The focus continues to be wrong. The sailors behavior is less important than the decisions and policy of the British military commaned. First, they did not make adequate provisions for protecting boarding parties. Second, they now allow the 15 sailors to profit from the sale of their stories to the tabloid press in direct contradiction of policy against such sales.

The first is an example of risking military lives to avoid seeming aggressive -- how stupid in a war zone. The second is an insult to the British soldiers who fight for the lives and die in Iraq and Afghanistan every day. Is the British military becoming a sideshow.

Where is the discipline? Where is the decorum? Where is the tradition? What possible good for the military could come from allowing those certain military personnel to become media stars and to personally enrich themselves from doing their job and incurring far less harm and injury that soldiers who die or return without arms or legs?

Mary Ellen Stevens, Chicago, Illinois, USA

So the 15 personnel, who knew they were taking a job where the chances of being maimed or losing their lives are greater than most (including most of the commentators here), have had a run of luck.
They've been at the heart of potentially WWIII and come out of it with all their bodies intact.
This way it'll be up to someone else to start off procedings, and those personnel will be able to get on with their jobs. And face death once again in the troubled waters of the Middle East.
If that doesn't happen then i'm sure they'll still give their lives to save Britain is she were ever attacked. To say they wouldn't is pathetic, cowardly and childish.
I thank them for taking a role i never could. Bravo to them.

Justin, Wuhan, China

Luckily they weren't captured by the Americans or they could be in Syria, or Morocco or Eygpt right now being 'questioned'

Felix, Dullesville,

This is absolutely farcical. The soldiers absolutely did the right thing, which has been demonstrated by the fact that this situation has reached a diplomatic ending. True, we have won the battle and certainly not the war, but saying that the only answer troops should ever have is to open fire is ridiculous. It does however, possibly explain why the US has so many friendly fire incidents.

Dominic, brighton, England

I say the sailors did the right thing. Who cares if they mouthed off some Iranian propaganda and had smiles for Ajad. It didn't hurt anyone. Everyone knows the whole thing was ridiculous and a farce of the Iranian's making. Everyone knows no one is sincere in those conditions. I think the soldiers actions helped maked the Iranians looked even more foolish and exposed their primitive mindset, and took away any excuse for the Iranians to hold on to them and cause further trouble for us. The soldiers should win an Oscar for their acting performance.

sc, Atlanta, USA

why were they there without back up and why did they not see the iranians coming? they were in a combat situation and combat is what they should have tried first.. i am a former navy seal and these troops should be ashamed of themselves.. if they were so afraid of themselves being harmed,, then why accept gifts from the iranian government...seems everytime i saw them on tv they were smiling and eating with no one standing behind them cocking guns.. they were just inexperienced weekend warriors and scared much too easily

no real warrior would have surrendered in the face of superior firepower.. we troops are to defend what we believe in to the death period.. that is the risk we all undertake knowingly upon enlistment

c, dayton, ohio

Harry Kennard, Peasmarsh, England

If you think that all the peoples of American and Australia hate you personally, than the problem might be with you, not them....

Most Americans and most Australians are very fond of Britain and that is why the initial kidnapping and now this (apparent) breakdown of the RN is so distressing.

I don't think we should tar all of the British forces by the actions of these to dinghy crews. The Royal Commandos in Afghanistan have been nothing short of spectacular. We should keep things in perspective.

M. Fernandez, , San Francisco,

When is it honourable to surrender.?

At the battle of Gandamak in Afhganistan in 1842

the 44th (East Essex)Regt of Foot was decimated and surrounded by the enemy.

When asked to surrender the answer given was:
"
Not bloody likely"

Only two men survived.A Capt.Thomas Souter and Regt Surgeon Wm. Brydon.

Question ?

Were these men fools or heroes???

Saladin, Greenwich,

I don't know what's worse: my fellow Americans blaming Bush/Halliburton/Cheney, my fellow Americans blaming the Brits, or my fellow Americans with the "we saved your Limey-ass" talk.

In WWI and WWII, we did not save the Brits' ass. We were too late for that both times. Get over it.

I find the behavior of the British Naval personnel somewhat questionable, but their Marines did just fine. Watch the films. Not what I would've done when I was an infantry platoon leader, but not as bad as all of you make out.

The Bush/Halliburton/Cheney moonbattery is beneath comment, and a sign of sickness.

To you Brits: Do not hold these men up as heroes, as they are not, but recognize this: you are at war with the Islamic Republic. They declared it, not you. It is no different than they did to us. Scoff if you will, but Iranian money funded 7/7, and it funded 9/11 as well. The road to peace goes through Teheran, and anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.

