Sir

Iran's President is experiencing difficulties at home, taking hostages is an expedient way of taking pressure off himself and his government.
Wouldn't this be the article to run rather than falling into the hands of the Iranian government with articles on how the families are coping?

Sarah, Southampton, UK

Good article Bronwen. It’s interesting how this event is unfolding.

My opinion is that Iran has perhaps bitten off more than it can chew in selecting Britain for it's political posturing.

Iran's media-friendly stone throwing masses (who I assume read the Iranian equivalent of The Sun) gloss over the fractures between Iran's regime and their educated classes. I think that if there's a key weakness it's their discontent of at how the international community perceives them.

The incumbent regime may get their quick PR victory, but in taking Britain on at the diplomacy game they may have walked into the lion's den, exposing their soft spots to the world's most respected and capable diplomatic force.

Mark, Woking, UK

Finally!!!! Dan from NY, NY makes sense! I was becoming more and more embrassed at my fellow Americans and their broad and often ill-informed statements until I read Dan's comment. At this point it matters not whether it was the captain of the ship or the Americans or anyone in between that caused this incident. We must stand together, as we have so often done, in the face of this crisis and make what is wrong, right again! I must concur with Dan in that "the overwhelming majority of Americans are 100% in solidarity with you right now. " I can only hope, along with all of the other Americans I know, that this conflict is resolved peacefully and that all 14 of those men and that one woman return safely to their families in Britain.

Cyn, Atlanta, USA

I really dont know why we're there anyway, why were we so gullible as to believe the lies from the USA about weapons that didnt exist in iraq. We should never have gone in in support of a nation of cowards who are so trigger happy you'd be safer being their enemies than their allies.

We should apologise to Iran and Iraq and pull out, leaving the americans to it. Theyre well used to messing up big time in wars, and dont seem to care. We're British and should behave better.

John, London, UK

Since all of America's "friends" seem to totally loathe us I suggest we listen and do the following: pull our forces out of Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc. and bring them home to monitor our own borders. Hirohito and Hitler are dead. We won. We now have a new set of concerns here at home. The Europeans want us out, as do the South Koreans. Let them pay for their own militaries and put their own kids on the line. I[m sick of all of them. And that goes for Canada too. They can defend themselves since they hate us so much. Let's bring the boys (and girls) home and go back to how it was before WWII.

Louise, RIchfield, Minnesota USA

To John Overley,

You have been impressed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? He does not run the country, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei does. Mr Ahmadinejad is nothing more than a pawn.

Not everything in this world is about the United States. The world does not revolve around us. Sometimes we need to accept that things like this happen because internal factions in Iran are disorderly and confused.

Bush may be a bit dim in the upper corridors but he is not stupid enough to use a nuclear weapon against Iran. People continue to say things such as that without one given thought as to the fallout of such an action.

Think before you type.

Colin Fleming, Banks, Oregon

Canada does not have Nukes, secondly the Brits are being treated better than the prisoners in Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib, no need to get so hysterical, there is not much you in the West can do except shriek like little girls, Iran has exposed your cowardice in the face of a real fighting nation.

Tariq Shah, Karachi, Pakistan

With the limited US troop strength, that puts the US into the position of using other weapons---nuclear—to be exact. I see no other way out. In addition, that wants he wants.

Oil will soar. There will be a collapse of OPEC and then they will really have the world by the balls.

^^^^
The British have played us like a fiddle since 1778, this is just another British scam. -- And that's why our founders told us to stay out of European affairs, because if given a chance they will put us right back under their thumb.

Sorry Brits, but the law is the law - the Satellites say that your Navy was in their water (you know like the 100's of other times you have done this.) so.. yeah, it's simple - stay out of other peoples waters.

justin, Austin, Texas

Give the Iranians whatever they want. If they want to see Tony Blair riding a Blackpool donkey dressed in a Hijab or any other ridiculous garb, so be it. We want to get our service people back safe and sound. We can deal with the Iranians later. The old adage was never more true: "Don't get mad, get even".

