Certain things are not clear still.
Was the UK soldiers in the Iranian waters or Iraqi waters. If they were in Iraq waters why HMS did not react and the Iranians are aggressive team. And UK & USA would not have sit quite.
So natural to assume that the soldiers were not in Iraq waters. NOw if they enter Iranian waters, what else to do except detain them. Later Iranians set them free as a Easter gift. If that is the case, Iranians are right.
Now the question is whether the world is looking for peace or war. Let us pray to God to give wisdom to the leaders of Iran, USA and rest of the world. Let them stop playing politics and think about the future generations.
We all need PEACE.
War brings pain, agony and suffering.Peace brings happiness, Joy and prosperity for the entire world.

SEBASTIAN, Kerala, Inida

The Iranian hostage situation is akin to someone breaking in your home and then offering to give the stolen goods back to you and then doing a photo-ops for the cameras to demonstrate what a magnamious group the thieves are.

Tthen the peace mongers can say "See what kindness and diploacy have wrought ? Yes... yes...diplomacy is always the best way..."

It is so nice to have a gentle understanding with those who have vowed to erase you and your chioldren from the planet.

jp pillow, rockwall , tx/usa

Mr. TOM ,TWIN CITIES,USA was absolutely and intelligently correct in his comments about the release of the 14 sailors. It saved the whole world from a near disaster disappointing a few war mongering - peace shattering bandits. It is a win-win and happy ending for everyone loving peace. It will beget fruitful results in the futute too. This proves that there another side and another way of tackling any dispute. Let us work for peace at any cost. It is better everyone to close the chapter - release of sailors-once and for all and look for a new chapter to bring peace to all. I am happy that there are People loving peace against all odds.

A.H.M. rila, Bentota, Sri Lanka

How a mighty nation has fallen. Now the world knows whenever they have problem with the UN, they can kidnap British soldiers with no repercussions. Heck, they might hijack the entire navy next time. British Empire has now been reduced to a has been hack. Where to from here?

Jim, Washington,

If the Btitish armed forces are not going to use their guns and warships, may we have them?

Richard F. David, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

That was the most disgraceful performance by the British Navy
ever and I mean ever. Give me Lord Nelson every time. Lord Nelson had a code of conduct and he used it.

I do agree with the Times, Britain has a lot of friends,and it was international pressure politiks, alongside with overwhelming US Naval and Air firepower, and the willingness to use it, that freed the Brits.

I would fire half the British Admiralty for being caught with their knickers down, if i was running the show. You made a lot of people run around like a bunch of jerks to retrieve these men.
It cost the West and don't you forget it.

In a neighborhood full of bullies,
you can't come off looking or even being perceived
as being weak.

so I say:
Fire the British Admiralty!

Good luck!

Steve Real, Hollywood, California

Hard line approaches,slaughter many people, no matter what the circumstances,or parties involved. The goal of safe return of the hostages was reached. period! Why re-hash it over and over again??, Lets get on to the next item on agenda, building on what has already been accomplished. Give credit where due,and give them a bigger challenge!! I think Pres.Reagan proved this works,when he tried new approach with Soviets.he treated like friends, to break the unending arms build-up> No person anywhere is going to respond in favor of an undaunting, overwhelming force.it only ignites each persons will to avenge!

Tom, twin cities, usa

If Britain was not illegally in Iraq in the first place this mistake about exact location of boats would not have happened. Tony and George are the problem. I think Iran has been acting much more mature and restrained than the war-mongering governments of George and Tony. George and Tony did not respect the opinions of thier people in going to war and lied to justify it. It is terrible how we let these idiots become the heads of our countries.