Morgenholz, Dayton, OH/USA

To discuss if the soldiers' behaviour was right or wrong, seems useless, why? Because nobody knows which were the orders. Anyone with a bit of brain would realize that before starting their mission, they were given specific orders about what to do and when. And in such problematic waters the main orders should have been made by the MoD and Blair himself. They are the ones to blame, not the soldiers. Secondly, it´s also useless to begin a fight between British and American people because that´s what the International Terrorism seeks. To divide and rule. May be it´s not through war that terrorism must be overcome but through strategy (because terrorism has no motherland and surely Al Qaeda's and other terrorist groups' agents are widely spread all over the world).The UK and USA should join forces but not to blow up the ME but to end terrorism through global strategy. Unfortunately, only short-term, big-impact wars are helpful to win elections...

Marcelo, Santa Teresita, Argentina

Forget the released hostages for a moment: what shows more clearly than I would have expected, is the number of American and Australians who can barely conceal their hatred for this country.
I suppose with the native Australians it's a history thing, "My gr gr great grandfather got transported for stealing a turnip" , and the hatred from America comes from the IRA supporters who are still blaming us for the potatoe famine.

We won't mention Mogadishu, another better forgotten campaign where the World Superpower was humiliated by tribesmen with a few AK 47's and did a "strategic withdrawal" after losing a helicopter.

Harry Kennard, Peasmarsh, England

The British military is a disgrace. It sounds like Britain needs to be colonized; they need someone to tell them how to act with courage under duress during times of war.

Maybe a real power should save the Queen because I am afraid that your soldiers may decide collectively that they can't protect the monarch because they might not win the battle.

Pete, Winsted, CT USA

Am I to understand that the British Navy has suspended monitoring of ships passing in the area due to the scare the Iranians put on them with the detention of 15 British service personnel.

God save the Queen, because your military can't.

Clyde , Halifax, Canada

It was telling, I thought, that in Iran during their 'coerced' apologies the captives spoke freely, smilingly and off the cuff waving pens at charts, but when they gave their British press conference they took turns to read from a prepared statement. Of the two, which was the 'staged' one?

Maggie, Aberdeen, Scotland

It's a good thing these sailors and Marines didn't fall into the hands of the Americans - where they would have spent their time wearing hoods, stripped naked and standing for hours on boxes under threat of electricution or having their privates bitten off by guard dogs.

Oh wait - we're the good guys, it's OK for us to do that to captured enemies.

Vergle Wagner, East Windsor, NJ, USA

Far away from home (I am in Brazil) what I see about our sailors taken by iranians is not pretty. I certainly would not like to depend on them for my life and Britain's survival!

soledad Rojas, london, uk

Well, these 14 guys and Seaman Turney aren’t Spartans. Nobody’s requiring I guess – kidnapped as ordinary housewives by a group of armed men. Logical. In prison confessed and apologized for having trespassed (threat not to let go home – logical too). Not sure I agree with Defense Secretary Des Browne who told the BBC the captives “acted with immense courage and dignity…” (if military personal is so immensely courageous all the time… are we speaking about Army… or it’s smth else? But if subordinates of Mr. Des Browne couldn’t notice on their radar (btw a chopper was in the air) Iranian speedboats were making prisoners of his own guys…. it’ll certainly encourage Mr. Ahmadinejad to request from Brits to ease global fears about Iranian nuclear program. Logical too. Just a question for Mr. Blair: “Do you need such ‘brave’ marines and Mr. Des Browne too, seriously?”

alex, toronto, canada

The world is deceived by the United States and Britain. The threat of Islam is exaggerated and manufactured largely by these countries to support their insane domination of the planet. Who is under threat of invasion? Not the United States, not Britain. Western government are finding excuses at every turn to use their military strength to solve problems--- the bullies of the international community. 9/11 was an inside job.

Adam , Brampton, Canada, ON

The two officers should be striped of their rank and sent to Iran for there conduct and very poor leadership (or should i say lack of leadership). What happen to the brave British troops that i fought with...shocking...Not a great day for the Queen and the people of the U.K.

Steven, U.S. Army (Ret.), San Diego, U.S.A. CA.

"Why should a proud Brit have to explain anything to a Canadian. What have they contributed to the war on terror? What sacrifices have they made to make the world safe from Islamic extreemist?
Lonnie, Dayton, Ohio "

Lonnie, you appear to be very poorly informed. The Canadians have 2500 troops in Afghanistan. They have been there for over 5 years now. Their troops are out in the provences fighting and dying every day. They're not sitting around on their hands in Kabul. The Canadians are now and always have been good reliable friends.

So they decided to sit out the Iraq fiasco. That looks like it was a wise decision.

Mark Arneson, Redmond, WA/USA

Lord Adm. Nelson and Queen Victoria are both whirling in their graves. How sad the the greatest naval power in the world until after WWII should have come to this! Heads should roll all the way to the Admiralty and PM.

