Countries such as Iran, indeed the most governmentsw as well as their people in the Middle East do not recognize the rules of diplomatic engagement as we understand them in the west, they do undeerstand how to use those rules to grandstand in an enfeebled UN and how to ride a fence drawn by Russia and China who care little apparently for rules of engagement or international stability. Unless we are willing to strike at rogue regimes such as Iran's, and yes, show that we can and will damage them financialy by picking off one by one their oil installations (and Iran's oil is NOT the life line of the west or western Europe,) then we can only expect wider and greater breaches of civilized behaviour from them.

John Twiss, London, GB

Never under estimate the resolve of the British people. They have prov-en throughout history that when cornered they do not back down or give up. Iran has a culture based on machismo and big talk. Easy to do to your women when they treat them like brainwashed slaves. Not so easy when mouse stands up to the dragon. The mouse can only lose no matter how big the boast. The mouse is still only a mouse. Sure the mouse can spread decease but this is the thought of small men.

splonk, Seattle, Washington

i agree that the west needs to get off of the oil spigot. Yes, what did happen to the water engine that was demonstrated on FOX news. But the Iranian government needs to come to reality before it is too late. Read the Nostradamus code (book) we are headed for WW3, and the destruction of civilization. We have an opportunity to avert this, but unfortunately we do not possess the leadership. If we look to the cuban missile crisis of the early 60's, it was the THREAT of massive retaliation that made the soviets back down, without a shot being fired. Perhaps the sight of missiles and planes ready to go would cause the mullahs to rethink their position.

Pat, Grass Valley, Ca

Bush , the wolf. Down with you.

SABINA, Delhi, India

i don't think the british will be accepting another mistakes as they've made in iraq, based only on allegations by the US - with 'so-called sattelite photos and intelligence' produced at the UN. Don't just wag ur tails as to whatever the masters said..

lie, kuala lumpur, malaysia

Blockade the harbors of Iran. Stop the oil and gas transports. Shut down irans economy and that will be the end of the problem... The brits will be released....And the mullahs in Iran will be hung....If that doesnt work then drop some bombs on the 1 refinery they have..Without fuel for their autos they are dead in the water.....

E Moore, shirley, arkansas

hai to all,

my quetions to the UNO are
1)where r the weopans of mass distruction in iraq? for which US under the name of UN conquered
2)Iran is the next nation to be conquered

As a nation every nation has a right to built nuclear reactors and un should give enough time before they take a decision

moreever why is US interveining in other countries politics in the name of UN? I hope today or tommorrow it will be taught a good lesson as it goes on to mingle in other countries matters and dominate them

kant, lahore, pakistan

Response to Robert, Olympia,

It is Britain and the U.S. that have sick and terrorist governments whose leaders hate Islaam and Muslims so much, they massacred their own people to create the pretexts of 9/11, Madrid and 7/7 to allow them to launch a world-wide war on Islaam and Muslims without opposition.

Iran did not capture the British sailors of the coast of England! British and American navies have no right to operate in the Arabian Gulf or anywhere in internationl waters acting as pirates stopping and searching ships. Would the U.S. sit still if Iran sent its Navy to stop, board and search international ships in the Gulf of Mexico? Would the British allow that in the English Channel? Would they even allow Russian, Chinese or Pakistani navies to do the same?

What glorious civilization are you talking about? The Romans’war machine and bloodshed or the Greek Philosiphy?

BM Sharif, Tripoli,

Hidden to the naked eye lies the fact that this is exactly what Bush and Blair want. The actual instigation has been coming from the west for the past 2 years in order to make the government of Iran react in an illogical manner and as it happens so often, they fall in the trap. If you don't believe that the the British sailors have been "testing the waters", read some of Seymore Hersh's articles talking about secret U.S. and U.K. forces well into Iranian territory and recent incursions.
And if you still don't believe that the west is capable of doing anything like that, refer to some historical facts regarding Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam and how the U.S. staged the whole thing as a precursor to war.
As an Iranian I totally condemn this act but I also condmen those who are trying to build a case for war, on both sides.
The soldiers should be released immediately. No question about it. U.S. and U.K. naval forces should also leave the Persian Gulf, immediately.

