left the legal jurisdiction of American LE territory.
As far as the FBI and the extension of LE courtesies (which I don't doubt), I'll remind you that the Boulder PD shut the FBI out of the Jon Benet Ramsey investigation (for the most part).
You do not shut out the FBI, if they want in especially in the USA. Jon Benet Ramsey was not a kidnapping case, and the FBI has exclusive jurisdiction in those cases.(Kidnappings) USA
The Ramsey's bought their way out of that one. There was no justice and the two parent's murdered their own daughter
I will agree that was one F' Upped investigation.
When things in an investigation get out of control and or sound investigative procedures are not followed then it is time to ask for help from the FBI.
Letting the professionals take charge or assume on an investigation is not heavy handed tactics. Aruba can always have their law enforcement officers there at every step of the investigation.
In light of the Dutch Law and Exclusive Jurisdiction the bottom line, who would you rather have conducting this criminal investigation? The Keystones Cops or the FBI? I will always choose them over Aruban Peace Officers.
Are you not aware they released the three prime suspects at the very beginning and believed their B.S. fabricated lie concerning the two security guards. It must have been very nice to be afforded ten/eleven days to clean up any incriminating/tangible/intangible evidence. If I were a criminal I would love for the Aruban authorites to be in charge of my cases. One might say, commit a murder? want to get away free? Dial 1-800-ARUBA-COPS extn, COPs-Ain't-Us.
Do you really think if this investigation continues as it is, there will be any justice served or obtained for Natalee? I say not even, but if I am wrong I will personally ping you to say I was wrong. NSNR