Larry Chaplin, SHERMAN, TX, USA

Rather than criticise the actions of the UK or US forces, perhaps we should be rather more concerned about the utter lunacy of the 'Revolutionary Guard'. What on earth were they thinking when they decided to attack or capture the sailors?

The Iranian regime is staring down the barrel of a gun and they are trying to provoke a reaction. It's suicidal. If they want to dominate the region all they have to do is nothing - just wait. By osmosis their influence will spread through the Shia regions. So why the crazy risks, when there is absolutely nothing to gain. It makes no sense, to me anyway.

Charles, London, England

God Save the Queen. But I think many people miss the big picture, Islamic fundamentalism and its war against Western Civilization. No doubt, in Bush we have a major liability and a rank incompetent but this doesn't negate the fact that militant Islam is on the rise and ready to dominate.

Do you Brits who are defending Iran really think all this is going to go away? What about your home-grown terrorists who are working to destroy your country and your culture? All the British intellectuals and artists who are championing the Islamic cause, will you be happy wearing burkas and praying to Allah five times a day? Militant Islam does not engage in dialog. You either conform or they impose themselves on your life.

The West will have to fight to save itself from an invasive Islam. It is just a matter of time. This hostage situation is just another minor incident. The big event is yet to come.

Sandra, Miami, Florida

Were they marines or frightened boys

If it had happened to Italian marines the whole U.K. would be laughing

Max, Pesaro, Italy

How WW2 got started
:France was supposed to guard the Rhineland under provisions of the Versaille Treaty.
The Germans with a small force decided the French were worthless even though France had 100 Divisions and the Germans a few Battallions.
Heinz Guderian, a German general interviewed by French officers after the Second World War, claimed: "If you French had intervened in the Rhineland in 1936 we should have been sunk and Hitler would have fallen.

In 1939:
Knowing that war was imminent Britain decided that all that Hitler said in Mein Kamph was hooey and that they could negotiate an end to the danger sent Neville Chamberlain to
Berlin. He returned waving a paper signed by Hitler . Neville announced to the World that there would be "Peace in our time"
By then the Bombs were falling on Warsaw and Europe fell one country at a time since they had a League Of Nations
mentality and could not agree on anything(sound familiar).

Then Britain stood alone.

Saladin, Greenwich,

Well, I dont know what kind of deal has been done with Iran, but they didnt obviously release the soldiers for the sake of God, did they?

Anyway, I just hope that this sort of incident will not happen again.

Omido Marco de la Parsi, York, England

Here we go again! It gets boring after a while. The US armchair generals' opinions of how to survive and win! I remember seeing the newsreels of the US' choppers desperately trying to get their people out of Saigon, not to mention the technical incompetence of the aborted rescue of the US hostages at the dawn of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Grenada was easy, as contrary to US intelligence, there was nothing to shoot at. It was still worth at least one heroic movie, though! The only successful US militarist was Rambo, who would never have given in, subsequently wrapping a stars and stripes bandana around his head, then wiping out the entire Iranian populace with his bare hands. I would like to point out to these “experts”, that he was not a real person and that they should not mix truth and fiction when measuring the tenacity of the US military.

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

The actions of these so called hero's reminds me of the actions of some true British hero's...the Monty Python troupe. Anyone remember the "Spanish Inquisition" skit?
"Oh no...not the comfy chair"!

Please! No one said the marines should have fought back when they were outnumbered, but they didn't have to smile and give false statements when by their own admission the worse they faced was blindfolds and the sound of cocking guns. These are suppossed to be PROFESSIONAL members of your military who are TRAINED to withstand such things.

The ease in which these men and woman folded was apalling. Did they have to do it with such big smiles? And what's with accepting the "parting gifts" as if they were on some BBC gameshow?

A refusal to speak anything but name and rank and a sullen face or two would have gone a long way for these sailors and marines. I wonder how their comrades fighting and dying in Iraq feel right now? Or the families of the four who just died yesterday? A disgrace

Rob Fielack, Brooklyn, New York

These sailors and marines would fit in nicely with the French
military.

Phil, OC, CA

Dino, Toronto:

Well, you have ably answered my question about what the Canadians would have done. As said in an earlier post, the jury was out on the imagined response to the Iranian actions by our Canadian neighbors.

The Canadians would have run away with their tails tucked between their legs as well. So much for D-Day bravery.

**sigh**

Kathy , Austin, Texas, USA

Well, I'm sure many people will complain and criticize the soldiers for not dieing for their country. In the end, Iran has shown humility to set these soldiers free to their families. I am absolutely positive that their families would rather have their children home alive than dead. And I'm sure the spin doctors will go to work and make this out to be a bigger tragedy than it could have really been...