Tourang, Houston, Texas, U.S.

I apeal to the Islamic Repulic to release the captured sailors without delay, for their own interest. for such confrotation will lead to more isolation. And west should use more harder ways to tackle Iran's nuclear isues.

AHMED, roma, iTALY

This is part of a diplomatic game with more than 15 lives at stake. Iran has upped the ante in a way that they could. In doing this, they have not helped their cause in the eyes of the free world. The Iranians were not defending their territory but rather capturing hostages.
Only in the abodes of the guilty and the dark cellars of the malevolent is this act justified and praised. It is just this type of State behavior, if continued, that will surely result in a military show down with this regime. One that may see the Mullahs have their own opportunity for the 70 promised virgins they so often offer to lesser minds to commit evil. I pray it does not come to that.

Jerry , York , PA

the scary part of this iran mess is that at some point action of some sort will have to be taken, it seems there is no way to communicate with some people except by the use of the baseball bat.

norman a. greene, berlin, n. h.

jusy only say: wag the dogs!, we catch bulldogs on iran border next time we catch'em in "imperial persia" so no retrun back ,we like your trys saxs... iran with some culture behind most religon citizen hated if any attaked by forgien army who try that .no! just try ....welcome to lions border<

kaayoon, tehran,

OG, How do you know exactly where the Britons where? Do you have GPS coordinates? If you don't then you should not speak so decisively. In any event, it is clear that this is a provactive move by the military in Iran. Iran is trying to send some message that this is thier backyard, not ours. But this issue is no longer local and they are looking for a fight. Iran is playing with fire and I can only suggest the British not cower from this foolhardy brinksmanship.

AK, Denver, Colorado

The Brits need to get there boys back!

Iran has a sick and twisted government.
If Iran does not return them in 48 hours the US and UK forces should bomb every military and nuclear facility.

Never have the English speaking peoples of the world been so divided. if you want to believe in a conspiracy theory then believe in this.
It should be obvious to many that the Socialist /Communist Professors at our higher educational facilities are spewing hate to our children.

Our children have become the "sheeple of anarchy" and that may destroy our glorious civilization that we know today.
Its not perfect but it is the best there has ever been.

These people hate the very foundations that created the laws that have made us the people who we are today.

I am proud to say that I come from a family that has served in the Royal Navy, The Canadian Army, Canadian Airforce, United States Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, some even gave there lives.

Robert, Olympia, USA

The guy comparing holocaust satire with Bosnian satire should ponder over this: Doedn't it bother you that both atrocities (holocaust and Bosnia) were carried out by 'civilized' westerners.

Abubakar Bello, Abuja, Nigeria

its unfortunate to see soldiers is such conditions, it is worse to see civilians in the same conditions. dont forget that we created that mess, we are not the masters of the universe. everyone has a right to defend their country so does Iran. it is our government who we should be mad at not the iranians.

sean, Texas, USA

In the final analysis it will come down to whether or not the evidence can be produced to prove that the british soldiers were in Iranian waters. Any relevant opinion will be contingent on this fact and, at this point, judgement must be suspended. If, in fact, the British had violated Iranian territory then the British military will have to face the consequences. It's understandable that the Iranians are expressing frustrations with double standards imposed upon their sovereignty. People are willing to form their total opinions on unqualified statements by the British military. Do you really think that it is beyond them to lie for their own benefit?

Albert Koffler, Kuta, Indonesia

I have supported the right of Iran to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, especially the generation of electricity. This is a right of Iran under the 1970 treaty. However, I do not believe Iran is in the right with respect to the seizure of the 15 British sailors and marines. In taking this action, Iran "shoots itself in the foot", and weakens its position rather than strengthens it.

john pattison, Kitchener, Canada

The Iranian Govt. or the Imams,or whoever controls the govt. is playing with fire.Who they think they are against.Iran is isolated right now.who would help them..Hugo and Kim?..