Carlos, Flint , USA Michigan

I disagree witht he conclusions drawn by the author. It is clear that the Iranians, even Khamenei, aren't that bothered by international pressure. They just played out this event to a conclusion that gave them the most bang for the buck. In other words, they shrewdly judged the timing to release and gain both street cred in the Arab world and enough of a warning to the West to maybe rethink some of its tactics. I do believe the British were in Iranian waters and I think they did it because the following day, a new resolution against Iran was to be agreed on and they pushed the issue believing the Iranians would be too cowed to do anything that close to the vote. Bad manners snd bad strategy. That is why Britain got tepid support from the UN and EU. It think people in both bodies understood there was a level of provocation involved on Britain's part. They looked just the the US in taunting someone they thought could not react.

Ivory , Houston, USA

The tendency you Brits have to beat up on your selves, whether in your screaming tabloids or with biting and hurtful politcal or social discourse, never ceases to amaze me. Why is it not enough to say with relief and pride that the Government's overriding goal of getting the captives back safely was without doubt the correct goal and that the captives and the Governement conducted themselves admirably and effectively in the service of this aim. For heaverns sake, they got home alive and well in short order. Rejoice!

Christopher Dye, Plainfield, New Hamshire, USA

The Royal Navy sailors,Royal Marines and the Iranian sailors who outnumber them, it's a good thing both sides are mature and restrain from firing each other. Imagine what would happen if a single shot fired by either side? That's war and once again will bring hardship to citizens around the world. That area,disputed overlapping waters is still claim by Iran and Iraq. Forget the GPS or what ever high tech. reading. Been 1.7 nm away is too near. One can see each other boats maneuvering around even without the aid of binoculars. Thanks again no shot fired from either sides, no lives lost and no new war created. Just stay well clear from that 1.7 nm. Want to do a boarding? Wait for the vessel to steer out of the disputed waterway.

Liew, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Relax! This was a cover-up from the start. If the news had been plastered with satellite photos of the Britts boat in Iraqi waters it would be different. Instead, no photos and no real proof of where the boat was during capture. Wake up people! This is a high tech world and all this could have been solved immediately had the proof not been red faced.

Kawosa, Hassfurt, Germany

GB should take this issue in front of the international courts and let them decide who was not telling the truth.
Iran has a proven record of torturing the truth but it is still better of a neutral, international body of people would adjudicate this GPS issue. Also, if there are "no mans' land" shouldn't there be a "no-mans" water designated, precisely to avoid situations like this?

Pablo Durissimo, Olympia, Washington, USA

I believe there is a great lesson to be learned from the release of the caputured British sailors and the lesson is If Iran is engaged bilaterally then she may agree to the deal with major powers. It is obvious that this pattern can be useful in dealing with the Iran's nuclear project.
Taking a look at the whole picture, both sides wanted to avoid hightening the diplomatic tensions. Both governments seem to afford confrontation.

Handren, Hamilton , New Zealand

I am very much suprise with the comments on the issue of captured armed forces of Britains in Iran. The hatred ideology makes me think how discgrace can be, the people of this earth. Not one of these has wrote anything about peace or how to make peace between humanity, how sad we human being can be.
Let me tell you all, our lives are not for ever nor will rule for ever. This hatred have to stop

mukul hira, London, UK

Well....... The chess game does not end here. Look for that counter move from Iran.. They just lost a play.... The game goes on.......................................................

Perez, kansas kinsley, Eduards Kansas

It is hard to predict when western diplomats talks about freedom, democracy which has no value in this days.
The world became a mad land with buisness and power, which doesn't make any sense to humanity anymore, often the politicians play with human lives for purpuse of dignity in the interest of their own gains regardless what of others feelings for their own nations.
Many times it occurd that when ever any leaders who disagreement with the western leaders becomes regime automaticly, but not realise that these are elected by the people of their nation.
Issuse of neuclear - why should any country posess neuclear ? every nation is treat to each other for the greed of power and that should be stoped. History can judge us !

mukul hira, London, UK

Yes, it goes without saying an inquiry into operating procedures for boarding vessels for UN compliance is in order. True, the Cornwall could not position herself closer because of shoal restrictions, there could not likely be any legitimate excuse for the armed copter to teminate the coverage of the boarding party. Under the the copter's security coverage with additional communication it would be disgrageful and cowardly for the boarding party to surrender to the initial two Iranian boats. It just isn't in the nature and training of the Royal Marines to run away from a fight.

