The westerners can not understand what hospitality , humane behavior and friendly attitude mean. Iranian captured British sailors because they invaded Iranian soil and freed them very soon. American and Brits captured some innocent people more three years ago and have held them in confinement away from their familys. Nobody object this inhumane behavior. I am sorry to see that most westerners are ignorant what has happening in the world around them

David Artoon, Taleghan, Iran

I wonder why the Britons and Americans are so biased when they confront some hard realities. Are they sure that these marines were caught within the boundaries of Iraqi-waters which is occupied and 'protected' by US and British forces. Then you have to admit that the British marines are incapable of handling their duty.

Suppose 15 Iranian guards were caught in Iraqi territory by Americans or Britons. Can you imagine the treatmentment they might have experienced in Ahu Guraib or if they have taken to a cell in Guitmo in that matter.

How do you dare speak the Western values at a time when millions of women and children perished in Iraq by hunger during your sanctions and hundreds of thousand died by cluster bombs and other weapons of mass-destruction.

Who on earth unleased as much destruction as US had in the past as well as in the present.

Even after being the Britons released with dignity - which they dont deserve as tresspassers - the blame should go to Iran ?

Mohd Kutty, Jeddah, KSA

Just think about this, if they were in Iragi waters as they claimed to be, how on earth did the Persian marines caught them? Dont you think it was wrong for the Persian marines to be in Iraqi waters as well? Very unlikely the Persian marines would go to Iragi waters to capture the 15 Brits. But of course, the British government, Tony Blair and his people would never admit to their `mischievous acts'. The most sickening part now is the western people will never ever know how to be feel grateful- for every love, kindness and consideration- given by any Muslim or Muslim country. They would always have negative thoughts. They are poisoning their own mind and subsequently become paranoid and live with fear everyday. Before anyone could say anything bad about the Iranians, think on how the US and Britain have treated the prisoners of Guantamalo. Such disgraceful and inhuman acts! Treating Muslims as second class human being while God has created us all equally.

Elena, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

First of all, I bet the vast majority of these "ARMCHAIR TOUGH-GUYS" who are critical of these soldiers would probably be wailing like babies and wallowing in their filth if they were ever caught up in a similar situation! Yes it is obivious that the British Military did a poor job in training their men and women how to behave in captivity, so don't blame the soldiers blame their Generals and Admirals. The captives had to rely on their own instincts for survival, and they did a pretty good job because they succeeded. As we have often seen recently, even the most hardened, sucidal, Jihadist types start spilling the beans as soon as they are captrured. I have a challenge for the "Armchair Tougies" go to Iraq and present yourself as a gift to Al-Quida to demonstrate just how much pain you can endure.

Ray, New York City, U.S.A.

This is intolerable. English have forgotten pride in their country. To admit that fascist iranians were correct in their capture of british vessel will embolden other islamic terrorists.

Philip, Houston, Texas

The US should realise by now that by having serious negotiations can solve problems. Respect others if you want them to respect you. At least the Iranians freed the sailors and marines on humanitarian grounds. I don't think they won't be that forgiving next time. Maybe establishing a Guantanamo in Teheran would be in order. Let's get real, the US and Britain are the aggressors and invaders in this part of the world. Get out of Iraq. The sooner the better!

NAZARI, Kedah, Malaysia

As a former female military 82nd Airborne Soldier, I am appalled at the behavior of the Briton soldiers. We are taught, name, rank, and serial number. I would have loved to see my family, I am the mother of 3, and a wife of 13 years. Yet, I would die for my country, and would rather die or be in prison for seven years, than to disgrace my country like the Britons did. I am happy they are home safe, but would be happier if it wasn't by disgracing their country. I agree with the others, can we trust Briton with secrets knowing they will tell rather than be tortured. I am very proud of our American soldiers who fought in Vietnam, WW I, WW II, and who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan today. I am proud to be a U.S. Military Veteran.

Katina, Urbana, USA/OH

you would better say thanks to Iranian's , what US/UK would do if they were in Iran's position? who knows!
remeber ABU GHARIB?
we all are human, no one and no country should be destroy. were is humaniti? where is demecracy which we talk about it and proud of it?
you all better to say : NO WAR

john larabee, NYC, USA

I served in the U.S. Marines and with the British Royal Marine all over the world. An I can tell you these boys were not British Royal Marines, they might wear the uniform, but they are not Marines.. Just ask any Old British Royal Marine how tough the British Jungle tracking school was on you , and if you got caught on a training patrol. You though black and blue (did anyone see any black and blue on these boys) was your normal skin color. Real British Marine would never, I say never give up without a fight. British Marines have always been out gunned and out manned, the worst the odd's, the better they like it. There's a code which Marines live by and part of that code says you never quit and you never surrender. These boys have shame all who wear the Globe & Anchor , and call themself Marines, Briish, American, Korean, Japanese, Russian. They will have to now live for the rest of their lives with that shame and we will remember.