JIm, Ajax, Canada

hey OG, Los Angeles, what makes you so sure that the 15 sailors had crossed illegally into Iranian waters? are you taking Iranian goverment's word or were you there and know for sure? so if the 15 sailors had crossed into Iranian waters and the 15 sailors were seized, why the Iranian did not seize Iraqi civilian boat? i wonder why? please do not make comments when you really have evidences or proofs?

john phan, west palm beach , florida

The 15 sailors were in the Arvand Rud part of Iran and had crossed illegally into Iranian waters. They should be held responsible for their actions. If Iranian boats were searching ships going into the Thames, would the UK stand for it. The US and UK have no business being there, they have already turned Iraq and Afghanistan into a killing zone, and now they want to invade Iran and kill a few hundred thousand Iranians, when will the killing stop.

OG, Los Angeles, California, USA

A task force should be getting ready to leave Portsmouth as we speak, this is a act of war We are British and do not tolorate acts of aggression. Taking British servicemen and a British navel vessel no matter how small is an attack on our soverignty no different than the argentines invading the Falklands

Scott , London,

Briton should offer to help Iran mark the channel to prevent any future confusion or incidents. If women led Britain and Iran, this incident owuld have ended yesterday.

Em Hawthorne, London, UK

I hope your European comrades will finally stop trading with Iran now. Cut the money off and Ahmadinejad will fall.

But Chirac thinks that they won't be any problem with a nuclear bomb....

M. Fernandez, San Francisco,

Let's look at the countries that border Iran. There's Afganistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia. I'd say their surrounded. Lets not forget who put Sadam in power and gave him the weapons to fight Iran including chemical artillery shells. They have not forgotten. My prediction is that all Bush is waiting for is an incident like the Gulf of Tonkin, you remember that CIA created event that started the Vietnam experience. I think what you will see before 2008 is an excuse to cross the northern border of Iraq and take and hold Irans oil fields that lie between the mountains and Iraq. It was planned in the 90 's by PNAC. Let's just wait and watch.

Rick Robertson, North Olmsted , Ohio USA

I think the world would be better off if everyone was equal in arms power... It looks as if someone wants a one world rule and they are pushing for it.... if that happens we will all be in trouble... It seems like the theme of....." United we stand and divided we fall ".... they seem to be dividing up the middle east and hovering over it like a bunch of vultures... they already have the oil divided up....

Hays O'Nasty, Thornton, Kentucky

The Bush administration is just waiting for another Gulf of Tonkin incident to justify taking the oil fields just north of Iraq and south of the mountains in Iran. Let's just watch see if this doesnt happen before 2008.

Rick Robertson, North Olmsted , Ohio USA

Did the Commodore think that the Iranians would not dare to repeat the seizure...daah! Where were the helicopters, radar to warn the men in the boats, or the Brit grit to resist. I bet Iranians would not have gone like sheep into a British fold. Send the Commodore to patrol the English Channel.

Stan, Tucson,

To Nick Troy: No U.S. comments refer to "spineless Brits." Please don't create enemies where none need exist. Virtually all Americans, even the tens of millions who strongly oppose Bush's Iraq policy, greatly appreciate the British support. The trust placed in the U.S. may indeed have been misplaced this time around (though if other "allies" had joined us, the number of coalition troops may, in fact, have sufficed...), but it has been greatly appreciated by the United States.

Brian O'Dell, Los Angeles, USA

The Iranian action is fully justified, due to the ongoing illegal British occupation of Iraq. British forces should immediately leave Iraqi soil and to upease any muslem /Arab demand.

danny, Jerusalem, Israel

Several US comments refer to "spineless Brits." The coffins of those who died serving alongside their US comrades tells a different story...

Nick Troy, Jersey, UK

Sadly, few place any trust in the truthfulness of western journalism anymore.

Bill Rummel, Charleston, SC

my prayers for the brave mren of the royal maries and families.
my prayers for all coalition forces, may we stand together and as one , up to this hitler of our age....i remember history , we that do should shout as load as we can
our young men and woman are smart brave and courageous

lester, colorado springs, co

I don't get it. We kidnapped innocents and sent them to torture cells in Eastern Europe and Egypt, and many of them turned out to be entirely innocent. So surely, kidnapping is ok, as long as it's by a government?

I really blame Blair and Bush for this. The Iranians see us with nuclear weapons and of course they want some. They see us kidnapping innocents, sending them to agonising deaths, and they do the same.