Neal McCallum, Tampa Bay, Florida, USA

The price of a barrel of crude is several dollars higher than it was before this incident, enriching Iran's coffers and enabling them to make the payment to Russia so that they will complete their atomic project. Iran also gained an enormous propaganda victory from this incident, with the hardline regime facing no reprisal for humiliating a Western paper tiger. Anyone who can see this as "winning the day" is a fool.

Steve, New York, USA

Whatever the conditions of the British capture and then their release, thank goodness they are safe. I am a Canadian Citizen living in the US. I am without conviction that if the US & UK weren't in Iraq, the extremists would be attacking us on our own soil(s). I have been putting some thought into having both countries pull our troops out of every nation where they are deployed and returned home and issuing a statement to every nation that it is now up to them to secure and police the world. Both the US and UK could commit only 20,000 troops each to the UN & NATO. Obviously, the US should finish what we started, but offer no new assistance anywhere else. Not Darfur, not humanitarian assisatnce, not 6-party negotiations, not anything. Even though some actions by this governmet could have been played differently, we have done much good for those in need around this great planet. Where would we be if the US & UK didn't step up to the plate when needed? Let's try it and see.

Ben, Bangor, Maine

This is how Iran treats captured British MILITARY PERSONNEL;
“Two hours later, we were moved to a second location, and throughout the night were subjected to random interrogations. The questions were aggressive and the handling rough, but it was no worse than that."
- New York Times

This is how the US (Britain’s closest ally) treats an Iranian DIPLOMAT;

In the report Saturday read by a newscaster, Sharafi, second secretary at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, said he was kidnapped by agents of an Iraqi organization operating under CIA supervision and was badly tortured.
State television said signs of torture were still visible on Sharafi, who is being treated at an Iranian hospital.
- Associated Press

You be the judge between good and evil.

Woolman, Wellington, NZ

I am shocked and appalled that some would actually believe that the US or the UK would want these soldiers to be captured or would have put them in harms way for the sake of messing with Iran. All of the soldiers involved in the Iraqi conflict under the UN are to be praised for their dangerous work, not be further put in harms way. We have a real friend in the UK and would never do anything to damage that relationship.

Angel, Lancaster, California, USA

While there seems to be a big push to crucify the Royal Sailors and Marines for being where they were; I disagree. The service men/women were doing the job that they swore to do. I feel that the service personnell did what they had to do to secure an escape and report all of the information they collected to their superiors.

I have a serious problem with the question of whether the Brits were in Iranian or Iraqi waters. I have the strong inclination that they were in Iraqi waters. Why would they stray into Iranian waters and risk WWIII? Especially considering the fact that they would have been extremely outmanned in that situation.

I am proud that the Americans and the British are allies. I hope that the little discussed comments about how the American Gov't helped get the British service people back are true. I would expect the British to do the same.

Mike, Tampa, USA/ FL

The young British sailors and marines demostrated an intelligent measure of restraint by not firing on the overwhelming Iranian force. If one shot, just one, would have been fired, history may have well described that discharge as the "shot heard around the world" when detailing the events which led up to WWIII.

Detective Mike Varnado, Franklinton, Louisiana

Consider this, before accusing the Britons of cowardice. What do you do? You are overtaken by an overwhelming force, and while to fight against hopeless odds is very heroic and Rambo-ish, saner minds conclude that it will leave most dead, and survivors will then be captured anyway. So, you do not to fight, waiting to see if a better opportunity offers. Then, by the captives' reports, you are seperated from your fellows, bound and blindfolded, imprisoned in a foreign country with which yours has at best precarious relations, threatened with prison, mock execution, and so on. You fear your companions may be dead or suffering even worse treatment than you face. You are offered a possibility of release by complying with your captors' demands. So, you play along, waiting for rescue or a chance to escape. When the escape comes, you do nothing to jeopardize it until it is certain. At least, that is what I would do. But then, I was an officer at a prison. I know how a hostage survives.