James, Norwich, England

Hey, we Americans love the Brits, our cultures and history are and always will be intertwined. We have saved your bacon and many other states/countries at great sacrifice and will gladly do it again and again. Yes, we make mistakes from time to time, we're not perfect. It's time you and others show a little respect to the US. Without the US, this world would plunge back into the dark ages....can you speak Russian? How about Farsi? Chinese?...I didn't think so.

Keep that to yourself, I do not trust the British for two pennies.

They did the same thing to us Americans that they are now trying to pull on these Iranians.

Christ sake, read Washington's inaguration speech - or Andrew Jackson --- they told us not to trust the British for a reason.

justin, Austin, Texas

there is nothing the UK can do and they know it, musharaf should learn how to stand up to the west like iran.

Tariq Shah, Karachi, Pakistan

I cannot believe that this has been allowed to last even a few days.

It doesn't matter why U.S./U.K forces are in the region - capturing the armed forces from another sovereign nation is an act of war and should be treated accordingly.

Appeasement doesn't work with radical Islamic fundamentalists. Use overwhelming force, rescue your marines and sailors (thus keeping the faith with the people sworn to defend your nation) and send a very clear message to the Iranians and anyone else thinking about similar action.

Failure to act will only result in further acts of aggression and violence.

Get the SAS or the SBS in there right now. Or ask us for help. Either way, this shouldn't be allowed to go on another day!

Andrew, Washington, D.C, USA

The Iranians claim that the British Sailors were infinging on their soverignty, and the British claiming vice-versa. I see a lot of indviduals here passing judgement as to who's right and who's wrong on this, but the very fact stands that we can never fully substantiate the truth of the matter. Therefore, does it even matter right now? I think what matters is that we get the sailors home to their families without using them as political gambits in yet another political game, of which I cannot see how these precocious politicians can resist. Bring the troops home!

Gerald, Vancouver, Canada

I hope for safe return of the British sailors and marines very soon.

Toby, Boston, MA

From the time Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came on the scene in Iran, I have been very impressed with his intelligence, cunning, statements, and his timing.

There is no doubt in my mind he is spoiling for a fight. He just keeps upping the ante, taunts, and begs for a fight. And that is what scares me. Why? What does he have up his sleeve?

With the limited US troop strength, that puts the US into the position of using other weapons---nuclear—to be exact. I see no other way out. In addition, that wants he wants.

Oil will soar. There will be a collapse of OPEC and then they will really have the world by the balls.

john overley, Atlanta, GA

Since the invasion of Iraq Iran has extended what it views as its waterways up to 500 meters from coastal Iraq. Iran's muscle flexing has to stop and the only way for this to occur is for Canada to intervene 1st diplomatically then if that fails an extradition of all Iranians in Canada followed by an airstrike. Ah heck lets just give Iran what they want Canada has nukes lets give them a few. Oh oops did they go off
Im Shallah

Danny, Halifax, Canada

Hey Jeremiah,

You would be eating Sushi if it weren't for us facist Americans so be careful when you use such a broad brush to paint the American picture. We Americans are very sorry for propping up the world economy, for being the largest donor nation in history, for promoting democracy, freedom of speech and religion, for coming and saving so many of your asses around the world for the last 80 years I can't even count. In case you weren't aware these people are nutbags and if you support them then go ahead and move there and leave the free world to people who are trying to keep it that way for a long time to come !

Dan O, Freedom, USA

I think thay we should go in and get them (the hostages) out, like when the Iranians asked the SAS to get their hostages out of their London Embassy.

Dunstan Dunstan, Stony Stratford, Great Britain

Slam America all you want!
REmember when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the Japan Imperial Commander remarked "I'am afraid we may have awakened a sleeping tiger".One thing about Americans,we believe in freedom,we know when their is a faciest,dictatorial phlosophy that is oppressive to norms of human dignity.Remember Hitler and his hate for other religious groups and his genicide answer to it.where is he today?As for holding British sailors,remember who starts what and historically who finished it!

