I think that british marines, tried to repeat anything the iranian officers pushed them to say; considering the circumstances, it was correct to do that, because staying alive was probably the primary target of their training, and opposing the iranian officers had no sense at all. I suppose it was logic to see the scenes transmited by Iranian TV. Remember this marines now can give the British navy with interesting information about their iranian experience.

Guillermo, Maracaibo, Venezuela

This is the way forward, as they say it’s good to talk.

Maybe just maybe the Americans and especially Bush might just learn something from this episode and all this might therefore just be worthwhile.

During its history USA has never apologised for its wrongs, name me one, they always placed them selves above the rest of the world by saying you are wrong and our way is the only way, well here is a lesson for you.

Now go and learn a bit more about the world and the people in it, I am surprised you know where Iran is, or perhaps it’s because of Iraq.

Learn from the others who do know better.

Charles, London, UK

just goes to show that ahmedinejad is one good guy. and the americans cannot accept that because it raises a lot of uncomfortable questions for them.

subba rao, hyderabad, india

So we Americans need to sit back and learn from Britain how to behave when our troops are taken hostage? Without putting too fine a point on it, I was struck by how cooperative and hearty the British sailors were, volunteering thanks to Ahmadinejad, donning a headscarf to make being out of uniform all the more striking, accepting candy and other party favors. I remember captured Americans in the First Gulf War making statements helpful to their captors as well, but I remember them looking as if they'd been beaten senseless first (as indeed they were) and I remember the near catatonic delivery and subtle signals that they didn't mean a word of it. If the British soldiers had been doing testimonials for Callard & Bowser they couldn't have looked cheerier or more sincere. Unapologetic Americans?. If our navy had been interdicting Revolutionary Guards smuggling into and out of Iraq, and boarding their ships in Iraqi waters, we wouldn't be apologizing for it. Hell no.

James Harris, New York City, USA

I think the term " hostages" is partial and abusive given that they entered illegally iranian territory. Being arrested is then a natural consequence, just like the US border patrol arrests illegal immigrants trying to slip to the other side. The Iranians showed a pretty high level of mercy and hospitality. Imagine if Iranian troop were caught in the english channel I don't they would be freed by now. on the other hand I don't think that their 2 week in captivity was that hard as we saw them in TV having a good time exchanging laughs in a Hotel like residence and being served good food. looks to me more like a vacation, knowing the hell-like days they had to endure in Iraq.

Paul, San Fransisco, USA

Iranian should return the uniforms of british sailors, otherwise they will use it to sabotage actions.

Paula, warsaw, Poland

And then you people say the United Nations should handle difficult situations--I assume your troops would be part of any coalition and would surrender just as easily and beg to leave if any shots were ever fired? What a worthless bunch of "allies", HA HA HA! You AINT worth anything!!! No wonder France keeps saying you should leave the EU!

Debbie Curnes, Yuma, AZ

Patience and diplomacy beat out mindless rushing in to create a military crisis. Britain was the winner in this stand off.

Hats off to avoiding more deaths and the unwarranted use of force. Patience and restraint in the WMD crisis would have served us well. Thank goodness the sailors were not American; we would probably be looking at more needlessly lost lives.

Dee, West Virginia, USA

Quite right of the President of Iran to berate the British for sending the mother of a three year old child to war. The Brits must be out of their minds to do such a thing.

Shall I tell you people something? - That Mr Ahmadinejad talks a lot of sense. Read what he says and also read his letter to president Bush. He makes far more sense than Bush or Blair, who are just plain war criminals killing hundreds of thousands of civilians. Mr Ahmadinejad is NOT a "madman" he's a nice guy and he did the right thing by the captives. When the Brits capture people, they give them hell. We have a lot to learn from the Iranians.

The problem is that the US will probably hang him, like they did with Saddam.