Ela, SLC, USA

Of course, now the British sailors have to say that they were coerced into confessions! It's sad how the British and American media arent taking a more dispassionate view about this. Just because Bush and Blair say they werent inside Iranuan waters doesnt make it so.
The sailors dont look worse for wear. And of course they were kept separately... how do British and Americans treat captive soldiers?
Its time the Brisitish and Americans faced the changes in the new world order. They no longer have the moral right to tell the rest of the world what to do, becuse they are the worst perpatrators of international injustice...

Rotna, Mumbai, India

The capture and release of the British hostages illustrate once again the fatuousness of the "international community" and its great institutions. You want your people back? Go to the European Union and get stiffed. Go to the Security Council and get a statement that refuses even to "deplore" this act of piracy. (You settle for a humiliating expression of "grave concern.") Then turn to the despised Americans. They'll deal some cards and bail you out.

JWT, Boulder, CO,

Considering that the silly Iranians actually seemed to believe that the people outside Iran would accept as truth the words which proceeded from their government organs ... it was all quite amusing. It reminded me of the good old days of Baghdad Bob and his frequent entertainments. But, the times have changed. The UK is no longer much of a country. Argentina could again sieze Las Malvinas with ease and have no more need of them than Britain does. Remember Jenning's ear?

Jerome, Lewisville, Texas

The author of this article is spot on when he mentions that World Diplomatic pressure brought this disgraceful and sorry incident to a close.

Now asks yourselves, do you really want a paranoid, psychotic Iran with Nuclear Weapons???

Just goes to show that the Iranians can never, ever be trusted.

Edwin , Los Angeles, California, USA

The capture, kidnapping and subsequent humiliation of our armed forces personnel by Iran, needs to be independently investigated by officers of the United States Navy and by officers of the United States Marine Corp. After all,we, the British People, are the keeper of the public purse strings. We have paid for this debacle, and now we want an independent view as to what happened.
However, the service personnel may have been involving an intelligence operation, if this was so, I hope that it was successfull,because it cost the lives of their fellow service men and women in a bombing outrage in Iraq.

William Evans, Crayford, Kent

This is a preview of things to come as IRAN builds up its military and gains nuclear weapons. The same thing happened with Hitler. The political underpinnings of shiites and Sunni's will be the undoing of the entire middle east. To think, with all that oil, they could build the most beautiful Mosques and cities and be a true benifit to the world. They could build travel destination and vacation spots like Rhiad in Saudi Arabia, but due to the separation of church and state, and power hungry people trying to export thier radical Idea's through weak minded people, but brainwashing them from an early age, this will perpetuate into the deaths of Millions of people in the middle east at thier own hands. What the middle east needs is education and the World of Islam to police thier teachings to root out radical idealists corrupting thier youth and future generations. Those who turn a blind eye to the corruption of religion will witness the death of thier own people.

Terrence Healy, Santa Clara, California,USA

Well, whatever it is, Ahmadinejad has shown his true colours. UK should appreciate his action. If Ahmadinejad decided not to release the sailors, what would the UK could do, nothing... invading Iran..not in the picture.

mad wee, Jay Bee, Malaysia

My bad. Jenkins' ear.

Jerome, Lewisville, Texas

I Think what they said in Iran is correct.. now ones they are at home they got pressured from there Boss to change there statment...

Ranjeet Kumar Sharma, Mumbai, INDIA

Sorry, but to get what you wänt in a matters like this, "Say whatever the hell they want to hear, to get what you want from the situation." Especially when your opponent, is so obviously beneath you, they're not much of a threat to you. Unless that is, you lay down and let them walk all over you - like we are doing in Iraq.