Howard, Dallas, U.S.A

Regardless of whether our sailors were in Iraqi or Iranian waters, patrolling under a UN mandate or looking "to provoke a conflict", they should be treated under the rights of the Geneva convention.

I wish these people a safe, speedy return home.

Richard, London, ENGLAND

The best way to resolve this matter is for Britain to say they are sorry if they accidentally crossed into Iran's waters and they will take steps to insure that it doesn't happen again.

James, Philadelphia, USA/PA

Who's really looking for a fight? These were British sailors in the Persian Gulf, right? Not Iranian sailors in the English Channel. Look at the map... who are the aggressors again?

This is SOP for the US (and allies) to provoke a conflict - fly near the line... If it leads to "us" attacking Iran, then we know the real story.

Alan, Annapolis, MD

I disagree with what you are saying. The fact that Britain has started the gradual withdrawal of its troops has nothing to do with this crisis. According to the Iranians, British sailors entered Iranian waters, and it does not matter that they are from Britain. The navy forces of one country cannot enter the waters of another without permission, and their arrest is absolutely normal according to international laws. The dispute as to whether the Brits were in Iranian waters is hard to find an answer to. Britain has given evidence (don't count out the possibility of it being false) that they were not in Iran, and Iran disagrees with that. So far there has not been hard proof by a third party either way. The thing is that Iran sees that the U.S. and allies (i.e. Britain) are sending more forces (i.e. another aircraft career by U.S.) into the Persian Gulf as a means to intimidate the Iranian, and to coerce them. Any intelligent person knows Iran does not respond well to intimidation.

Ali, ottawa, canada

While I may dislike Islam, I certainly hate nazism more as I read similar crap coming mainly from ignorant Americans and some Pomsin above letters. The content of your letters shows absolute ignorance as having been brainwashed by America's many Goebell's propaganda crap they call their media.

I also noted the US cowardice where North Korea is concerned, even China and Russia. Why don't you glory hunters attack these tougher nations your cowboys so eloquently swagger about. I already see you have Gestapo prisons in Guantanamo where torture is a daily process. Chaining innocents to the floor for 22 hours a day is so typical of jail hawks from the Southern US States.

So go on and attack Iran and see if Russia and China do not flex their muscles. Only cowboys like fanny Bush can act like war criminals.

Jeremiah, Sydney, Australia

I hope every one wakes up soon.If IRAN get a nuclear bomb than what in the world does every one think that they are going to do with it? Well guess what if they are acting like bullies now with the missiles and and military might that they believe they have, than they just might think that they are able to rule the world.What ever it takes to stop them someone better do it now are we are all going to be in a night mare.

Bob, St Louis, U.S.A./MO

To Peter in the UK,
Hey, we Americans love the Brits, our cultures and history are and always will be intertwined. We have saved your bacon and many other states/countries at great sacrifice and will gladly do it again and again. Yes, we make mistakes from time to time, we're not perfect. It's time you and others show a little respect to the US. Without the US, this world would plunge back into the dark ages....can you speak Russian? How about Farsi? Chinese?...I didn't think so.

Gregg, Yorba Linda, USA

Big picture. The outcome is predictable. Ideology is the real issue. As a world of humans we are so petty and weak. Our battle is not with each other, it is with ourselves. We have no leadership that recognizes that, on either side. The final outcome can be found in every religious document ever written. We just keep screwing up the interpretation. Not to dispair. The leader I mentioned that we don't have, He's on the way.

Dean, Huntington Mills, USA PA

I think Mr Maddox is simply wrong in supposing that Iran is spoiling for a fight. As for the notion that a small naval incident involving some fifteen sailors can be blown up into a crisis -- just think what has been going on next door in Iraq for four years and more. What Iran seeks is resistance to encroachments and self-respect. They have a right to that, the foolish remarks of their current president notwithstanding. Think of the foolish remarks of our current president in the USA. Iran must be left alone. No provocation. No war. No extension of the current madness.

Ernest Werner, Trumansburg, New York USA

Using this logic, everyone in Paris would be speaking German.