Arthur Gibson, Melbourne, VIC

As much as I think Britain should have taken a much harder line against Iran, I don't blame the soldiers/sailors for how they acted.None of us were there to know how they were really treated.Anyone here ever been hostage of the Iranians?It's easy to be brave from the comfort of your home,but if you were in their position how would you act?I think it's wrong to judge them too harshly.I would hope all of this illuminates the nature of the enemy we face for those who doubt.This whole affair was orchestrated by the Iranians to jerk us all around, and they succeded.The one hope of all of this is there seems to be a powerful element within Iran that realizes it's better to work with the west than to antagonize us.The Persian people are kind, generous, intelligent, proud.It's their government, a small minority,like the Nazi's were to Germany, that is the problem.Just don't ever forget what that minority in Germany was able to do.We must be strong an determined, or it will be war.

Ian Turner, Austin, Texas USA

Hearts of Oak! I think it is infested with wood worm and death watch beetle thanks to this apology for a Government.

Bob, UK,

My congratulations and relief for the return of the Marines and Sailors. We have something to learn from this crisis and its outcome, but we also have to remember this is not the end of our situation with Iran. I have to confess a bit of respect and admiration for Ahmadinejad: he didn't act the beast as I thought he would, but, pardon my skepticism, there's more to this than meets the eye, too.

We, and I mean both the U.S. and Britain, need to reassess our dealings with that government. But I don't think we are done. I fear there will be events forthcoming that will test us to the brink. No matter how cordial we can be to each other, Britain, the U.S. and Iran have goals that place us on a collision course. If we can resolve these differences via diplomacy, all the better. But just be mentally prepared for a worst-case scenario if it is thrust upon us.

Good job, Britain.

James P, Sacramento, California

The rules of engangement need to be changed our guys can't win if they are afraid of the P.C media and corrupt U N next time the Iranians or Syrians cross into Iraqi waters or Iraq land they need to use force . I bet they cant wait to get their hands on Harry .

Maggie, DC EX Pat, USA

I fail to understand how collabation with your captors, in terms of televised apologies, and wearing muslim headgear in the case of the unfortunate lady marine, and the general jocularity and smiles and waves during the release and wearing İranian civilian clothes can be reconciled with the expected military behaviour from soldiers taken prisoner.

I am afraid to displayed behaviour of the prisoners showed weakness and trepidation towards their captors and does injustice to the history of the British Armed Forces.

a.krom, istanbul,

While everybody else calling them captured salior you are calling them Hostages. That shows your baised position right off the bat

Joseph Zalil, Fremont, CA,

As a former US Marine and a Vietnam Vet, i know virtually anyone can be broken by torture, but what is the excuse for some of these saliors and Marines? Maybe punishment is not in order, but some of these people can forget about a career in the military! I salute those who resisted and wish we could hear their thoughts.

Maurice bacon, Portland, Oregon/USA

Curious to understand how Paul from San Francesco knows the sailors and marines were in Iranian territory. Was it when Iran first gave the British the coordinates proving they were in Iraqi waters or when they took a picture of a GPS read out (reading Iraqi territory) with the searched vessel in the background which has not been moved since the event occurred?

Jay , Taipei , Taiwan

Who of any of you really think you are intelligent enough to know what is really going on in the world. Face it, no matter how intelligent you are, you are only one. Those who want to stay in power are many, AND organized across the globe. Lose your pride and understand the only way any truth will be revealed is by everyone across the globe finally standing up to the tyrants in power and saying no more. The only real government is through education and community. After watching the beheadings of our people in Iraq, I'm just glad those Brits are home with all thier body parts.

Ronald Johnson, Bluffton, Indiana

The fifteen "hostages" are cowards. The Iranians would not have dared to get into a shooting war with them if they Brits had refused to submit to their capture. If the Iranians had killed the Brits, it would have started a full scale war and they don't want that.

It was a bluff and the stupid British kids fell for it.

Arthur Gibson, Melbourne, VIC

I think Time for a 'make and mend' I guess, to quote a naval procedure ...also read J Bs ( the First Sea Lord ) comments, a bit more magnaminous and worthy than I have read here yet .