The British showed great maturity in their calm, measured response.

The Iranians however, showed their lack of civility, and revealed their pathetically low self-esteem through their angry provocations.

robert, knoxville, usa, tn

Of course Blair and Bush could " blast every Iranian ship out of the water". And the reason the US and Britain can not win in Iraq is because they simply do not want to win, not yet.
And the pigs know how to fly, they just do not feel like flying.
And tallking about kidnappings, the US would never kidnap Iranian diplomats from a clearly marked Iranian Ambassy in Iraq.
What proof the Iranin diplomats are involved in "terrorism"? We do not need no stinking proof. The US just is going to keep them in "undisclosed location" as long as they like. What are the Iranians area going to do? Go to UN and complain? The US and Britain IS the UN.

john stevens, Oakland, USA

some people say "YES" and others say "NO".
the truth lies on the ground. it is sad to see the world change because of differences. others can "DO" the other side been restricted. lot of unfair. send a 'SIGN"? may god bless them.

azlan, Port,

I do sense there is a loss of perspective generally pervading here, surely the fact that we didn't have to go in guns blazing earns some respect, I know it certainly does around the world, perhaps based on what I'm reading right here not America. That's a real shame, because while I'm in favour of what we did in Iraq (fair enough it didn't work out like we'd imagined) it doesn't detract from that fact that some things don't need to be solved by war. Diplomacy has to play it's part and it did in this instance.

All this talk of who's military is stronger that whoever else's is pure nonsense, we are allies for heavens sake and after the same thing of peace and security around the world. Those kind of comments aren't helpful in the slightest so get a grip.

Sean, Leeds, UK

The author of this article has proven him self a fellow or part of a group of peole who hate defeat. They have been defeated in this stand off... the west should conceed defeat. period.

Ismail, Kano,

Both Britain and Iran should be commended for resolving the crisis by restrait and conversation. That approach took more courage and spine than "lets duke it out." No loosers but winners.

Steve, Manchester, UK

the only thing that moved everybody is the probability of a blocade of the oil movment.

sanchez philippe, saint martin,

At least the Iranians didnt toture or sexually abuse their captives.

Jas, LA, USA

I think it is very clear why a british sailor has to say that they didn't invade the Iranian waters, because he'll be kicked out otherwise! In Iran, they say they invaded to get free, in London, they say the didn't invade to stay at work! Of course any operation for gathering intelligence, can't be revealed so easily by fellow marines or sailors.
We don't pay attention to this simple mathematical problem that if Britain wasn't in Iran's waters, then Iran was in Iraq's waters. Then why doesn't the Iraqi government argue on that??
And everybody remember when the US navy cruised an Iranian passenger plane in the persian gulf killing more than 300 innocent people and then recieving reward in Washington.
If you were the Iranians under threats of war, and accused of trying for nuclear weapons from govrnmnts having nuke weapons, wouldn't you be conscious about your borders and intruders gathering intelligence. If you censor this note, you are exactly what you are accusing the iranian tv of

Morgan Taylor , Maryland, USA

Go to the Guardian and search for "Diplomacy or a deal," which notes that the sailors' release came two hours after an American general granted Iran access to five Revolutionary Guards arrested in January.

I don't recall this little fact being widely reported...and the British say American media is selective.

Catherine, London,

Geo: Let me get this straight. British get captured, paraded around, then released and all the while the U.S. says and does effectively nothing, yet somehow all this activity means the U.S. is getting ready to start another war? I'd love to see the logic there.

Cardoso: Of course we need to take the Iranians word that they did indeed invade their waters. We all know you can believe every word they say. Or were you there to see it with your own eyes? Please...

Tom, Canton,

Cowards!