Retire Mike , St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Our crew are home, I do not blame them for not putting up a fight as they were out gunned in every department, next time it may be differant.
As to the T,V charade its not the first time the Iranians have done this act and I am sure they will try it again somewhere. Ask the American Hostages
The Iranian leadership has gained a short term hype from this, but in the long term it has done great harm to the leadership and the country. Would you do business with them?
As to the British Goverment and its people, well we have long memorys

Taf, Cardiff, Wales

To me the saddest part of this episode is that the British public seems oblivious to just how badly the Iranians humiliated you. I can well understand surrender in the face of superior firepower but the conduct of the soldiers as they were being released was appalling, and the British public's reveling in their victimhood shows just how far England has fallen from its proud past.

Steve , New York, USA

Everyone should be grateful these young people are safe. The world is falling apart, simple courtesy is mostly a memory, and all we have is goerge bush & dick cheney's say-so that the Iranians are enriching uranium for weapons. Why are they not good enough to want some of the benefits of progress? In fact, why should they not want to develope a form of defense since it seems to be accepted that some of their neighbors have nuclear weapons? I don't think ANYONE needs these weapons but I can understand wanting to be able to let one's opposition know they will not simply be able to strike without retaliation in kind. The whole world knows how truthful and reliable anything bushwhack and chinless have to say.

Marjorie Greene, Bristol, Virginia

The main 'victim' of this entire episode is George Bush. His refusal to have anything to do with Iran is totally discredited The UK negotiated with the Iranian President whose standing throughout the region is now established.
Even informed western journalists acknowledge the 'charisma' of this polished,educated, and energetic politician who, having humiliated the UK -without bloodshed - now holds all the trump cards, no matter whether one admires, suspects or despises him.
The 'final solution' lies in the expiration of the Bush administration.
Felix Cherniavsky Canada.

felix cherniavsky, edmonton Alberta, canada

I was a draftee during the Vietnam war, although never served in combat. I'm disgusted with their behavior, so I can only imagine how real soldiers must feel, especially Vietnam vets. Please tell your colonel blimps to shut the hell up about how the lads did the right thing. If this is typical, then the west is in real trouble. Fortunately, I don't think it is. Their ebullience is especially disgusting.

Richard Waddell, Santa Ana, CA/USA

Cowards are Cowards. No matter what they would do. If the ship was in the iraqi's water how would the persian would capture them??? One of the crew has spoken to Sky news channel (b4 the incident) that one of their duties is to collect info about Iran. 2 mistakes that the persian government has committed: 1- free those cowards with gifts!!! If I had the choice I would free them with ONLY their underwears on. 2- Iran had to make it very clear to British and US Governments that this time you knew your troops were with us, but there is no next time any military ship comes near to the persian sea they would be killed in their place- That Iran didnt say.

Adel, Bahrain,

War is a serious matter with irreversible consequences i.e death, mutilation, grief and destruction and not a computer game or hollywood movie you can replay or reset.
Yes, they are soldiers, people that have decided that they are willing to give their lives for their country and for the defence of their loved ones.
Seriously, if one is to sacrifice one's life it must be for something worthwhile.
It would be not valuing one's life to decide to die, when your country is not at war, all alone in the middle of nowhere in the persian sea waters, with your action not making any difference at all in making your country and loved ones more safer

Instead, a different decision could have endangered far more people, with so much military power concentrated in the gulf, a small incident involving death can quickly go beyond recall, creating far more death, destruction and pain for everyone. i.e UK/US soldiers & their families, Iran, the middle east in a chain reaction.

yves, auckland, NZ

Iran has insulted the British people, and the reasons, though many, does not matter. People insult for a thousand valid of innocent or wicked reasons! But one question continues to linger in my mind: have the British punished Iran yet? Or have they bowed their heads ... and apologized to those who insulted them? I can understand they were reluctant to overreact when their people were in danger. But now they are free from danger! Should at the least Britain send back the "suits and the gifts"? Or simply put Britain has lost her spine and is history!?

Bohdan Szejner, Kraków, Poland

Dear London Times
The media hype over this event is again showing how the media can manipulate an event along with the government to achieve it's own ends. The "good guys" are always protrayed as having loved ones waiting to receive them with open arms and safely back on UK soil. Where is the coverage of the hundreds of "the enemy" going through the same ordeal at the hands of the Americans or Brits.........the 'rough handling' would hardly compare to the "hostages" being held at the secret prisons being sanctioned and condoned by the Americans and Brits. Instead of 14 days what about the enemy who were never charged being held hostage by the Americans three to five years and the 'rough handling' (torture) that went with it.
It would be refreshing to see some journalism that approached the trajedy of war from a humanitarian perspective for both sides and not the blatent one sided propaganda that this event provided the media in an effort to promote the evils of nationalism.