Of course our people should be returned. But why should our people be treated differently than the people we kidnapped or locked away in Guantanamo for "an indefinite period of time"? It's a difficult question to answer, isn't it?

If we should support the freeing of our people, we should support the freeing of ALL innocent people.

iain carstairs, bedford, bedfordshire

My prayers are with the fifteen and their loved ones. One wonders why the IRG went after brits and not the Americans? Could it be due to differences in rules of engagement? In 2004 the IRG went after the brits without being fired upon.

Michael, Minnesota, USA

Abduction is a 2-way street, of course and the UK should not anyway be present in a military capacity. More important is for the Bush-Blair camp to develop dialogue with Iran and involve it openly in the reconstitution of Iraq. Christian forces have no chance of stabilizing the region. Zionist powers are looking to Bush to open the door to nuclear-based hostilities. Iran is the key that will unlock the door to a good future for humanity and intelligent western politicians from the US and EU know that.

Tony Gold, Christchurch, UK

This is the second time the Republican Guard has snatched U,K forces from
Iraq waters. This time there should be a strong response and enough troops
if possible put along that border to deter Iran. But I fear it will all be brushed
under the diplomatic carpet as usual

D Morgan, Cardiff, Wales

My cousins,

You cannot allow this to endure. Get your people back, now.

jack kelly, Las Vegas, Nevada

Iran's goal has been to provoke open war with the west since the Ayatollah Komeni took power in 1979, That was the entire purpose to holding Americans hostage for so long. They're doing this now because the leaders need an external enemy to blame for the people's poverty. Under the circumstances, the best move would be to destroy their oil refineries and block the importation of refined oil products. This will provoke the people into rebellion. They will replace their leaders with people who are psychotic moonbat extremists. End of Iran's theocracy.

Joe, Gurnee, USA

Are we still allowing these terrorists to land at JFK airport tomorrow morning? If so, why?

I don't think the founding fathers would be letting that happen.

Teresa, Albany, NY, USA

Doug from Rocklin, CA says

"...and forget,forget about the screams,the bombs,the fire, the children our beautiful world and as many of us..."


What the heck does this have to do with an Iranian Nazi Dictator who wants to make nuclear bombs and incinerate another 6 million Jews who hunkered down in a tiny beach front state at the edge of Asia Minor and threatened with obliteration by a million Islamist maniacs?

Bruce, San Francisco, CA

Well.... Many Muslims actually think that its God's will to wipe the US, Europe, Israel, and all the other infidel nations off the world map.

So there is no surprise here...

I don't want to die, Earth,

there is no iranian armed force floating on the thames or in n y harbor ! whats the beef ?

ulysses, reno, nevada

How comfortable does anyone feel with this: Afghanistan is the number one heroin distributor of the world. Iraq consists of a good percentage of crude oil processed in the world. Then there is Iran. If, Iran is such a threat and North Korea is too, why didnt the U.S. target North Korea or Iran number one on their list? So, if you are Iran- and seriously, think about this- would you just keep your arms crossed if you knew of the U.S. and its "take out regime" intentions making way to make Iraq another of its "allies"? Oh and by the way, is Osama Bin Laden still alive? Come on now, such a super power right? In my view, yeah, its the greatest manipulator. Everyone thought they were going for Osama and for weapons of mass destruction. Come on...8 yrs. from 1992-2000.....the best diplomatic years in history.

Arturo Soto, Chicago, United States

Whew - Britannia's lost... See ya old friend - was nice knowing ya. Losers leftists...

Hank, Dodge City, America / Kansas

there is no iranian armed force floating on the thames or in n y harbor ! whats the beef ?

ulysses, reno, nevada

ok,this has no derect ties to Iran but i'm going to kick it around anyway.I expressed my opinion before about a government unable to solve even the simplest problems (show me a world not dependent on oil i'll show you a world at peace ect...by the way anybody know what happened to the patent for the motor that runs on water,hmm.. seems somebody didnt want to loose there precious little oil empire.don't fret people eternal damnation should take care of them!).anyway back on track.ok,so does anybody else out there think it is absolutly obsurd that our government gives only a few electorial options every so many years to choose from and even worse you know he or she is in bed with the same issues that are destroying the world today,GREED!POWER!MONEY!OIL!how many people have dropped out of elections because some big shot rolls in wasting 100s of millions of our economys$trying to brain wash us yet again giving us no choice but to elect them or the other rich guy.2words people SALARY CAP!!!