Colin, portland, dorset england

The number of ill informed idiots on here lambasting the British sailors and Marines for cowardice need to take a reality check!
Anyone with a military background knows that in the event you are captured you must comply with any instructions given by your captors in such a way as to not give away any more than you absolutely have to. Your first responsibility is to live through the experience.
What is more, nothing useful to the Iranians was given up and nothing injurious to the United Kingdom was shared.
These young men and women have done an excellent job. They remembered their training and followed it to the detail and as a result they are all coming home alive!

James, Portland, USA

I think the term " hostages" is partial and abusive given that they entered illegally iranian territory. Being arrested is then a natural consequence, just like the US border patrol arrests illegal immigrants trying to slip to the other side. The Iranians showed a pretty high level of mercy and hospitality. Imagine if Iranian troops were caught in the english channel I don't think they would be freed by now. on the other hand I don't think that their 2 week in captivity was that hard as we saw them in TV having a good time exchanging laughs in a Hotel like residence and being served good food. looks to me more like a vacation, knowing the hell-like days they had to endure in Iraq.

Paul, San Fransisco, USA

It is a great relief and joy for the sailors to be reunited with their families.
I question the usage of the word "hostage" by many British papers. Was this really a "hostage" situation conducted by a state reconized by the United Nations?
My sentiment is that this is a political conflict and misunderstanding in which a British crew was detained.
The term "hostage" sends out very strong and negative sentiments.

Jonathan, Seoul, Korea

Let's not forget we are not at war with Iran.

Nice to see the fascists amongst us (you know who I mean) are already regarding Iran as an enemy.

I say forward with Europe and Russia together as partners for peace in the world and the Middle East. Let's remove this malign, war-mongering US influence.

Tom, Worcester

Tom, Worcester, UK

I am an iranian and happy about the release of these soilders. I am wondering if the reverse was true, what would have been the
outcome.. If iranian soilders were captured in Iraqi waters, maybe they would have been in orange suites, beaten up pretty badly and were not granted any interviews. I am not saying what Iran has done was correct, but if the soilders did traspass with in iranian waters, it was the duty of Iran to capture them and then quesiton them. Give diplomacy a chance. Stop the hatred and love each other. Try to work and understand the middle-east . We all know americans and british are there for one reason only. Atleast, if you are there for oil, try to respect and work with the government of region.

Hey british soilders, have a nice cold Pint of beer for me.. and cheers. You seem to be nice bunch of people and not arrogant like rambo-type soilders.

Alex, Boston, USA

Mike, you won't win any friends for being a whining American, true.

Our boys behaved like humans. Not fascists. I'm sure there are many Iranians who have been won over by their excellent conduct.

John, Cheltenham, UK

Congratulations, Britain. The Iranians played a smart game of chess and so did you Brits. Nobody died. No war started. You got your sailors and marines back fast and healthy. The waters are still disputed between Iraq and Iran. Don't listen to the critics. You won too. And your men looked handsome in the suits -- cool Britannia -- as if they were going nightclubbing!

Shirley Jackson, Oliver, BC, Canada

Please pay attention that they were not hostage, they entered illegally in Iran's water and must be captured. Iran is not Iraq. Please don't try to hide the reality

Saied, Yazd, Iran

Congrats indeed to Brit diplomacy and a lot of luck, 3 US aircraft carriers gathering in the area didn't hurt either.
As for confessions, remember these hostages were kept totally isolated for 2 weeks, not knowing what's going on in the outside world, only what their captors told him.
Persians have been supreme torturers since biblical times.
When your in the hands of these barbarians all bets are off.

bill, Lexington, USA

What, no ragers on the comment line today? Where is "Old Atlantic"? I guess anyone but the emotionally or politically demented may know that as of today, a new war is not in evidence, and the 15 sailors are home and safe. Thank God! My prayer is that the US and the UK may come off preconceived notions, wrapping intelligence around fatally flawed policies as per the Downing Street memorandum, and turn a new page in the Middle East. While there is no hope for Presdent Bush, I always look for British experience and historical awareness to come to light.

