Guantanamo Bay? Interesting you bring that up: the news never hesitates to dig into whatever might or might not be happening in Guantanamo Bay. They never take what the administration says at face value. If the US says they're treating GB inmates fairly, people want proof.

But I watched CNN today, and all their litle lines and sound bytes accepted the Iranian claim that the british troops were being "well-treated" at face value. Skepticism? Research? Reserved for the Great Satan alone, it seems.

Daneil, Eindhoven, Netherlands

If we Americans had reacted more forcefully when our embassy was kidnapped this attack would never have happened. Neither would the war in Iraq. An american response leaving 200,000 dead would have established some rules in the part of the world. The ball id now in the British court. Establish some rules.

c. perry, Boynton Beach, U.S.A. Florida

I hope that Blair, responding to the sentiments of the British population and loyalty to the men and women who serve in the armed forces, will give Iran a very clear and brief timeline for the sailors safe return. It seems strange to all of us outside the UK that this event has unfolded this way-- are they not serving in a combat zone in which terror tactics are the norm and rules of engagement need to be more flexible? I am not alone in hoping that these brave sailors and marines are brought back safely. If Iran thinks to make them into symbols, then let Britain show the Iranian leadership a military response-- this would be supported by many.

Michael , California,

Fascinating, Ian, that you see no distinction between between these two events (enemy combatants at Guantanamo and hostage Brits). Sure, I can see the surface similarities, people detained against their will... but there the comparisons fall so flat as to be silly to recount (but I'm sure you'll want to see how they are not identical in every sense).

MDC, Washington, U.S.

Time comes time, goes and we never learn. They only understand the strong and the agressive. The one who talks too much appear, to them, weak.

Mark Cross, Rio de janeiro, Brasil

Your sabre rattling is pathetic, and precisely what Iran wants. Presumably you think Iran should be bombed, when the captured British service personnel will die as part of the the inevitable 'collateral damage' that always follows 'precision bombing?' Or shall we send in the exciting Boys' Own SAS? Oooh, oooh, the Iranians will be really scared then, won't they? Grow up, you bunch of clowns.

peter harrison, London,

I think Terry Kates and Ian from Sydney need to take a chill pill and remember that the men in Guantanamo are being held becuase they were taking part in offensive actions against U.S., British, and other allied forced during the Afgan war. These British troops were under UN jurisdiction for searching vessals that may be carrying/smuggling explosive materials. And lets remember that prison is prison. Especially when being held as a POW, the other side is less inclined to treat you with respect. I seriously doubt the Iranians are treating the UK troops to crumpets and tea while showing Benny Hill reruns.

John, San Antonio, Texas

A blockade of the Shaat-al-Arab and a bomber flyover of Teheran (with the explicit warning that the next will be armed) should convince the maniac mullahs and their drooling president that this is not a fruitful policy they are pursuing.

Jeffersonian, Missouri, USA

guantemero??? phyicologically??? Liberal education policies at it's best.

Ron Hill, Murfreesboro, USA/tennessee

phyicologically abused?... where are they being kept... guantemero bay?

terry kates, lincoln,

Were you equally outraged by the innocent (we have to assume so, unless proved otherwise) hostages taken to Guantanamo Bay who were also denied “due legal process” and most of the other rights you list?

Ian, Sydney, NSW

Brown has ensured the military doesn't have the capacity to do anything about this even if we weren't led by Donkeys. After the last time we should have strengthened our forces and changed the rules of engagement to the same as America - ie we shoot them and ask questions after. or we should have pulled out. Brown and co have taken the pointless third way of course and left us with the worst of all worlds.

We should aim to double the frigate / destroyer force, build three not two carriers and buy quality aircraft now (F18 super hornet would no nicely). Airforce be built up to 30 fighter squadrons and we need a long range bomber of some kind. More tankers. Army up to 50 infantry battalions doubled apaches and 150 Chinooks. Plus a fleet of air and sea transports, Defence budget should be increased to around 3.5 % of gdp. Otherwise we should withdraw and send America periodic cash and moral support.

Neil Murphy, cromer,

Have I missed something here? I thought that one of the men was a woman.

Fenella, Carmarthen, Wales

Why are the sas not pounding down the prison doors in tehran?

george, birmingham, england

The time to exercise power and authority has gone. It should have been done at the point where the abduction took place. The sheer lack of any 'Nelson' touch, or determination to protect our people at the time is utterly depressing. "The pusillanimous timidity of British officials and politicians" - and the military - was then and should be condemned without any qualification.

Now there is nothing that we can do except to grovel and defer if we wish to get our people back alive - and then of course to sweep away the entire pretentious, cowardly and traitorous 'liberal' elites at the earliest opportunity.

Bernard, Norwich, UK

Absolutely, but they're not listening are they?

GB, Hong Kong,

Ex PM Tony Blair is the 2007 version of ex US President Jimmy Carter in 1979.
Twenty five years ago (less one week) the military government of Argentina invaded the Falklands. Is Gordon Brown made of the same stuff as Margaret Thatcher ? If so he has my vote.

Chaplain, canterbury, Kent

Europe is in huge trouble.

America is heading in the same direction, just not quite as fast.

It is a horrifying thing to observe.

The Death of a Thousand Cuts, 21st Century Version.

Steve-o, Littleton, USA

Right on the money. Truly refreshing to see some British backbone. If you, and we, can now elect now some leaders with spines and brains we just might make it intact and free through this emerging era of Islamic totalitarianism. Unfortunately, Mr. Blair seems to be losing whatever Churchillian flare he once possessed and Mr. Bush is incapable as a politician. I hope that someone in both countries comes forward with the clear vision and tenacity these times require, and that our electorates are wise enough, and uncowed enough, to vote them in in the next elections. If the appeasers prevail we will either succumb to the tyrants or, if Western Civilisation does survive, saving it will be made far more costly and the conflict much longer than it need be.

Tyrants are cowards and bullies who respond favorably only to overwhelming strength. Such is the case now with the Iranian mullahcracy and all the other Islamic totalitarians.

George Andersen, San Francisco, California