Tom, Kathmandu, Nepal

Never mind the suits and the presents, what about getting the inflatable boats and equipment back from Iran. Paid for by the British taxpayers.

Chris Kirk, Dublin, Ireland

I believe in training,British and American soldiers are taught and told, if captured, to say or do almost anything their captors want involving propaganda purposes, as opposed to real secrets or valuable military intelligence.

I think, in essence, this is what the captured British marines and sailors did and, if this is so, it is consistent with their training for this kind of situation.

John Pattison, Kitchener, Canada

As an American, I was surprised and disappointed to witness the conduct of your soldiers. Lord Nelson; Mountbatten; Montgomery et al must be turning in their graves. I assure you that US Marines would have never acted so cooperatively; nor would they have had tea with this mad tyrant.

larry Skoglund, Edina, Mn USA

I am curious, WHAT happened to the orignial uniforms the 15 Sailors and Marines were wearing when they were captured?? DID the Iranians keep it...and if they did...for what PURPOSE???

Iris Suarez, Elmwood Park, Illinois

I see that on both sides you have people full of hate who want to see bloodshed and destruction.What is pathetic is that they are mirror images of each other, in what they say.Both have disregard to innocent human lives.
Those people who call on "nuking them" and "destroy them", sound just like the people they are criticizing .
People think war is a Chuck Norris movie, they forget that war has a hefty price paid by people with missing limbs ,chattered lives, and lost loved ones.
If this is the only solution to resolve problems, is this what they are teaching their kids to do to resolve problems at school or at work, or in their community, state?
Enough is enough.

Mona Mazboudi, Pembroke pines, FL,USA

The English had a proud history of prowess in army and naval warfare; whatever happened to that? These seamen were a disgrace--whatever happened to "name, rank and serial number" and no cooperation with the enemy? The English better start looking to the US for examples of courage under stress; you could not do better than starting with Senator McCain. Or better still, perhaps English troopers ought to get some training on these subjects.

Donal Kinney, Albuquerque, NM

Thanks for your Laudation!!
as an iranian...i`m really ashemed of the goverment`s act!
but it`s not fair to impute these adjectives to us!!

GolzZz, Tehran, Iran

Mr. Singh of Mumbai writes India is a land of tolerance, love and humanity. I don't know what India he's talking about but I've never seen such degradation of human life anywhere worse except the old Romania. I'm not a Bush fan, but it's a human problem, not a national problem. As long as fanatics of any type are allowed to get away with whatever they please backed by violence and secrecy, none of us are safe anywhere. Every country has 'em. No one needs to speak for the Almighty. He does that quite well enough all by Himself; we ALL need to shut up and listen.

The British Military-good sports generally. They behaved wisely, bravely and are a credit to themselves and the families that raised them.

G. Lisduff-Green
Kennebunkport

g lisduff-green, kennebunkport, maine,usa

What would Lord Nelson have done?

N. Braslow, Ph.D. , Seattle, WA/USA

having served in the military for 24 years, i'd say the group of 15 did very well under very trying circumstances. regardless of those civilians who claim they caved in and released state secrets (which as far as i can tell they didn't), i don't care how tough you are, isolation and the threat of death will wear down any person's resistance. well done, people!

Bob Ziegler, Minot , North Dakota USA

It amazes me that people express shame at how these marines acted. In war heroes are the ones who get killed and these marines had more than themselves to think of. Who could stand their ground and risk imprisonment and death when they have family and friends to think of? Iran is also not only responsible here, for tensions have been rising between the powers in that region and it is obvious that situations like this will arise. Just be thankful that the marines are home and no major international fallout has occured yet, between these countries. Islam and christianity are quite capable of living in peace. As a christian I have many Muslim friends and none of them are the animals that the West portrays them as being, in fact their culture is in many ways more respectful than my own. I would trust many of my Muslim friends with my life more then I would alot of Christians I know.

Kyle, Moscow, Russia

What happened to a soldier's Code of Conduct? Allies of Britain need to be cautious when giving the Brits sensitive information. A captured Brit will surely surrender the information at the first hint of being denied a meal.

Al Cam, Portland, USA

i'm glad all your British military staff returned home safely to their families. in the big picture of life, who cares what was said in order for them to return home safely. and please don't throw the gifts that were given to them away. that would be very small minded. the bible says to forgive and not judge. who knows what we would've said and done if we had been in the same situation as those British sailors. Every situation presents an opportunity for understanding and empathy amongst humans.

josie, nampa, U.S.A., Idaho

Now that the crew is safe, it is time for the West to step up their pressure on Iran to comply with the various UN and IAEA mandates to end their development of uranium enrichment and resume international inspections, and follow through appropiately if the government of Iran fails to comply.