Doug Brown, rocklin, ca

It's time to let loose and bomb those Persians back to the stone age before they do it to us. This was a declaration of war...we must not back down but must proceed to eliminate a growing threat of nuclear war.

philip whitaker, phoenix, USA, Arizona

"From the halls of Montezuma
to the shores of Tripoli..."
We have fought pirate thug nations before and so has Britain. An act of war against our faithful friend Britain has been committed by a terrorist nation that wants to get nuclear weapons to terrorize the West even more. Russia has quit on them, we remember what they did to our embassy hostages and France has seen what radical Muslim punks have done to Paris in the riots. I hope all civilized nations rally together to free those Brits and we all act together to punish the Iranian monsters before they gets nuclear weapons. God Bless the Marines!

Frank, Carmel, California/USA

When are people going to learn. We either deal with these iranian fanatics now, or we deal with them later. They will always try to hold the world hostage, they will constantly do sabre rattling and anything else to keep oil high and make it go higher. We either take them out now before they spend all their oil money on buying arms or we do it later at a much greater cost. These people are religious fanatics that believe you either believe as they do or you deserve to die. That is their mindset.

Kevin, Denton,

Talk, talk and more talk.

But no concessions to these backwater degenerates who have no business
running a parking garage, let alone a nation.

If, after a week those servicemen are still held captive, offer Iran a choice.
In 48 hours time the men are delivered, unharmed. Failure to comply will
result in the utter decimation of Iran. Then, should it be warranted,
follow thru on the threat! The world will be a better place without the idiots
who currently operate that once-proud country.

KPRyan, MtHood, Oregon

Iran,,,,,,,,and the religious excuse to extend power by coersion....less we forget the problems of today, the obduction of the British sailors and marines, this standoff began in 1979 when Iran under their revolutionary decided to capture and retain the embassy personel of the United States of America....This one cannot be blamed on President Bush, this should have been met with a lightning responce of force, but instead the left wing do gooders decided that somehow we could work out the problem with deplomacy and 400 days later this mockery
simple put a nail in the coffin. and iran got its way.

In the Iraq-Iran war, the score card of revenge is alive and well and iran is enjoying the ability to send its armed force
to the beat of 20,000 into Iraq to train and subvert the efforts of the west to bring about a balance to the Iraq people who have not had to think for themselfs for 40 years.

The UN with it slow time table of sanctions, the Russians
with their agenda will make war

tommi harkins, Providence, america

My guess would be that Iran is making it clear that it is not about to be intimidated by the US or the UK, both of which are in the process of declaring "victory" (ie., defeat in fact) and getting out of Iraq. Iran has the upper hand now and is showing it to the world.

Chris, Tucson,

It's an act of war. Us it.

Dan Baker, Bloomington, IN, U.S.

The IAEA (The UN's Nuclear Watchdog) says it can't confirm the Iranian nuke program is peaceful, and actually says it is concerned about it. This isn't Bush that's talking here, its the UN.

Iran doesn't want us messing with their affairs (ie. helping them build nuclear plants) as it would make them look weak, to their own people. So, the likeliness of Iran agreeing to the US allowing it to build nuke plants for peaceful purposes, is some where between none and zilch.

American, West Palm , United States

"When he's done manipulating the UN when he gets the schedule redone for him. The sailors will be released. "

Not so much luck. Wire services are reporting that the Iranian President has canceled his trip to the UN.

Iran is escalating this into an international crisis, and are really messing with the wrong people.

American, West Palm , United States

If you would be so kind as to remeber an incident that happened not so long ago. Where US CIA agents kidnapped a German citizen, and not to mention the allegations of torture. The truth is that the US is not the moral authority of the world, an opinion that so many US citizens want to believe in. We are just as corrupt and vile as any of are so named enemies. There is a practice called extraordinary rendition which we take part of all the time. Any allegations of torture, and, "Oh wasnt us we shipped him off to a third world prison for interogation, so any abuse is not our fault." I can see this incident with the British sailors as an excuse to up the ante, and bring us ever so closer to that edge. Want to see the collapse of the last world super power? It's happening right now. I can see this region no longer being called the USA in the future; it will just be America and many splinter soveriegn states. An echo of the final results of the downfall of the USSR.