Lee, Nashville, TN

There are serious questions to ask HMS Cornwall's
captain about risking his crew without sufficient protection.
However, gung-ho comments from the US are not helpful..so-called "friendly fire" incidents preclude us asking our American allies for assistance and fighting off more heavily armed boats when halfway down a rope ladder from a ship you have boarded leads to an early death.
The US needs to adjust its approach and "get real" as they like to say.

peter, macclesfield, uk

when I read the headline, I was not sure which of the two regimes you were refering to.

Ulluka Putta, Jallianwallabagh,

The untold story here is that inside Iran people couldn't really give a hoot about this 'crisis'. In reality it's just another distraction from the Anglo-Saxon horde's failure in Iraq. Get with the programme people.

Alfonso Parelli, London, UK

The UK doesn't have the political will or the resources to invade Iran. Invasion won't get the 15 sailors back anymore than Israel's bombing of Lebanon got their two soldiers back.

If you let your kids do questionable things in somebody else's back yard, you shouldn't get too upset if they react badly against you.

Going back to first principles... What is the UK doing there anyway? How would we feel if our space was invaded by them? None of the Iranians or Iraqis are going to go anywhere because they are at what passes for home already, just where the UK forces should be. The hostages are only of use to Iran whilst the UK continues to be in their back yard. If we weren't there, there wouldn't have been a problem. It follows that if the UK gets out, the Iranians will probably release the 15, sooner or later.

Ian Olive, Moutardon, France

It should be obvious within the next couple years, if not now, the true reason the US invaded Iraq. Iran's nuclear program didn't just magically appear after we invaded, their activities were well known long before that.

With Iraq occupied, the US has accomplished its objective of militarily surrounding and isolating the REAL wmd threat...Iran.

The only question now is how to implement regime change without having to go to war again...an action that will galvanize support for the present Iranian regime. Indeed, that seems to be the objective behind their recent shenannigans.

smackHappy, Alexandria, Virginia

The Iranian theocrats seem oblivious of the truth in "The show ain't over til the fat lady sings".
This ploy to detract attention from the nuclear issue is at best infantile. As erratic a rationale as Hess flying to UK to "barter" peace.
No way is Iran going to have nuclear weapons. Ever!

Gerald B., Aarhus, Denmark

The UK must give an ultimatum under threat of force. I cannot believe their lack of decisive action.

What would Nelson, Wellington, and Churchill think??

Be ye men of valor. For the honor and dignity of the Crown.

James, Plover, WI, USA

IF I HAD MY WAY...
Navy/Marines capture Qushm Island (off the coast of Iran) where they also have oil depots.
Biuld a "naval fence" at the Straits of Hormuz.
Storm all ships in the Gulf transporting oil and gasoline from Iranian mainland.
Freeze all Iranian assets in foriegn banks.
This would STRANGLE the Iranian economy!
And the value (to Iran that is) of the 15 Brits wouldn't mean much anymore.
Hand over the troops-and we'll give you back your economy.
And as for you "diplomacy" monkeys-what is it good for if you Brits keep getting scooped up out of the water????
Would gas prices go up?
Yes-but when don't they? They raise the prices when the wind so much as changes direction.
ACTION speaks in volumes!

Erik, Minneapolis, Minnesota

what hachmadinijad doesn't understand, is you just don't mess around with the queen of england.
the iranians must not read the british politeness as weakness. it will bumerang. in my opinion the potential for democracey in iran is ten times more than in iraq.
the thoughts of the iranian people are a bigger enemy to hachmadinijad than the uk army. sadley, it seem the iranian people are waking up to late. and a diplomatic crises btween the world and iran is already underway.

roy, tel aviv,

I want to say that US will support our British brothers all the way-
Unlike UE and we are willing to go to a war and resolve that "IRAN problem" once-for-all. Let's deal with it now-when we still have forces in the region.
Yarek, NY, USA

Yarek, MONROE, NY, USA

Here's the solution. Pull all JewSA and British forces out of the ME. End all support for Israel.