Mark J, Las Vegas, NV

Britain's allies take note! Make sure the Brits are not given any sensitive information for, if captured, they will immediately betray their Code of Conduct at just the threat of their blankets or teddy bears being taken away.

Al, Portland, USA

I hope the marines throw away the Iranian "gifts" now that the charade is over.

James Bachmann, Avondale, CO

Wow, I'm almost speechless, your military has been hijacked by France.White flags to become mandatory for all sailors..

Joe, NY, US

The behavior of these sailors was an absolute disgrace for anyone who wears a British uniform and is completely demoralizing for anyone who aspires to the countries service. Is it truly asking too much for the nation to expect it's service men (and women in this case) to keep a "stiff upper lip", to conduct themselves with just a hint of dignity and not play into the hands of those who had captured them. If the cause is just, and if they were in international waters, they should have stood their ground.
If the military fails to make this an example of "how not to act when captured" they are making a great mistake.

JP, London, UK

Give these guys a break. This isn't a John Wayne movie; when you're out numbered with a 50 cal. pointed at you, it's not the time to be a hero. Those of you wh believe Iran over the Brits as to their location amaze me. Haven't you followed the history of this very stange and sick country? I'm sure that thsoe who are speaking badly of the Brits have never served their country.......SERVED their country.

Dan Ovshak, Jacksonville, fLORIDA

here here!

Ian, Sheffield,

The Western conutries have developed a phobia which was started by George Bush. they see everyone through a narrow prism and view everyone as a terrorist. they should have been born in India to learn what tolerance, love and humanity mean. India is home to all the major religions but still people live in harmony. Its a pity that the World is in this state as they view all Muslims and their nations as terrorist. Christ save the World!

nilesh singh, mumbai,

I think they knew what they did and knew they did it consciously and like some school-boys who did something wrong they tried to justify it and make some excuses at press conference .

Liam Walker, Newyork, U.S.

Whats the problem of being seated in an economy class. Its far better than being seated in solitary confinement.
Its a shame for BA to do that. Why the RAF did not send a C-130 to pick them up. They should have not replaced the business suits attire provided by the Iranians if they wanted to seat on business class. Don't enjoy being humiliated on TV. Next-time put up a fight and not be a coward.

Tony Bush, Tehran, Persia

I congratulate the British Sailors & Marines who handled themselves so well under such adverse conditions these past 2 weeks. Welcome home. I also appreciate all the aid you have given to us Americans in our fight against these crazy people. We are doing the right thing over there. God be with all of you.

Kathleen Thompson, Essex, Ct., USA

Iran is terrorist state and haven. As are some other Islamic countries. Why do so many in UK, US and other parts of the West refuse to accept this fact.
Unfotunately the real world is not Sunday school. All nations do things wrong at times for whatever reasons and of course many good and decent people live in all nations
Unfortunately "death to America ",(the West) , is not a slogan. It is State policy in Iran and other places in Islamic world. Pity. We all know that many really good people live in these places. Their leadership is not chosen by the people. Sadly in some instances Hatred of Israel, US, UK and West is taught.
Sad. Mushroom clouds on horizon.

allan, chicago, USA

I would just like to say that i'm very happy that the crew are home safe. God bless them and their families.

Tiffany, Washingtin, PA

Wake up UK, US and all unbelieving everywhere.
Iran is a terrorist state, sponsor and haven. While I know their are many Good and Decent people in Iran and many other Islamic countries who also preach and practice Hatred towards my country,US, UK, Israel and the West, I say to absolutely destroy them. Seems the populace of these countries, for whatever reasons, either is powerless or simply does not want to have reasonable God fearing leadership. Very sad on either account.
"Death to America" is not just a slogan. Sadly it is State policy. And not just towards America.
So it is easy. Do unto others as they would do to you.
Before they have a chance. They have no honor. They are cowards and mock any sort of agreements treaties etc they may sign while expecting others to abide by. Always trying to re-arm, re-supply for next round of attack of some type.
And they have patience. Destroy them.

allan, chicago, USA

I trust all have read now of the hostages' treatment. I hope also that many have read of a woman's having been convicted yesterday, in Iran, of adultery, and then sentenced to death by stoning. Iran also appears to have been partly or wholly responsible for the murder of British peacekeeping forces yesterday. Could anything be clearer but that we ought now to bomb this sickening theocracy's military capacities out of existence?

Maynard, NY/Oxford, US/UK

When the President of Iran starts handing out gift bags and bespoke suits to foreign soldiers/hostages, it sets a bad precedent. Other countries might feel pressured to come up with suitable parting gifts as well. What next? T-shirts sporting the line: "I was taken hostage in Iran and all I got was this stupid t-shirt"? iPods for those released from Guantanamo?

Suzanne Strange, Washington, DC USA