William, Saint Marys, Georgia

It is long past time that we tightened the noose on this terrorism-exporting Islamofascist regime. The world should demand the immediate release of the British sailors and sanctions imposed on Iran should be automatically strengthened if this rogue state fails to comply by the next deadline. Although I opposed U.S. military involvement in Iraq, with regard to Iran I believe we need to keep airstrikes avaliable as an option if they fail to halt their ambition to create nuclear weapons. This country has been a menace since 1979 and if anything they have only become more intransigent and provocative.

Steve , New York, USA

It's just small incident in a bigger picture of US dismantling the old European colonial territories(South-Asia, Africa, East-Asia and now Middle-East, next Persian Gulf MI-6 monarchies).
In a unrelated matter, US president(former) say there is a APARTHEID state in middle-east, that's a US President talking, un_American citizens can cry uncle as far as I'm concern.

Joe, San Francisco,

ok, you want my opinion,here it is.we are the greatest nation on the planet,so great the whole world gets to watch our foundation crumble.lets ask or selves why?could it be GREED!,MONEY!PRIDE!MANIPULATION,oh yea lets not forget OIL!oops,darn now i sound like a billion other people right.ok since there are a 1000 reasons how and why we got into this lets go ahead and do what we do best,sleep,sleeep my little country go about your business and forget,forget about the screams,the bombs,the fire, the children our beautiful world and as many of us have forgot each other!!!for those of you not sleeping lets get to the solution, yea i said it,listen carefully,we have IMPOWERED$ our brothers and sisters over seas (we are all human remember!) by allowing our goverment$ and special intrest groups$ to insist that we countinue abusing there only real resource i dont even haft to say it!.ok solution time:show me a world not addicted to Oil$,i will show you a world at PEACE! that easy! GOD HELP US!!

Doug Brown, rocklin, ca

This is inexcusable. The thugs running the Iranian government have demonstrated once again that they are willing to take hostages whenever it suits them. Whether it's over-running an embassy and holding diplomatic personnel for over a year, abducting people in Lebanon, or grabbing British military members - the Iranians are playing a familiar game. Unless they are sternly discouraged from such behavior, they will undoubtedly repeat it in the future. Just imagine if they already had nuclear weapons and how dangerous such future actions would be if they get them. Such actions must have severe consequences to avoid creating incentives for bad behavior. The sanctions have to go ahead and be much stronger.

I hope the sailors & marines are okay and will be released soon. Considering they were only carrying sidearms and in rigid inflatable boats it would have been suicidal to resist capture by a much larger force in solid-walled ships.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Personally, I feel that a diplomatic solution is far greater in benefit than a military or even sanctioning solution. The U.S. and allies have to understand that other governments want to improve their local life. Who is to believe George W. Bush regarding Iran and its weapons of mass destruction? Don't tell me the lack of intelligence at Iraq is also the intelligence at Tehran? The solution is simple: Iran claims to need its nuclear power for the sole purpose of electricity and energy, right? The U.S. and its allies preach a democratic and safe international community. Would you help a friend build a deck more if effeciently if he couldn't manage a way? So, why doesn't the international police of the U.S. and its allies get involved and assist Iran and build a simple functional energy program? Ofcourse, with all its interests on the table. But, ofcourse, that is too much to ask.