John, Seattle, USA

Iran's neighbouring Arabs have always regard Iranians as very clever people. The theatre in Tehran could not have happened in most countries including Britain or the US. The Arabs seem to be right.

akram, London,

Those soldiers acted like 99% of us would have done. The other 1% would have been braved on the moment, but quickly forgotten by the nation after the funerals.. Look at all those U.S soldiers dead for nothing in Irak and already forgotten execpt by their families..

Joe, papeete, Polynesia

This situation with Iran is nothing more than a confirmation of our hypocrisy and weakness. No doubt we have exchanged something for the sailors and marines whether it be Iranian terror detainees or perhaps a check from Lloyds bank. At this point, the only thing missing is a visit to Tehran by Tony Blair and a proclamation upon his return that there will be peace in our time.

Bernard Coulson, Highlands, N.Carolina, USA

I am an unrepentant Anglophile and a great fan of the British soldier. I am saddened however and perhaps even a shamed by the pandering of the British marines to their terrorist captives. Perhaps the only saving grace is that Major John Howard, of the Pegasus Bridge fame, and other good and true men and women of his caliber, did not live to see this sad day for Britain and its fighting men and women.

Larry Jones, Jackson, Ms , USA

Dishonourable discharges for all of them. I have never seen such gross negligence by british personel in or out of uniform! A disgrace to their uniforms. The royal navy is now the laughing stock of the world and thanks to the labour govt it is merely a jumped up coast gaurd!

mike, Shrewsbury, England.

I know I will not win any friends by saying this, but the instantaneous surrender of your troops along with their overt willingness to be paraded around as poster-child patsies by a demagogue had a very French look and feel to it. I am very confident our men in uniform would not be receiving the same heroes welcome if they embarrassed themselves and our nation by acting in the same cowardly manner. I fear we are seeing the end of an empire before our own eyes.

Mike A, New York, USA

Marines are free, it's very strange that the situation to be resolve as quicky. I wonder if any ransom has been to pay ?

HECAMP, TIGNET, FRANCE

I don't think they acted like military personnel, they acted more like people on vacation. But I wasn't there to see how they acted when not on camera. But I don't think they should have said anything at all, yet alone apologize to them. We should just start drilling for oil here in the u.s..
All the companies doing business with Iran should stop dealing with them. Then we would not be arming our opponents.

Keith A. Sterling, Blue Spring's, MO. USA

Isn't it a pity that Mr Ahmandinejad doesn't act with such compassion to Israel?

Chris, Suffolk, UK

Well done Iran.
Britain should stop being a Bully and have more respect for other countries.

Pedro Antonio, Sao Paulo,

Vive le Britain. When referring to these soldiers, that is all I can think of to say.

Tim, Dallas, TX, USA

By releasing the British captured sailors Iran has proved its friendly attitude towards other countries of the world.

That's really a great deed Iran has performed as milestone for welcoming a positive relation with UK despite a number of disputes long outstanding between these two countries since long.

A.R.Shams, Karachi, Pakistan

Watching the hostages returning home from Iran and also reading about the loss of British and American troops in Iraq reminds me of the old adage "I'd rather be a live coward than a dead hero." Of course that phrase was no doubt coined by a live coward. I think the behavior of the hostages brings great shame on England. They helped Iran win the PR battle while ignoring all they were taught as Marines and sailors. What a pity.

John C., Jefferson,

I am surprised about all this secrecy. The freed Brits have been coming home and are currently in a new hostage situation by the British. Nothing has been heared since their landing no word and whatever they say from now on will be so biosed that nobody will believe it anymore. This bootcamp they are now going through will take away any credibility from them. They will be thouroughly briefed on what to say and what not to say to the public. Its the same game they have gone through as in Iran. There they were told what to say and exploited by the politicians. The local explotation is about to begin. Let them speak freely their own mind. Britain is supposed to be a democracy that promotes free speech but its behaviour here it seems they are afraid of the free and unbiased opinions of the sailors.

ajfld, timbuktu,

This is the way forward, as they say it’s good to talk.