Robert, KC, USA

Massive Force is the only language understood by tyrants and barbarians from Hitler to Pol Pot and before. At the very least, Britain needs to imbed some steel into its spine, and send in your Polaris missiles and take out Iran's oil refineries and Kharg Island- the point of shipment for Iran's oil. You've seen before the global consequences of appeasement and by continuin g to repeat these mistake of foolish engagement with a despotic and barbarous theocratic regime, you again tempt history to repeat itself. Machiavelli is right on this. Enemies of this breed need either to be caressed or extinguished.

Stanislaus Pulle, Thousand Oaks, California, USA

When will europe learn that appeasement will only lead to more encouragement and risk taking by the Iranian radical regime? The reason they took Brits rather than Americans is because they know there would be swift retaliation. Now they mock and parade your soldiers in front of cameras and the media while you look to find excuses. Where's the international community now? Surely, if the US had marched GITMO prisoners in front of cameras, staged, with "confessions" on camera and in letters there would be world outcry! Of course, the leftist Media is completely exposed now - showing their hypocrasy.

The only way to get those hostages back is to give the an ultimatum to Iran - if they are not released in the next 10 days the only gasoline refinement factory in Iran will be bombed. then , a naval blockade will commence to ensure no gasoline enters the country. Then you'll get your hostages back.

Larry, Irvine, USA, CA

I strongly advise patience,and support a cooling off period. Ultimately, a diplomatic solution will most likely be reached. I sympathize with the servicemen and their families. But I fail to see how precipitate action can help. Reflect on the strung out negotiations of the Korean War, the capture of U.S. servicement off N. Korea, and the Iranian hostage crisis. It is in Iran's best interest to edge closer to a normal situation. It exists in a tense and dangerous part of the world. Russia and China should play a more subtle role in ending this useless crisis.

James O'Donnell, Prescott, USA/Arizona (AZ)

What happining is the result of complete wrong politics from the US Government. Say _ Bush. The British dont know ho to come out of all the mess. I think ones Bush has gone back farming - the british Politic will shange immediately.

WGHerrmann, Landshut, Germany

Woe is the once grand Brittania. Former masters of the world, your post colonial progeny in Iran have spat in your face.

What will you do?

Kevin, Orlando, Florida

Give Iran what it wants a Nuclear Bomb, I have no problem with that gift wrap it for them And express mail drop ship it to them on the bottom of an F16 start with one and if they would a another one give them all they want :)

Pete, Palm City, Florida,USA

That 's ok Christian , Canada is still part of {US} our empire.

Dana, Minneapolis , MN

You can count the number of months the Iranian Regime has left on one hand. They shouldn't have taken our British brothers hostage, that miscalculation will be their undoing.

Michael Lloyd, Seminole, Florida, USA

Have you Yanks forgotten about the taking of the US Embassy in Tehran and its staff hostage for 444 days! What did you do then - poor Jimmy Carter tried tolaunch a rescue attempt which the Pentagon reluctantly obeyed but without too much enthusiasm resulting in loss of lives and aircraft -- if you are so gungho then why don\t your troops go ahead and blast its way into Iran.

I believe the UK PM should direct its anger at the UN and inform it immediately that we are pulling out of Iraq, the Russians, Chinese and other countries in the Security Council who did not support the strongly worded resolution yesterday that they can take over patrolling the Iraqi border and Basra too!

Chips Westwood, Sarlat La Caneda, France

If the British and their EU counterparts see the Iranian government now as "even more unpredictable and confrontational," they have not been paying attention. Theirs is a criminal regime intent on spreading Shia influence throughout the Middle East, and are working steadily to acquire a nuclear deterrent or first strike capability against Israel and the West. Iran is playing power politics, while the West continues to debate softpower options. The 15 British sailors deserve a better government and a stronger Western response. Shameful.

JB, Palmetto, USA

We, Briton and the United States, will eventually have to deal militarily with radical Islam. I say that now is as good a time as any to begin this operation. The British should locate their military personnel in Iran; have their best SAS teams ready to move, and while 2000 pound bombs from U.S. B -2's are knocking a hole for the SAS exit with the imprisoned personnel, both Briton and the U.S. should keep bombing until all military targets have been destroyed. Iran must be severely punished for their actions. Iran will continue to support Islamic terror, and now is as good a time as ever to eliminate them from the world scene. It would also serve notice to other radical countries that we will use our power to their detriment. Unlease the dogs of war!!!!

Harvey, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA

The appearance of "two marines" shown on television I found disgusting.
They are soldiers representing England. It is my opion that upon being returned, they should be Court Marshalled and given Dishonourable discharge from the forces.
Do the people of England undersdtand war? i think not.
When the media show film of "Soldiers" departing to war and possibly their death it minimises as to why they are there.
I am English through and through, my heart goes out to the forces that have no control over the reason. "other than but to do or die"
England has lost the pride in being English. So sad.

Alan Burdes, London, England

The actions of Iran leave no room for any negotiation or compromise; their actions were an act of war on another state.

I think people are afraid to confront the reality that is Iran - a fundamentalist Islamic state hostile in every way to us and our way of life and wishing very hard for our demise. Of course they haven't directly attacked Britain or the USA (or any other point on the map) because they have not have the ability to, it only strikes at the periphery with its proxies, (Lebanon, Iraq). But nuclear weapons are the payday that Iran has been waiting for. There are no options other than to confront Iran militarily, and soon. It will become harder and harder and be more and more costly every day that passes.

Neil, Sydney, Aus

How very sad progressives of the world are. The more liberal a country becomes the more pushed around they get. If freedom means so little soon everyone will know a world without freedom, it's just laying there for the taking from fanatical Islam. But pip, pip and cheerio, let's all keep being the politically orangutans Muslims consider the West already. I won't be around to see it thankfully but I'm thinking two more, maybe three, more generations and the free world won't have the backbone to even wipe their own noses.

Grandpa, Lancaster, Aus

John B, Malaga, Spain:
Blaming the U.S. and its 'gunboat diplomacy' for Iran seizing British sailors in Iraqi waters is a bit of a stretch. Try a bit harder. Mate. Somehow putting the actions of the vile Iranian regime on the shoulders of the U.S. comes across as a bit of a ridiculous twist. If you are to do that than by extension was it American 'gunboat diplomacy' that got Quadaffi to turn over his nuclear ambitions in Libya? One can play that game all day.

That being said, I agree that for now Britain has to wait this out and say all the right words of diplomatic nonsense the madmen in Tehran want to hear in order to get their soldiers back safe. But lets stop the "it's the U.S.' fault our sailors were captured" nonsense, because that is what it is. Believe it or not - and I can understand many Brits not believing it as we shamefully haven't been good at showing our appreciation in the past - the overwhelming majority of Americans are 100% in solidarity with you right now.

Dan, New York, NY, USA

As a foreigner I am appalled by lack of fury in this country towards Iran. A nation ILLEGALLY seized your personnel in IRAQI waters. No matter what petty excuse or lame assertions the radical Islamists--like Akram who is ungrateful to his country of residence to say the least--it has been Iran who has been the belligerent party.

What nation officially sanctions the destruction of another nation as a national goal? What nation denies a holocaust? What nation limits the rights of women and other religious minorities? What nation is building a nuclear bomb? It is painfully clear who the enemy and who the bad guy is. If only Bush invaded the right country.

I cannot stand to see such a belligerent and pompous leadership, like in Iran, exist. No one can call for the extinction of another race in such a manner. For all its rhetoric, Iran is simply a pest that is waiting to be eliminated with the pesticide of democracy,

Takeshi, Nottingham,

Why in the world do the leaders of the free world believe diplomacy is going to work? Why let those British Sailors and Royal Marines suffer mentally and perhaps physically while politicians try and resolve this situation with an illogical regime. I’m sure they would not enter Iranian waters with nothing but side arms nor would they accidentally enter foreign waters with the sophisticated navigation systems that are used. Therefore the Iranians kidnapped and are holding hostage honorable British forces. If world politicians were battle hardened soldiers they would know that this type of action warrants the immediate return of these troops (no negotiations or letters or newscasts or UN meetings……) or you immediately go get them with whatever force is necessary. Then it won’t happen again and again.