Arturo Soto, Chicago, United States

The US/UK policy toward Iran is based on ignorance and long gone and now irrelevant assumptions. The main issue is the fact that Iran is the only pro-American society in the Middle East. American policy only empowers hardliners in Iran, destablizes hated pro-western Arab governments, increases hatered which now exist among all walks of life in Arab countries and assists terrorists to recruite more. As someone who has been doing research in the middle East for over 20 years, I firmly believe that US/UK policy toward Iran is a disaster and will creat a situation that no one will be able to control. Iraq will be devided and the whole region will remain destablized for years to come. I am puzzeled by west. Iran is the key to a stable Middle East. Why people who know the dynamic of events in this region has no role in formulating policies? This is another puzzle!Most of books on Iran are cook books . Iran is no longer the same as once British knew well. Old assumptions are no longer valid.

parviz, San Francisco, USA

This is the excuse Bush/Israel has been praying for to start another middle east war.

richard, san antonio, texas usa

These people are like animals.
I know, I know, you're not supposed to say stuff like that. But what kind of people would "satirise" the holocaust? - answer, people with twisted obscurantist minds, who can't be either respected or trusted, who are capable of grossly immoral positions inspired by an obscurantist religious attitude. The equivalent to a holocaust satire would be Bosnia satire. The fact that we dont do that and never would illustrates the massive gulf between Western society and those deranged people over there.

Joe, Manchester,

I'm asking my self now how does british and americans feel, now the they can be at the other side of the equation. they must understand te threat posed by Iran. And it is good to see that not everybody is at their mercy. and take lightly their arrogance. That move is very good, welcome to oldschool warfare. May be now Iran's rise will empower other nations to do the same when faced with similar situation and stand for their own rights. I thank that Iran, by this action proves that it can defend itself. and will not backdown from its stand. Nations are now stading and say that is enougth. This emperialist rule over the world may be at its end. "Vive la revolution"

Judes, Bethlehem PA,

This has to be solved by diplomatics, the foreign office has to proof their best skills of negotiation, because if not, they will be doing the dirty work for Israel who is ready to attack nuclear plants with no conventional weapons, and all the world is expecting.

Nicolas Nicholby, Madrid, Spain

Defend yourselves! Send a letter. That will show them who's boss.

Michael Z, Chicago, IL/USA

We desperately need Israel to intervene in Iran with another
Antebbe-style hit to the Iranian nuclear facility so the whole world
can condemn the bad old jewish state whilst rubbing its hands with
glee. We cannot expect a US/UK operation and as to the UN it has
been ineffectual for decades, a disgrace since Srebrenica and if I had
my way I would disband it 'yesterday' like the League of Nations was
long before it.

Polacco, Epping, UK

A good dressing down, just the think. Now that will show those nasty Iranians that the UK means business. Perhaps a strongly worded non-binding, balanced expression of disapproval from the UN should be considered if they capture any more British Marines.

Mark, Washington, DC

this has been going on for a long time its common knowledge that iran is behind 90% of the problems in iraq as well as other places either directly or indirectly iran has it finger or some times hands involved.
iran does not want a stable middle east because they are trying to be the dominant power in the middle east

mike, banbury, oxford

God Bless the U.K. sailors and Marines. I hope that my country ( US ) and the U.K. knock the hell out of those responsible for this violation in the Gulf. Lets get those men back, NOW!

Dan, Tulsa, Ok, USA

I'm puzzled why our marines did not fight back if they were not in Iranian waters?

oldasiahand, Guildford, UK

This is the excuse Bush/Israel has been praying for to justify another USA middle east war.

richard, san antonio, texas usa

Iran have serious problems right now concerning their international relations, whether the rumours of them building a Nuclear arsenal are true or not, it certainly seems to be portrayed in the media as possible. This incident doesn't help their media image at the moment. I think they really need to consider what they are doing at the moment as I am certain that the UK will not let this incident go unnoticed and we will make every possible attempt to guarantee the safe return of the captured soldiers.

Joe Skelham, Hereford, UK

....And what would you expect from a cornered rat? It's a ploy to get the Brits to relax the sanctions. What you have now a hostages, basicly pawns in a very deadly game. These people CAN NOT have the tech. to make a weapon. If they do, say hello to North Korea two, but worse because of there Martar mentality. Good luck.

Steven, Staten Island, New York, USA

This happened because we, the British and Americans, are not tough enough. We need to show Iran, and the world, that if anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances, interferes with British or American forces or citizens, they will be severely punished, severely. How can our leaders find this sort of thing tolerable? It is shameful the way the United Kingdom and United States allow themselves to be pushed around. It has got to stop, but it won't stop until we face the fact that one's enemies need actually to be fought, not appeased.

K. Nolan, Philadelphia, U.S.A.