DJ, Watertown, CT USA

What Don neglects to mention is that behind all the tough US talk and sabre rattling, the US made a number of secret deals and prisoner exchanges with the Iranians to get the hostages released. They released an "important" Iranian (seized by US proxy forces in Iraq), and will soon offer up the five Iranian intelligence "diplomats" seized months ago (declaring them persona non grata in preparation for their release). And who knows what else was passed under the table. Those deals are secret, because they are embarassing. But that is what diplomacy really is.

Stan Prus, Vienna, USA / VA

What's the British going to do now: invite the Iranian president for tea and thank him fo his wonderful Easter gift.

I used to have a lot of respect for the British military, but now all I see is a bunch of cowards giving into these terrorists. This is the beginning of the end of Western Civilization and the emergence of the new Islamic Federation of Western Europe. What cowards!

Where is the outrage? What a message to the world!

DJ, Watertown, CT USA

Oh for God's sake!
The French are pacifists to the muslims and will do anything military that involves them holding a white flag. Plus they are quick to try to make a buck off any other country. Weapons anyone?
The Americans backed up the British as well they should have. Thanks to organizations like the UN (useless ninnies) hands would have been bound. The Iranians could have decapitated those people and they still would want to "talk".
The British did the best they could. Anybody remember the American hostages in Iran in the 80's?. Jimmy Carter left them over much more than 13 days due to his incompantence. Do you really think the hostages would have come home so soon if Iran didn't believe they not made a successful ploy internationally?
Or do you just want another reason to complain (when you yourself do nothing)?

Anne, Baltimore, MD, USA

I keep posting comments that don’t show up. Oh, I get it. Censorship! England, I feel for you!!

John Roberts, Charlotte, USA/NC

This is just another propagation ploy from Iran to sidestep the international attention on their nuke programme. The Britts acted admirably while in captivity. What else could they do but partially play along. I have no doubts that if these folks were not released in good time, and all negotiations failed, Blair would of blasted every Iranian ship out of the water, and the US would of been happy to help, and Iran knows this. What Iran did not know was the negative support from the international community, even from some of their allies!. Mr.President of Iran, you just averted what maybe of been the start of WW3, and you looked stupid doing so. A no win for Iran.

Ken, Conesus, USA

Cheers ultra-liberal Geo. The Americans didn't start WWII (but ended it, you are welcome.) Also, your little rock (and I love it, my wife is British) will be threatened by the nukes long before the States.

International pressure??? You have to be kidding. Iran did exactly what it wanted to do and the international pressure was non-existent. (Don, I think the Canadian navy could defeat the British as this point.)

BTW - New directive from the EU concerning computer viruses: The EU recommends not deleting computer viruses, but negotiating with them.

John Roberts, Charlotte, USA/NC

I am ashamed and embarrassed at how our Govt. has not taken more forceful action in demanding the release of our servicemen/women. Unfortunately, even the majority of the British Public and, of course, the British media, clearly proven by the author of this article, have lost their sense of perspectives, not to mention, their spines as well. The facts of the matter are simple: The sailors were kidnapped by another country while conducting a routine inspection under an UN/UK sanctioned mission in Iraq. Coupled with the recent independent evidence released by the Iraqi Govt. confirming that the position of the UK vessel at the time was clearly within Iraqi waters, there can be no doubt that this was a premeditated attack on our servicemen/women by Iran and hence, an act of war.
Even now that we have been informed of how the victims were treated, general mistreatment, incl. a mock execution, there are those who are contemptible enough to still play the appeaser role for Iran.

Harry, London, UK

I am puzzled. If Cardoso hates Britain so much why is he living in London.