Tom Bowler, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA

Is Britain capable of doing anything on its own these days? This comes of decades of under investment in the military, idiot liberalism at home in all areas of government and society, and a total misunderstanding of the nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics. First of all, if we hadn't blindly followed the US into war in Iraq this situation would probably have not arisen. Secondly, if we had not destroyed our own military by relying so completely on American protection then we might now have an independent strike force that we could use against anti-democratic nations such as Iran. The EU and UN have disgraced themselves over this matter, as usual, but then so have the British government and people by getting themselves into this situation of impotence in the first place. It would take a significant increase in military expenditure eg new aircraft carriers etc to reverse this strategic decline. God help us if this is all we can do against bigot fundamentalists.

JL, Paris, France

Margaret Becket speaking in Bremen "things have gone a little quieter in Iran"Margaret its the calm before the storm!Tomorrow is the Anniversary of Iran becoming the "ISLAMIC REPUBLIC" April fools day!!!!get ready for the rhetoric to be very vocal!at the parades and speeches by those at the top in Iran.

olivebranch, brighton.Sussex, UK.

The British people should be ashamed of thier leaders for not being more aggressive in getting the Royal Marines and sailors back. When will you people act? After thier bodies are dragged and paraded through the streets of Tehran perhaps? Spineless Jellyfish.

T.J., Discovery Bay, California

A biased article, who is erratic? a country who has invaded no one, or one that has invaded 2 countries with dubious if not outright illegality.

I don't see an Iran afraid of the US as the author makes asserts, if they were afraid surely they would do its bidding. The fact that they are not doing its bidding negates the assertion.

akram, London,

FACTS: Iran is hostile to UK/US presence in Iraq - u did announce BEFORE invading Iraq that they & Syria were next! Iran sacrificed hundreds of thousands in war with Iraq partly over these same waters. UK/US have Iranian diplomats/troops in custody in Iraq.
So why was the Navy so bloody relaxed? Unarmed rubber boats, sidearms only for the sailors, loose air support? Why always expect the enemy to follow UR script?
Given UK's relationship with the truth during this entire war why should we believe they were in Iraqi waters? Can anyone reading this honestly think no UK/US special forces have crossed into Iran during this war?
The true cost of mistreating captives is the loss of moral authority to demand standards when you are captured. I did not see hoods,shackles or orange jumpsuits on Iran TV, but I have on BBC and CNN. Strategically, the only person who has a script in this mess is Bin Laden. Bush and Blair have played their parts exactly as he wrote them. Truly breathtaking.

OB Sisay, London, UK

My girlfriend and I saw the film '300' last night...and for me it was the 'same old, same', business as usual. This god versus that god, my god versus your god...and almost 2500 years later...here we are once again.

It's about power...it's about control and above all, it's about Human Beings, men and the manipulation of whatever in achieving its ends. And now, as with Candy, all the main players have nuclear weapons, it's safe to say we won't be waiting another 2500 for the final outcome of this saga.

We can start here in the UK to resolve the aforementioned, we can start by separating religion...all religions from the state function. No more religion in schools, no more christain or Islamic appeasment sponsored by the state, saving for carrying out the wishes of those who died in the service of the State. I yearn for this day.

David Downes, Chester, UK

It/s all very well pople in in the USA trying to encourage gunboat diplomacy. It is that attitude which got us into this mess in the first place. Have they forgotten their own failures in trying to rescue hostages some years ago? It may seem like eating humble pie and taking a soft approach but the best method is to ignore their rhetoric and letthe diplomatic corps do their job without all this constant media coverage. Yes, it is important to keep the public informed but cut out the sensational content and cool it down. Leave their relatives alone. I am confident that keep it off the newschannels and out of the papers for a while and we will have some success in getting these people released in due course. Keeping it in the news is exactly the aim of the Iranians. We are dealing with an extremely unstable country here - perhaps even worse that North Korea and like most mental patients, need to be handled with great caution. So, media - BACK OFF.

jJohnB, Malaga, Spain

The reason Europe is interested in diplomacy, as opposed to Americas shoot, ask questions later policy (which btw, they will be doing less & less of in the future as they start learning more painful lessons, such as the ones the empires of the past have already learned) is that Europe has always had war on its doorstep, while America "goes", or "travels far from home" to war. Wake Up Helmut!

Christian, Saint John, Canada

Do the Iranian People really know what freaky Ahmadinejad does to the reputation of their country? I doubt it, seems like most of them simply shake their heads at him and go about their daily business.
This is not a problem that can be solved from the outside, all the pressure and threats will only make even the rational thinking Iranians rally behind a president they normally would laugh at.
Do not get me wrong, I can fully understand the anger of the British people and the feeling of being left on their own by the international community. I did not really expect a very tough statement from the EU, but the lukewarm reaction of the UN is close to a scandal.
I admit that I am at a loss here, but I sincerely hope that someone comes up with an innovative idea to handle this crisis that does not involve invading a country significantly more powerful than Grenada or the Falklands.

Edgar, Hamburg, Germany

Well the mad mullahs must really be shaking in their carpet slippers now that Bambi Blair has threatened them with a new resolution!! pity Maggie Thatcher is,nt the UK leader they might have thought twice before kidnapping the marines.

gordon gray, auckland, new zealand

Now just imagine how Iran is going to behave when it does have nukes... Hopefully I don't think Bush will let that happen... British leaders, on the other hand, had repeatly said that no matter what a military strike is "out of the question"... Why exactly? Should we just stand and watch them going nuclear? Should we just wait for them to drop the bomb?

Nir, Jerusalem, Israel,

Nice to see helpful comments from Americans who you would have thought would have the sensitvity to keep quiet since it was they who lead Blair and the loyal soldiers of GB into this mess in the first place. The best explanation of the Iraq invasion was that it was a "can do" based on some neo conservative idea of spreading democracy to the world. Only a Lenin or a Bin Ladin or Victorian Social Darwinist would consider such an ideological end be worth sacrificing 600,000 lives (Lancet).

Andrew, Chesterfield, England

UK should give Iran an ultimatum for release of the hostages with a threat of a naval and air blockade of all Iranian ports and air ports until they comply.

Malenkov, Watford, Herts, UK

Once again, Europeans are willing to be pushed around in the name of "diplomacy" and "multilateralism". Iran wouldn't dare take U.S. hostages, because it knows there would be real retaliation (ie, bombs). But with the Europeans, those wacko mullahs expect only a bunch of diplomatic rhetoric, and then a favorable deal that makes Iran look even stronger.

And the Western world stands by as Iran attempts to become a nuclear power? Thank God for Bush and Israel....

Helmut, Los Angeles, CA

Send in the British SAS and be done with it!!

Bill, San Jose, CA

When are the Brits going to act decisively to at least TRY to free their people? Even if they stranded into Iranian waters (which I doubt, especially when their people "revised" the global position coordinates) after a week of captivity, surely, they could release the sailors and marines by now. How much of a threat to Iran could a mere 15 servicemen in rubber boats pose? Hardly any. In the spirit of international relations between two countries, they should have been released by now. But no, instead they ridicule the English people for the consumption of their OWN people, not us in the West. It's very frustrating watching a partner in the war against these fascist-Jihadists show such cowardice. Did Tony Blair really expect the UN Security Council to back Britain up? Of course not. The Russians and Chinese have hamstring our efforts for many years now. Great Britain, it is time to act. Pull your diplomats from Iran, break off relations with them, and orgainize a commando raid.

Vince Karathanas, Los Angeles, California (U.S.A)

what is tony waiting for? permission from GWB?
i reckon the iranians will show their "kindness" and generosity by releasing the prisoners but only after they've watched us crawl for a bit.

ed, edinburgh, uk

That "whirring" sound you hear outside St. Paul's is Lord Nelson spinning in his grave!

Where is the pride and honor of the English Navy? Of the EU? of England?

Lee, Denver, CO, USA