Maybe just maybe the Americans and especially Bush might just learn something from this episode and all this might therefore just be worthwhile.

During its history USA has never apologised for its wrongs, name me one, they always placed them selves above the rest of the world by saying you are wrong and our way is the only way, well here is a lesson for you.

Now go and learn a bit more about the world and the people in it, I am surprised you know where Iran is, or perhaps it’s because of Iraq.

Learn from the others who do know better.

Charles, London, UK

Want to bet that the IED that killed those soldiers came from Iran?

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio, USA

Is humiliation too strong a word? I don't think so. That abducted members of H.M. Forces have been seen to so quickly fold and begin supporting the position of their abductors is almost without precedent. That they should complete the humiliation by thanking their abductors for their release is definitely without precedent.

Expat, Shenzhen, China

And President Ahmandinejad manages to outspin Prime Minister Blair!

Stuart Williams , Bournemouth,

The soldiers are a shame to the British Army and they should be treated accordingly.

Mary T. , Madrid,

Whatever it was they said, it worked in getting them out of there.

& they didn't give away any strategic/operational information - if anything, they lied to Iran about their true location/purpose.

I wouldn't personally blame ground troops for not being media-savvy enough to know that their comments could be used for political ends.

Mark, Woking, UK

I am really happy for the good outcome of the event.I was afraid it would have been a long and complicated matter such as that of the American hostages.
What the raisons for the Ahmadinejad’s “generous” act? Maybe the substantially uniform reaction of most countries might have played the most important role.

Luigi Curatola, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy

I hope our brothers of the UK don't hold these kids responsible for appologising about being in Iranian waters. If I'm a pow or captured, I'm more concerned about a place to put my hat, than who's backyard I'm in. Please UK, honor these kids, don't be self rightous and call them traitors. They are not. The Name Rank Serial number thing is old and useless. It's not aiding the enemy, It's saving your own life and that of your compatriots.I'm so glad they're home to the UK and I imagine they are too. I'll bet they're scared to, well, you get the idea !

Mike Hinkes, Medford, Oregon USA

To those who may be critical of the 15 hostages: Keep in mind that they were badly let down by those above them. They were apparently not properly briefed as to the disputed status of the waters in which they would be operating. They were sent in a woefully vulnerable rubber boat with only rifles and sidearms. The HMS Cornwall was too far away to offer support, and the sole helicopter had insufficient fuel to provide air cover for the entire operation. If I were in their shoes, I would have felt betrayed by those above me. I can excuse them for thinking that their fate was largely up to themselves. For all we know, their release may very well have had more to do with their own conduct in captivity than with anything the Blair government might have done.

If you expect your footsoldiers to act honourably, then honourable conduct had better be the rule for everyone all the way up the chain of command.

Stefan Stackhouse, Black Mountain, NC, USA

The ultimate victory is the safe return of the R.N. personell. Congrats to Brit diplomacy, now lets not let this happen again, and give these snot nose despots a world stage. Remember, "Hearts of Oak".

R. Boyd, Oakville Ontario, Canada

I feel ashamed of what I see and read about the conduct of these fifteen Royal Navy personnel. They have embarrassed us all here in the Uk and if they are typical of the type of personnel NOW in the Royal Navy, then God help us. Serious consideration should be given to their suitability to wear the Queen's uniform, what a disgrace

Derek, PORTSMOUTH, uk

"The 15 were released yesterday in a stunning piece of political theatre by President Ahmandinejad, who brought a bizarre but welcome end to a 13-day hostage drama that had held out the possibility of violent escalation. "?!?!

Would you like to comment on his impeccably kept beard as well? I don't recall the British calling the Battle of the Bulge a "Stunning piece of military theatre by Herr Hitler".

Larry, Sacramento, California

I must express my relief that the servicemen are back safely, however I would have been happier if those of them interviewed on camera by the Iranians had just kept their mouths shut. Name, rank, serial number and DOB: if they'd have left it at that, they would have been welcomed back as heroes. I am sorry to say that I think they have let themselves down.

Mark, Hong Kong,