David Gwilliam, Leicester, England

Wow! Lots of Islamists writing from Europe today.
To the other responders: This was a a relevant issue worth more than three yawns. There is the chance that the Brits went into Iranian waters and knew what they were doing -- people in free countries rarely trust their own government. However, you need to read between the lines. While the British were pretty quick to report their positioning claims, the Islamists made a claim, and then changed it a day later. While the Brits presented thei GPS/location evidence, the Islamists did not (though they claimed they had the positioning systems of the captured soldiers). It is not the claims of each government that provide us with the truth, but the actions to support those claims. You Europeans who stand behind the Islamists are absolutely disgraceful. One might guess you are all Algerians or Pakistanis colonizing Europe, but Europeans seem to believe the world outside "The West" has been through The Age of Englightenment. A fallacy

Kaz, Boston, USA

Don, the last time the British Navy fought the French we came off rather well. 1805, remember? It's a shame your Navy and other armed forces didn't oppose Hitler until you were attacked.

Harry, Channel Islands,

Okay Sean, we get it, you dont like the English, so I guess you would naturally find fault or look for a reason to dislike them further wouldnt you. Remember though, it was a modern UK supporting the Iraqi govt under a UN mandate to patrol Iraqi waters, and not some throw back to days of empire. The RN commanders and British Govt (through their lack of funding of the armed forces) s/be embarrassed over this incident, but not the 15 who did what they had to do.

steve g, sao paulo, Brasil

I feel the Brit's lost this round of the international chess match. Stating we won behind back doors by International
presser. Show proof the Brit's can't show that they didn't
mess up. Show the world the tools or product which shows
they were in Iraqi waters! Right that not going to happen smokes & mirrors. All we know behind close doors they traded some Britain soldies for Iranian diplomat or soldiers.

The Iranian's and Arab's are masters at the hostage and trading game, history show proof of that!

Nelson , Hbg., Pa.

Iran is terrorist state and haven. And they are not alone in Islamic world. Pure and simple. No doubt they will pull some more BS to attempt to make the West look weak or bad. They always do.
And "Death to America"(UK, Israel, the West) is not just a slogan. It is State policy and sentiment shared by Iran and a host of others.
Wake up and utterly destroy all these regimes and followers wherever they may be.
God Bless the UK, US, and the rest of the(for now) FreeWorld. And God Bless all the Good and Decent people everywhere in every country.

AJ, Chicago, USA /IL.

You want to know why Iran really released the hostages? Read this link from the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/05/AR2007040501796.html

Robert, Severna Park, USA

Britian used the international community in putting pressure on Iran to release the captives..Blair played in cool and got results..Cheers for England..

Robert Vysther, Miamisburg , USA/Ohio

Geo, you have to understand how bad the British Navy currently looks. They are right to be made fun of, they are at this time an international laughing stock. You're response to the earlier humorous remark is consistent with a citizen of a nation that has just been humiliated by a weaker nation without so much as a shot fired. Deflection to the Americans, however, will not get you back you're national dignity... the Americans had nothing to do with this. England is in Iraq as part a UN mandate. They are currently acting in the capacity as police. As an Irishman, I already had little respect for Brits, and this incident has just reinforced my disdain for them. Truly sad. England would well to quit blaiming the Americans for a crisis it had no part of, and start blaiming themselves. Only then will they mayby have the wherewithall to enact change.

Sean, Cork, Ireland

Ms Maddox,

I think you lost the plot.
The wrong part in this affair was Britain invading again, I repeat, invading again Iranian waters.
History show us how how Britain operates its international policy.
There are many more people around the world getting information from differents sources and, belive me, many can see and understand clearly British dirty tricks.
Shame on Britain.

Cardoso, London,

The biggest news story this week?

Yawn! Yawn! Yawn!
Nobody died, nobody was injured, nobody was even mildly sick.
Someone maybe went through a red light.

For God's sake, get a sense of perspective

John Terris, Perpignan, France

What’s next Don? American starts ANOTHER war of course. Your nations punctuality for turning up on time .... well, starting to be accurate ... recent conflicts is commendable.

Geo, Glasgow, Scotland

What next? British navy surrenders to the French?

Don Wujcik, Palm Bay, USA/FL

President Ahmadinejad didn't bow to "international pressure". He has something up his sleeve and I wouldn't trust him any further than I could throw him.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA