This episode in Iran with the dopey british (coward) sailors proves once again that the world is not going to do anything about terrorism. During A so-called time of war these sailors hand over their weapons? I thought they were there to support the Iraqi people, but hell they can't even defend themselves.Iran ,No. Korea, Russia, etc. are constantly threaating the world and not one country stands up to them for fear of being labeled the agressor. Enough is enough the next time one of these contries threatens another i think we should show them what it would be like to have their visions of world dominance put to task. In other words blow the ingrate who has their hands out for the world (AMERICAN) tax dollars right off the face of the Earth. Then I think that the other countries willing to flex thier muscles might just think twice about it, if they see that the rest of the world does want peace just not words of it.

Gary, Riverside< CA, USA

Thanks President Carter.
You set it up.

DAS, Budapest, HU

Bush schould go back to Texas and just keep quiet. We (rest of the world) are sick an tired of him.

H. Mathys, Hameenlinna, Finland

The world will be much more perfect without wars and contradictions .So hide your weapons for the sake of God and learn lessons from Irak .

jayfan , chongqing ,

The Iranians are not as stupid as the Americans - the Americans actually believe Fox News and the blatant lies of their government? And the prospect of even a consideration that a Hillary Clinton could be in contention for the presidency? America - you better wake up before Bush destroys all of you - and he will attack Iran before his term ends. And there is not one person on this blog who ever even mentioned Iran's control of the Straights of Hormuz - it's all about the oil stupid America! Wait until the Chinese and the Soviets show up on your soil - it will be a blood-bath for sure. Just another war that the Americans have never won and never will. Thanks George!

Kevin Chadwick, Tampa, FL

I'm happy to see Britain negotiate and get our troops back without force, but that isn't going to solve the problem. Ahmadinejad will not be happy till he has taken over the region and comparisons with Hitler are entirely fair. If he got nukes then we'd all have reason to worry, but luckily for us there is still a country that won't mess around, and I sleep much better at night knowing that Israel will save us all.

The fact that we stand by and do nothing just goes to show that history does repeat itself and that we learn nothing from our mistakes. Also knowing that the Russians are prepared to stand by them is very worrying. Iran alone is a walkover. Throw Russia into the mix and you have another world war, something that we could all do without.

Sam Nicholson, Basingstoke,

is it just coincidence but since bush has piped up i feel the iranians are starting to see the light
vic belper england

vic hoy, belper, england

to Rich Naylor
What an americans are doing in the middle east?
Were they called there? Were they called for "help" by Iraqi nations?
o yeah, US exports "democracy" in return for oil, what a dirty policy?
There is no war in US, no death, no orphans, no widows, no starvation, no blood, no epidemic and so many bad things from which you want to protect your own family.

Sabir, Baku, Azerbijan

If they are not hostages, what are they? Guests? Usually guest arent held against their will.

TW, St. Paul, USA

Having experienced the Bush/Blair Iraq mess as an American , I can only offer you the best of luck in dealing with the Iranians on this issue.

Neither 'world leader' has the history to predict much in the way of success.

Oil prices in the U.S. are going up to European standards daily and according to Bush the "War President and Decider' Global Warming doesn't exist. Where's Benny Hill when you need him?

WILL, redmond,

I think we should appologise to Iran. We British, every man, woman and child of us, are just little satans that deserve everything the once poor oppressed but now mighty Iran throws at us. Because of our imperialist history (not to mention Iraq and Afghanistan) we should all live in shame and now allow Iran to do as it wants. If we do this Iran will become an almighty nation spreading its glorious ideology around the globe and hopefully eventually to the UK where we can get rid of this despicable government and have a more tolerant and wise theocratic leadership like Iran's. So if you wish to help this great cause, please just keep apologising for everything we do, and keep quiet and support what Iran does (and indeed the rest of the Islamic world). Soon they will have nuclear weapons and we all know that the world will be a much better place then, for they will be able to fight the mighty oppresors and move on to the big Satan. Soon we will crush the west's irresponsible freedoms.

Liberal Applogist, Head in the Sand , La la land

If you look closely at History, you will see that in all wars mistakes were made, and the majority of them were made by not taking the 1st step to end them quickly and forcefully.
No one wants war, however there are times when defending our freedoms and are way of life are at risk and the only alternative is to fight this enemy with no holds barred and at this stage, not when they have a nuclear weapon.( Because they will use it with no hesitation) Iran has set the stage and more then once has told us all what they will do to the unbelievers! People get your head out of the sand and look around! We all are in a war lets end it quickly at this stage before it escalates to where hundreds of thousands will perish.
God Bless America and all it's Allies !

Lonewolf, Virginia, USA

Iran very cleary planned the kidnapping of these British Militay personnel. First of all the British were surrounding by 6 iranian naval vessels which are very rarely congregated in such large numbers. Iran has been defying western and united nation pleas for years to stop their nuclear activities and the sponsorship of terror. Has it happend? No, It is very clear that the leadership of Iran wants to humiliate the west in every way possible. I think what Iran doesn't understand is the consequences that could happen if behavior like this continues because they see a vast majority of western countries don't have the backbone necessary to handle situations like this. Also, they see that the United Nations no longer servers in purpose except to hand down statements with little or no meaning. If the United Nations doesn't regain it's resolve I think that we are heading for a war that will be very costly. I hope all this can be resolved peacefully but I can't see it happening.

Daniel, bowling green, united state, ky

EU is handling Iran as they did with Hitler...they have not learn a thing...

Jose Perez, Miami, FL USA

Bush meddling? Hmm. I don't suppose the war games we have been conducting off the Iranian coast since Thursday was lost on the Iranian government--even they aren't that dense. Nor the fact that, a third carrier group is on its way to the region. Lets see, 130,000 troops across the boarder in Iraq, another 50,000 or so in the gulf region and 3 carrier groups off your coast. I think the message here is clear: straighten-up or else. Anyone notice a softening of the Iranian position?

Michael J, Greenville, SC, USA

It would be nice if just once Bush could keep his mouth closed so his foot wouldn't get stuck in it. We could be more helpful without his comments.

Linda, Abany NY US,

Let's face it. There's a war with islam coming, and the sooner we engage, the better it will be for the west.

Islam wants the whole world. I say give them nothing.

Wake up, smell the coffee, and pick your side.

lawrence brooker, london, england

Iran is just trying to save face while it figures out what to do with the hostages. If Bush starts sabor rattling about it on TV, it will probably make it more difficult to get them back. But the "big stick" of two American aircraft carrier battle groups in the Gulf substantially increases Blair's bargaining leverage.

Chris , Kansas City, USA

I have always been aniti-Bush when it comes to his policies. I am against the war in Iraq. However, this is one time I feel Bush is right. Someone has to take a stand against Iran. It don't seem like Tony Blair is doing it or the EU for that matter. Britain needs to change their rule of engagements. My ancestry goes back to England. Regardles of what a lot of Brits thinks about America, we still have a lot of fondness for your country.

Michael, Swainsboro, USA - Georgia

This is typical Iran. Take hostages to get what you want. They got away with it in 79-81, but I doubt the west will have much tolerance this time. 79-81 was pre 9/11, and Iran obtaining a nuke was less of an urgent issue then. The west can not afford to be weak this time. The Iranian leadership is as close to Hitler and Georing as you can get.

Travers, Dallas, USA

To the Americans on here who are angry with this article, I agree with you.

However, a watered down military and appeasement are the norm in this country now. So are stable doors and horses that have bolted.

Mr Bush is right, and it's nice to hear a politician telling the truth over this incident, instead of talking in creepy soundbites.

Stella , Salford, UK

i see it as a rigth of iran to defend is rigth,america and britain as no business on the gulf waters,exept for the remaining oil,but it is public cnoweledge it is runing off,on 20 more years it is no more oil,so the midle east will be no more the point of atention for the very rich people of north europe,it is clear to my,good by america and asosiates

hector, montevideo, uruguay

I would trust the British to handle the diplomatic talks, that being said the world knows that the U.S. government and people stand with the Brits always. For the last 100 years the world has known that if you attack Britain we consider it an attack upon the U.S. Pray that diplomacy works but understand that if it fails we go where Britain goes.

Don Edwards, Warner Robins, Ga./USA

At this point, there is no "internationally accepted" proof that the sailors were in or not in Iran's waters: both sides are claiming to be right, thus, for President Bush to refer to them as Hostages, might end up as a case of "jumping the gun"! And why? His comments at this stage, given the hardline of both countries, will definitely excerbate the situation and could even encourage the belief that "if u're wrong, u dont need to apologise, afterall, there is a powerful, ally-war-monger behind you!
What is expected of the international community is to send in 'independent verifiers', to the trouble-spot and verify who was wrong, after which, be it U.K or Iran, should apologise unreservedly, to the "established" aggrieved, and the line of demarcation should be further made conspicous!

Certainly, the era of "distinguished" diplomats and statesmen, has been thrown overboard!!

Deji, Lagos, Nigeria

Why in heaven's name did your people allow themselves to be kidnapped without a fight in the first place? Did they request "authority" to defend themselves prior to being boarded and kidnapped and was such "permission" denied? If so, on whose orders? Has the captain of the mother ship been relieved yet? Will he face court-martial? What about the commodore/admiral of your forces in the Gulf? For your information, we are getting very little information and media coverage concerning this matter here in the States. In fact, here across the Pond our media are portraying the episode as "he said/she said." What little we get over here seems to indicate that neither the EC nor NATO are backing Great Britain in this matter. For what it's worth... love Bush or hate him... love Yanks or hate Yanks... we WILL support Britain if your government decides to resort to force to rescue your people. That I'm confident of.

William R. Barker, Harriman, NY (USA)

When are you going to wake up and realize that you can't deal with extremists as if they were rational civilized people? Believe me they are not. They will blindly follow their manic religious leaders in this war they have declared on the rest of the world. They call it "Jihad" and it is not going away.
If the Brits were captured in a raid into Iraqi waters, that is a blatant act of WAR and should be dealt with accordingly. All the evidence seems to support the British claim that they were in Iraqui waters. So there you have it.
What is the solution? I personally vote for a strong statement for release, followed up with military action, but that probably won't happen.
Good luck to the hostages, I wish them well.
In case you are wondering, I spent 30 years in the military, was in the Cuban blockade in 1962, Viet Nam in 65/66 -72/73.

Rich Naylor, Virginia Beach, VA / USA

Where are the men (and women) of Goodwill, who have the wisdom, foresight and the experience to conduct diplomacy and bridge building? We have broken enough promises, bullied and killed enough people in that region to last us a sad legacy for generations to come as is. We now need to listen, to speak out our truth rationally and to stand firm, but without threat and unilateral war posture that we cannot support. This also applies to the other side as well.

AF, Seattle, WA

why the hell is blair worried aqbout what the eu thinks. there would be no eu if it was not for Britain in the second world war. Maybe the people of these countries should remind their cowardly goverments of this fact as all they are interested in is lining their back pockets with euros. Come on blair do something on your own two feet without begging for permission from europe or american for once be a man not a puppet.

mike, dubbo, aus

The EU is nothing but a loose federation designed to give the French and the Germans economic control of Europe. A goal both have sought and both have failed at achieving even after numerous tries over the last 200 years. Mirroring the French and German attitudes, the EU can be expected to cut and run if any of their members get into trouble.

We should invade Iran NOW, before their bombs start going off in British and American cities.

John, Rockford, Illinois. USA

So Iran takes hostage EU citizens engaged in a UN-mandated mission...and neither the UN nor the EU is upset enough to even demand their return? What tripe.

Mike A., Birmingham, UK

Another American with many ancestors from England. Frankly, you Brits come across as wimpish. That goes for the hostages (yes, that's what they are). We suffered the same fate under Carter. Once Reagan came into office things changed quite dramatically because the Iranians really didn't want to fight us in a war. You Brits need to show some spine--as you did so wonderfully in World War II. Appeasement of an enemy bent on controlling the west by controlling the oil supply is not the answer. The US is always ready to help. Our Navy and Air Force are more than able to stop this nonsense in a hurry if GB decides to call Iran's bluff.

John C., Jefferson,

i have been against almost every Bush has said since he was put into office, however, the actions of Iran validated the use of the term "hostage". I am not patriotic in the sense that I blindly ally myself with my country when there's a war, but for once I agree 100% with Bush's stance. This was an act of War and should be viewed as one. I'm afraid to agree with the comments ahead of me(as far as WWII and the possibility of future conflicts), but I guess I'll let my disgust of the whole situation cloud my judgement, please just stop trying to deflect the situation towards the "disregard" Bush displayed when exercising his write to freely speak on the matter, good luck with a UN resolution.

Todd, Liberal, USA

So far I see only one British poster complaining about Bush's hostage comment and that poster sounded like a Democrat. Iran is upset and the press is upset but the Brits seem to agree they ARE hostages.

Stuart, Chicago, USA

Message for: John Roberts, Charlotte, USA/NC,

John, The USA entered WWII not to bail anyone out. They entered because Japan had attacked Pearl Harbour and Germany had declared war on them. The implication in your comment that the Europeans Allies already at war begged America to intercede and save them and enter the war are wrong. The European allies had not been simply been appeasing facism until America entered the war. They had been fighting it. http://www.secondworldwar.co.uk/dates.html

db, New York, ny

The US should absolutely and categorically keep out of this unless the UK specifically requests assistance. It is up to the UK to do whatever it deems necessary to extricate their personnel from this situation. Contrary to what many have suggested, I think diplomacy can work, and agression that is commonly displayed by the US in the sensitive middle east arena has been proven NOT to work.

Tony Blair, you still have a chance to show the world how the UK can do this differently. Ignore Bush and his neocon regime, tell them to remain silent, and demonstrate how skilled and intelligent negotation can save the day.

James, London, UK

"The attitude of your messag would indicate the US is the enemy and not Iran."

- Well, if the cap fits.....

JW, Bedford, UK

If it cared to Russia could obtain the release of our 15 people - that would suit Irans anti Americanism & for a change be something positive that Putin could be associated with.

D Jenkins, Staffs,

Blair could not have said this as it would have made things worse but Bush did the right thing saying what he did. Lets face it, it is a hostage situation and it's good that he has said so.
All countries should support Britain publicly so that Iran understands that what they are doing is wrong - like children, if you don't tell them forcefully enough they will ignore you.

Michael, Bracknell, Berkshire

Make no bones about it, after Iraq blew up in their faces, Bush and company need to keep their hands off of the Iran situation. Let the British deal with it, this is the Blair adminsitration's chance to prove they aren't a lapdog of the US.

Travis, Leesville, Louisiana, USA

Americans are not very good at nation-building but we are really, really good at nation-unbuilding :)
The Bush Administration wants sooo badly to go to War with Iran but he doesn't have a good excuse and the American public probably won't believe his excuse when he comes up with one anyways. Sorry England, your on your own this go around. Another ally will need to assist. Step up France, it's your turn...yea right like that would happen.

Charles O'Bourne, Dodge City , Arizona, USA

I think the Americans should butt out of this particular situation for a change. Let's give peace a chance before considering whether force is a valid option.

Nick Baker, Vancouver, Canada

Oh dearie what to do? Those dreadful fundamentalist christian cowboy Americans will undoubtedly offend the tender sensibilities of every Mullah and member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard! The sky is falling and we should throw ourselves prostrate before our Marines' Persian hoteliers. Its the EU thing to do, c'est ca?
Bush may be inarticulate but please give me a break. When we decide to meddle you'll know it and so will Tehran. See, e.g., Operation Praying Mantis. Otherwise, be happy we still love you notwithstanding your condescension.

James Duncan, New Haven , USA/CT

The ignorance and hypocrisy of the "Pro-American" comments here are a joke. As if Americans were angels and could do no harm.

How many 'people' have been "disappeared" by the United States government? How many innocent people have died with in American captivity? All from hoax perpetrated on the world called the "Global War On Terror".

Come on America! Stop being fooled. What ever the British troops are experiencing in Iran doesn't come close by a long shot. What we have done in comparison is an absolute shame. Why not criticize our own government for not being truthful and upfront about it's own actions?

And what the hell do we expect to solve by "bombing"? As if eh haven't yet learned our lessons in the world. But don't worry you GW lovers. Because he's selling you down the river too. Just open your eyes are attempt to read some news for once.

Joe, San Diego,

Of course Hoseyni didn't like Bush using the word, "hostages," but that is exactly what the 15 military personnel are. And as with any bully, it makes them nervous when the object of their aggression is being twarted by their object's friends.

Bush had been silent for the first 9 days after the hostages were taken, at the request of the UK. I'm sure his remarks came on Saturday with permission from the UK, as the "next step up" of putting pressure on the Iranians.

"Any kind of comment by the Americans in support of the British Govt. will make the situation worse." Yes....for the Iranians! Surely, they didn't think that the US wouldn't back the UK? They must be living in la la land.

Joie, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Bush should keep his distance, he has too many of his own problems to deal with at home and abroad.

Sarah, seattle, Washington

Would you rather have our President Bush tell your Prime Minister Blair, that England does not have America's support? When America is weakened, the Free World is weakened.

AJ, Peaceville, MN USA

Definition of hostage: a person held by one party in a conflict as a pledge that promises will be kept or terms met by the other party.
But it's true, the less Bush says, the better.

MCD, Elmhurst, IL

I'm an American that is exremely fond of England and Britons. This situation with Iran has dragged on and frankly Iran needs to be dealt with swiftly andforcefully. Recent history with the US Iran hostages show there is only one thing these people respond to.
Once they develop a nuclear bomb, which is inevitable considering the UN and otheres are unwuilling to confront them about it, they will contiinue to bully the world. Frankly, it's better to deal with them now.

justin, New York, NY, usa

The hypocrisy and double standards being shown by the Bush government is absolutely galling. They condemn what the Iranians are doing yet they are the ones torturing prisoners in Guantanamo Bay and in secret prisons in Eastern Europe and holding them without trial.

The Iranians are out of order but are doing no worse than what the Americans are doing.

Vivek, London,

Sprichst du Deutsches? Didn't think so. As long as Jimmy Carter stays out of it, I'm all for the US taking the lead on assisting the Brits.

R Wolfe, Ney York, US

I don't think the London times, or anyone else, should critize President Bush, "OR" the American people, at that rate, for telling the truth...."PERIOD"!

At least we American's are on britain's side, that's more than the Russian's, who thus far, have blocked any immediate release resolutions at the Un have done, or shown. All the Russians are doing is quietly siding with Iran.

let's also, not forget the European Union, as they are apparently "weak as water" over the crisis. Did anyone expect anything different from either Russia, or the EU?

President Bush, has not done anything wrong, or "out of order". He meerly spoke the truth, when questioned.

Tucker, Trenton, USA

If ever there were an oppressed people who might indeed welcome a liberating invader, the Iranians at large just might be them. Unfortunately, western foreign policy under the Bush administration has been so spectacularly horrible, particularly considering the example of Iraq, that virtually any adventure by the west to implement 'regime change' in Tehran would likely be severely handicapped and distrusted, even if by mere association.

I think that the Iranian people, by-and-large, would probably welcome 'liberation' by just about any agent, as long as it WASN'T the Americans or their close allies. Perhaps the best course of action would be to very actively and overtly support an internal rebellion with Iran to depose the incumbent dictatorship in Iran and replace it with a secular democracy. Hopefully the Shia Muslims will have forgotten that Bush the First tried that with their Iraqi bretheren only to sell them out to slaughter. Sigh. What price, cowboy democracy?

James, Oregon, USA

The thing that I cannot believe is that the sailors/marines who were captured readily agreed, whether coerced or not, to "admit" their guilt in the matter. Honestly, I'd rather die a terrible death than to admit something with no stitch of truth, especially as a member of the military. Yes, they may have been wanting to save their own lives and keep "peace", but this is Iran folks. There is no peace! I would refuse to even open my mouth, would refuse to utter a word, and refuse to even recognize those crazy people. Lastly, what's up with the woman agreeing to wearing Muslim dress? They'd have to beat me and knock me out, bind me down and forcibly put it on me with anything other than my uniform, especially in a religious dress that I do not worship as my own.

Shannon, Washington, NC, USA

If ever there were an oppressed people who might indeed welcome a liberating invader, the Iranians at large just might be them. Unfortunately, western foreign policy under the Bush administration has been so spectacularly horrible, particularly considering the example of Iraq, that virtually any adventure by the west to implement 'regime change' in Tehran would likely be severely handicapped and distrusted, even if by mere association.

I think that the Iranian people, by-and-large, would probably welcome 'liberation' by just about any agent, as long as it WASN'T the Americans or their close allies. Perhaps the best course of action would be to very actively and overtly support an internal rebellion with Iran to depose the incumbent dictatorship in Iran and replace it with a secular democracy. Hopefully the Shia Muslims will have forgotten that Bush the First tried that with their Iraqi bretheren only to sell them out to slaughter. Sigh. What price cowboy foreign policy?

James, Oregon, USA

Britain, once the hostages are returned, needs to review its rules of engagement. This shameful charade should never have happened.

charles wright, mazatlan, mexico

We understand you do not want Bush meddling until the nukes start going off in the middle-east and Europe. Then, we ALL know who you will want to bail you out. Appeasement policies have a proven track record. WWII ring any bells?

John Roberts, Charlotte, USA/NC

While I have never agreed with George Bush on any issue, I may have to on the use of the word "hostages". If the British were in Iraqi waters, which I believe they were, and were taken by the Iranians and being held against their will, how is that not a hostage type situation? I read an article once that ships straying into waters where they are not supposed to is quite common around the world, does anyone know how this is ordinarily handled?

Elizabeth, Santa Monica, US

The attitude of your messag would indicate the US is the enemy and not Iran. Let's just talk it worked well with Germany in 1940.

Bob, highlands,nc, USA

The EU are a bunch of hypocrites

GB, buenos aires, cuba