Dino, Toronto,

We should all be very, very grateful that they did not fight back. There are two US 'battle groups' sitting off Iran and fully prepared to deliver a knockout blow to the 'Revolutionary Guard', nuclear facilities and infrastructure. A shoot-out between UK & Iranian sailors could be just enough to trigger the confrontation. The ramifications are beyond my prediction abilities, but it is safe to say that the price of oil would go skywards and that would be the least of our problems. Let's not go there if we can possibly help it.

Charles, London, England

What should these sailors/marines have done???/

If you take the Kings shilling you should defend the realm.

Saladin, Greenwich,

It's very sad to see the vitriole being spewed by citizens of supposedly "allied" countries i.e. US/UK/AUS. Anyone who has served in the professional armed forces would have to agree this was a cock up. How far up the chain of command it goes is anyone's guess but I suspect it will go pretty high. Attacking the British people and military for this incident is ridiculous. Likewise, some of the comments about "Gung Ho Americans" being cowards in previous wars is similarly ridiculous, offensive and indefensible. The latter is particularly so given one author is Australian and I know for a fact many of his countrymen still respect what the US did in the Pacific thereby protecting his country and freeing thousands of Aussie POW's held by Japan. We Americans too won't forget AUS and UK sacrifices in Vietnam and Korea.

There is no greater alliance today than the US/UK/AUS despite what some may write on this site. We need to remember our shared interests.

Charles C
USMC (ret'd)

Charles C., NYC, USA

Tim Rankin, WW2 was nowhere near "over" when we got involved. I'm not defending the"gung ho" statements made here by other Americans, but your summation of history is blatantly false. WW2 started Sept 1939, the Brits were unable to even respond until the following summer of 1940 and then it was piece meal and the German U-boats were taking their toll.The US entered the war Dec 7th 1941 (as you know) by which point the Brits were in severe hardship.The war finally ended in August of 1945.We, both countries, fought along side each other with bravery and tenacity.There were acts of courage and cowardice everywhere on all sides.If you want to make a point, stick to the facts,don't create then to bolster your argument.I suggest you read Winston Churchill's war memoirs to get the inside perspective about America's involvement in your European war.He believed that because America entered the war Britain was saved.LOOK IT UP.

Ian Turner, Austin, Texas USA

You trigger happy Americans are a disgrace. At least you are not in any position of responsibility or you would have got them killed.

Ben, York,

It does make me laugh when people suggest this situation is indicative of a decaying Britain or the erosion of British values. Armchair phylosophers, please take a seat next to the armchair generals. Correct, it was an embarrassing (and probably avoidable) situation, but I believe the 15 did what they had to under the circumstances. I, for one, feel neither pride nor shame, but tremendous RELIEF.
And Arthur in Australia. Exactly what does multiculturalism have to do with this? How many of the crew were black or Asian? Live in a mainly white area do you..?

steve, watford,

Has Britain forgotten that the US saved your ass not once but twice? I think our countries should continue to work together instead of picking at eachother as we stand pretty much alone in this fight againt extremist. Russia,China and France, as well as Germany have sold out to Iran and the terrorist. I will never understand why France has become so useless. Yes wwII was almost over because Britain was ready to fold and France was gone, WWI was a stalemate with masive loses and even then it was the US that provided all the ammunition. So much for that.

robert, pottsville, USA

The argument that keeps coming up that if we (humble Times readers) were in their shoes, we'd have done the same thing, is nonsense. These sailors were - should have been - trained to fight. They were not ordinary citizens, but they acted as if they were and that is why, sadly, I think they come over as cowards. But it's more their superiors/trainers who need to be blamed, not these 15.

Mike, Rome, Italy

Unlike the rest of you,I have 'nt the foggiest who was right and who was wrong. I was'nt there.

But,the tenor of all these letters makes one proud to be Iranian.

The United States is the Evil Empire and Great Britain is their lackey.

In fact,I hear that Canada is reinforcing their borders in fear of an invasion from the south.

How soon till Westminster Abbey becomes a mosque???

Saladin, Greenwich,

Absolute. Utter. Humiliation.

Winston Churchill is rolling over in his grave, and judging by the poll numbers I have seen coming out of Britain, half the British populace is of the "surrender" and "grovel" mindset. It is a breathtaking departure from the Brit's once vaunted reputation of the stiff upper lip and national resolve.

What did the EU and UN do for their member when in need? Nothing at all. Hell, the UN couldn't even gather up the courage to call the action "deplorable." They were, however, "gravely concerned." Sorry guys, but I wouldn't get too awfully attached to those who would throw you to the wolves.

Sorry, but Australians would never let this happen to them. Nor any Marine. The jury is very much out on the Canadians, but I believe they would have been brave.

Not the Brits. Sad loss of respect.

Kathy , Austin, Texas, USA

I am not surprised by comments of militant Americans and their eagerness to shed some blood. I however deem the behavior of the 15 as a victory of civilization and reason. This is exactly why I love England that, to me, is the epitome of everything I hoped for after leaving a horribly poor and war-torn country. And this is coming from someone who lived in the US as well.

Ana, London, UK

All these Gung Ho Americans. You joined WW1 and WW2 when they both were almost over. Your Iranian captives all confessed to almost everything. As for the wondrous courage and nobility of the US fighting forces - might I mention Mai Lai? My father was a fighter pilot in WW2, he fought with the British, the Polish, the Chechs and the Yanks. His opinion albeit only from his own observations, was that if the Americans lacked thier usual overwhelming firepower, they tended, in the main to be the most gutless fighters. There is one important fact here. Nobody died, no Iranians, no British. If all the armchair warlords had their way hundreds, even thousands may have died. I might add, I am an ex Australian Naval Officer, I would have done exactly what those lads and lass did. They were not at war, they had no authority to start a war, and I suspect that any service people, including Americans would have done the same.

Tim Rankin, Bowral, NSW, Australia

i think the soldiers are wise .otherwise my opinion to Iran have changed .

jane, big city , China

Let me understand this...

The Royal Marines were in Iraki waters under a UN mandate to interdict, and if needed, forcibly board vessels suspected of smuggling.

Instead, it was the Iranians who engaged in the successful interdiction of a Royal Navy craft in Iraki waters, took the sailors as hostages, all without a shot being fired.

In the future, why would any captain of a ship in Iraki waters obey a order to stop, if that order comes from a ship flying the Union Jack?

If I were the captain of said ship, I'd be laughing and hollering, "All ahead full boys! They've got guns but won't use them!".

An interdiction at sea can only be successful if there is a credible threat of the use of force, if you don't comply.

Tom, Derry, New Hampshire/USA

I have to wonder what the frigate was doing - the Iranian boats didn't just appear. The Frigate should have made it quite clear to the Iranians - come close and we will blow you out of the water - End of story. Iranians like like all third world countries love proving the West is weak. Sink a few boats and see how big and tough they are

It's what I expect from the RAN (Royal Australian Navy) defend our people no matter what the cost.

J S White, Sydney , Australia

The sailors and marines interviewed made the British Military look like spoiled, cowardly brats. In order for them to provide the smiling, apologizing propaganda footage seen during their captivity, the Iranians had to separate them, and threaten them. Wow! What an ordeal! Why didn't they just smoke more? While this tactic may be expected to work on civilians, should we not expect a little more strength of character, or a demonstration of training from military personnel? They were concerned with one thing, self preservation. If their fathers or grandfathers behaved the same way, I suppose I would have been writing this in German. All I can hope is that these dandies are the exception, and not the rule, in the military. Because if they represent the strength and honor, the best and bravest, good luck to you. You'll need it.

Janice, Binghamton, NY

i think people recognize the fact that fighting back would have been suicidal.... They did the right thing and avoided escalating the crisis into a full out war. That said, these 'apologies' and groveling before the Iranians on national TV was completely unacceptable. Whatever happened to 'name, rank, and serial number'??? They confess to whatever the Iranians tell them because they are threatened with 'seven years' in prison?? American POWs in Vietnam confessed to less after being tortured horribly and ACTUALLY imprisoned for 7 years..... Whatever happened to the stiff upper lip and defiance of the British Empire?

Mac, Oklahoma City, USA

I can understand that the info they .gave out was not secret nor likely to be harmful but (and its a big but) why be so cooperative and happy about it. Surely they have the intelligence to know that whatever they said would be aiding the Iranians in their propoganda war. We in the west may have seen it as under duress but the propoganda was not aimed at us but rather those in the Arab world. They could have been a little less gleeful about it.To kiss the hand of those who give support to terrorists in Iraq in killing our brave soldiers is unforgivable.As for the Navy it showed itself as lacking in savvy and only a shadow of its former glory.

J. .Legorburu, Nairn, Scotland

The "15 cowards" as a commentator put it so aptly, behaved exactly how I would have: frightened, compliant and willing to do anything to secure my release. They were threatened with 7 years prison (which sounds like the first number you think of) to be the pawns in a propaganda battle - didn't take much, did it? A few of the marines refusing to wave goodbye to the president hardly counts as resistence. What completed this sickening display of cowardice was the acceptance of these "goody bags". At least publicly smash them when you arrive on UK soil! No principles and no guts. If this is what the "best of the best" do under pressure, God help us all.

James, London, UK

Why would they fight .To fight like lions while lead by donkeys have long gone years ago.Everybody knows by now,they are only there
because of a load of fairy tales.Chain of command stops with Tony
Blair.Why would anybody fight for someone you wouldn't buy a car from.

A walton, Leicester, England

To all those idiots who think the Sailers should have fought back are gung-ho dillusionists, stop reading comics and live in the real world, do you think 15 dead sailers would have been a better outcome?? When your out gunned and out manouvered by superior forces, you either retreat or surrender - you live to fight another day!!.
Stop blaming EU, If you listened to the EU rather than the US, 140 British personnel would not be dead fighting a trumped war in Iraq, A war that has revitalised the real enemy Al Qaida and given them a safe haven.

Mike, leiden, netherlands

As an American, I have so much respect for the British people, system of governnment and way of life.

But, what these soldiers did was an act of cowardice, not just for the Brits but for the entire world.

They sounded like a bunch of sissies describing how they avoided the school bully.

The definition of a soldier is to fight and to defend, not to run and capitulate, like these 15 soldiers did in Iran.

They are a disgrace to entire free world and if their "run and capitulate" is the new military strategy of the UK, then maybe this is the beginning of the Britain's end.

Cowards!

DJ, Watertown, CT USA

Bob, Cowes, UK

- Yes we British ex-pats have plenty of room in Australia for Pomms who want to help us build the world’s next superpower – Australia. The fifteen cowards story is just one more reason to jump off the sinking British ship. I came over four years ago and it’s the best thing I ever did. Britain is a multicultural experiment that’s gone horribly wrong. But Britishness is alive and thriving down here in the old colony. Please come and help us re-create what Britain has lost.

Arthur Gibson, Melbourne, Australia

Frankly speaking, I should say what actually happens in the disputable water area between Iran/Iraq will be a myth forever as I don't believe what these solders have said. They provides a incoherent explanation for what have happened. Therefore I think both statements(one in Iran TV, the other in British press conference) are propaganda.

Hai, Shanghai, China

i`m not surprised probably because they were surrounded, they should have kept a marne as a watch or none of this would have happened

sam, london, England

Considering the circumstances in which the 15 were placed, they did exactly the right thing. Become the grey man, don't antagonise your captors and survive to fight. Well done lads - and lass.

The real lessons to take from this are:
1) the EU/NATO with the notable exceptions of the Dutch, Poles and Scandinavians, will do nothing, even economically, to support an Anglo-Saxon country when the chips are down.
2) UN Security Council - thanks Mr Putin - see above.
3) The Iranians are devious and dangerous but also highly factionalised, and there-in lies our opportunity. It would be far better to support elements in Iran to destabilise and bring down the regime than to try and crush it from outside and unite the country behind the mullahs.
4) US/UK/AUZ act decisively if option 3 fails.
5)Never take military options off the table before you have to, a la Jack Straw.
6) To the armchair Rambos - It is better to say nothing and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and confirm it.

Jon, Birmingham, UK

Sea travel is getting very tricky. If you sail with the Greeks, the quondam
naval power par excellence, you run the risk of being told you are
sinking when the water is already around your ankles. If you sail with
the Brits, the revamped Greeks, you could end up as hostage to any
adventurous power boat.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

They lied about a whole nuclear program before taking us to war, can’t they lie about a couple of nautical miles. No one raised the question “what if the Iranians are right and we were in their waters?” and will we be holding people blindfolded against the wall if we capture any for some reason, tourists visiting the US are treated like this not captured military personal. And non of you was this angry when the rendition programs of the US was taking place with innocent people on board.

Tareg Jassen, Ottawa, Canada

Surprisingly, the primary and essential issue has not been discussed in these comments. How and why was such a search team sent w/o fire support , air surviellance and a back up team from the mother combat ship. The current environment in the region would not permit such casualness.

clearly, the naval comander of the British mother ship is answerable for this question which comes to mind.

Anil Nirodi, Pune , India

Rob from Adelaide - "your shoot to sink" comment overlooks the fact that the Iranians have shore to ship missiles like the one that sank the Israeli frigate last year. If we sink one of their speedboats, they will sink HMS Cornwall. Yes I agree that a strong response is required, but it must be thought through to avoid an even bigger mess.

Tony Field, Coventry, UK

Mike, Sydney Australia. Your'e right on mate. Any room in Aus for a Brit who is willing to fight and has had enough of the EU and Blair?

Bob, Cowes, UK

it is so easy to be brave if you are not actually there isnt it?.the sailors made an assessment, and took the right decision,as events have proved. i am 86 and have seen enough violent death ,thankyou.

ern hand, stevenage, england

Yet again I am disgusted and dismayed by the human race, to say the least!!! It appears that many people would have been far happier and "proud" if these men and woman were either still captive or worse!!!!!! Would they feel the same if it was their sons or daughter?!!!! They would be happier if they were "martyrs"???!!!!!!!!!
We weren't there, we have no right to criticise! I firmly believe that until you are in a situation yourself, you have no idea how you would react.................never say never!!!
We should be celebrating that 15 people have been safely returned by whatever means!!

A Morrison, Kilmarnock, Scotland

I'm not suprised the marines didn't fight. They were probably looking over both shoulders 1. for the Cheri Blair brigade right-on lawyers who would have prosecuted them for infringing the Iranian Guards human rights, and 2. because there would be no proper response from Blair's government to save them. No doubt the US will be re-evaluating the UK's fighting ability.

Mike, Sydney, Australia

Well, I know which version of events I believe - and it ain't Tony Blair's...!
No need to read the Prime Minister's lips - his record speaks for itself.
Hey...! - I bet he's preparing a "Dossier" about it all, right now...

But WHAT ELSE could anyone expect; - from the moment those 15
mariners touched-down at Heathrow, only to be instantly spirited
away by helicopter and kept firmly under wraps - isolated from the
international media and all independent human contact, for more
than 24 hours - it was obvious they were being "expertly" coached
into putting on a newly choreographed public performance ...???

What I find incredible is that there are STILL British people around
prepared to believe a word Tony Blair says...!

John Jay, Walton on Thames, UK

The world has just had another demonstration of how a terrorist state "settles" things through diplomacy.
It kidnaps people, terrorizes them at gunpoint to betray what is sacred and releases them as "Easter gifts" to Infidels marked for death.
Chalk up one more mission accomplished for Iran.
Given the enthusiastic participation (BEYOND the call of duty) of British sailors in Iran's latest terrorist propaganda coup it stands to reason that the head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Johnathan Bond, has since defined the wet conduct (applauding their captors) of Britain's fighting men in defense of their nation as "acting with considerable dignity and a lot of courage". This adroitly explains why this debacle happened in the first place.
The reality is the conduct--or lack of--of the British Royal Navy from start (insufficient back-up) to finish (kissing Nazi terrorist thugs) was what one might have expected from a third rate banana republic. And now the terrorist world knows it.

Cathy , Greene County, Virginia

Quite amusing to listen to some American commentators talking about EU foreign policy being driven by selfish economic interests. Do you really think George decided to invade Iraq for no other reason than God told him to? Please.

What is that makes the Iranians so evil anyway? If they're developing nuclear weapons for non-peaceful ends it's hardly surprising. What do you think America would do if China decided to embark on a little regime change in says Canada or Mexico? Oh, and lets not forget how Britain and the US overthrew their democratically elected government and replaced it with a bloody dictatorship.

OK so Ahmadinejad goes a little too far sometimes with his Holocaust rhetoric but at least he does a good job of showing up British and US hypocrisy

Jonathan, Auckland,

The Iran fiasco shows that the EU is an albatross around the neck of Britain. Britain has spent years grovelling to the EU in the hope of being considered a 'Good European'. And what did it get you? It got you proof that the only thing the EU is good for, is milking Britain dry, to keep it weak. EU stand up for Britain? Why would it, when the EU revels in Britain's humiliation? Britain should do itself a favour, and tell the EU to get stuffed. The Swiss have, and are doing fine. The only reason Britain would continue to kowtow to the EU, is if Britain accepts the EU way of thinking - that Britain is crap.

Ike Eisenhower, Brisbane, Australia

It's very easy to criticise those military personnel whithout having spent a single minute in their shoes. They aren't trained to withstand tactical questioning or psychological pressure like the Special Forces are. I think they did the only thing available to them - do everything possible to get home in one piece.

George O'Neill, Canberra, Australia

"He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day." Is the refrain repeated here. But the point is: if you run away you HAVE to fight another day because you did not have the guts to finish the job when you had the chance. The Brits "ran away" with their bags of souvenirs, so others will HAVE to fight the same battle for them "another day". And if history is any guide, when that "other day" to fight comes, the American taxpayer will be footing the bill and American servicemen will be paying with their lives, while the Brits play around in their little rubber boats.

Tony Field, Coventry, UK

Policy change required, if our Forces (US, Brits, Aussies) are in Iraqi waters and the Iranis come for us, shoot to warm if they keep coming shoot to sink.

Rob, Adelaide, Australia

I do not doubt the fear experienced by the sailors and marines. But was it greater than that experienced by Saddam's hostages befor the first Gulf War? Did those first hostages spend their time grinning like Cheshire cats in the presence of evil? I think not. Of course, in Blair's Britain it is OK to say whatever you need to say to gain your objectives. Truth, honour and integrity disappeared from government in 1997.

Tony G, Harrogate,

UN sanctioned Rules of Engagement you said? Well, if this is really true, it is no wonder that any UN force is money down the tube and impotent. When you see hostile vessels approaching with guns trained on you whilst you are carrying out legitimate duties, you don't immediately raise your hands and surrender. You fight. That's what you are paid for as a soldier. Rules of Engagement or no.

The 15 captured RN personnel really shows what a spent force the British military has become.

And they certainly didn't helped the Supreme Commander of the World's mightiest military power to be able to say to the Persians, "Go On, Make my Day!"

The Israelis would most certainly have acted with more military action to an act that equates to spittle spewing on your flag.

The Count, Florida, USA,

The British Royal Navy could not defend itself because Iran was "aggressive", "couldn't be reasoned with" and there would be "consequences"?
Brit. sailors "felt pressured" because Iran interrogated, blindfolded and made them stand against a wall? Question: What did British navy personal think would happen if they allowed themselves to be taken hostage by a terrorist regime?
The world is now to understand that Brit. sailors participated in terrorist propaganda making false statements against their country because they were "threatened" with jail if they didn't capitulate on the spot. Were British sailors also "FORCED" to laugh with their kidnappers, exchange embraces, kisses, accept gifts for services rendered, take tea and give Iranian terrorists an enthusiastic round of applause when departing? Question: Did the standing ovation in homage to their captors have to do with Iranian violations of the Geneva Conventions or was it in appreciation for a terrorist PR coup well done?

Nicole , Almamarle, Virginia

Europeans scoff at the so-called "cowboy foreign policy" of George Bush while claiming the "soft diplomacy" of the EU is the more effective policy.

When Britain approached the EU to discuss economic sanctions against Iran which would have crippled the Iranian economy, the EU simply ignored British proposals for their own selfish economic interests. These British sailors where freed due to the actions of the United States in which our government foolishly released several terrorist Iranian agents who were arrested in Iraq.

I think it is time to have a careful examination of why the West upholds useless, ineffective institutions such as the EU in times of crisis.

Mark Noethen, Chicago, USA

As a "Brit" living in the US I am astounded at the vitreol towards these soldiers in both the US media and in forums like this. It would seem that some people would prefer the soldiers had provoked World War III by presenting a "stiff upper lip" and saying nothing.

I personally think the soldiers behaved brilliantly and are a credit to the British army.

eddie, davis, cal, usa

Of course, we welcome them back. But I hope that if military personnel are captured in the future, they will not be so quick to make public apologies, talk in front of Iranian maps to television cameras, and be seen smiling with tyrants.

Alex G., Detroit, USA

"Soldiers were supposed to fight?"
Why?
What is wrong with a peaceful resolution?
Armed soldiers managed to go up against armed soldiers with no casualties. It sounds to me like the world would be a better place if more conflicts were resolved with diplomacy, rather than violence.

David Crafti, London,

It may take a long time for "the rest of the story" to come out. There are so many spins from all sides, manipulating the easily manipulated media to speculate or sensationalize all of this. To what end? To me it is only for the ongoing control governments are trying to exert on the masses to support the ongoing culture wars between race, religions and "flags". Patriotism, God and the flag control the use of our tax dollars, the people we elect, and yes, the armed forces we build up though those governments. Every one here is fingerpointing...but for me it is simple. You all get the governments...and hence government actions...YOU deserve. These soldiers are just pawns in a much bigger game.
From a pure military force standpoint...you have to question all military involvement in this incident. With all current technology and systems at the military industrial complex' disposal...how could a sudden ambush of this nature happen without counter action?I agree this goes way up the ranks

A Libertarian, Tampa,

Well done lads we are all proud of you and your tremenous courage. We are especially proud of the only woman in the group. The Iranian leadership stinks. The people of Iran are not the problem but its these twisted leaders who only want war to shore up all the oil money the west is paying them. Greedy arrogant selfish leaders. Let them now pay the price of their cruelty, war lust and greed.

R Singh, London, UK

From reading other posts, we can all agree that we feel very strongly about the circumstances and actions of the Iranian Navy, the Captives and the Free world in their attempt to have them released.
I strongly believe that there will be changes made to help prevent this from happening again. This is probably why this type of security searches were suspended for now, the British Navy realized that they could not adaquatly protect their sailors. I think that was a smart move.
The captives did what they needed to do at that time. Other posts say that the captives were happy and chatting while eating together, look closer at their faces, their expressions, they were forced. I'm very happy that they are all back home and safe.
I also believe that all who have an interest in preserving the Free World, join together in showing a much stronger and united position against countries like Iran, N. Korea or any others that threaten the Free World or any people that want to be free.

R Schnabel, Kissimmee, Florida, USA

As an American who believes time is running out and we should immediately blockage Iran's ports, destroy their few refineries and destroy as much of their nuclear facilities as possible, your servicemen and one woman are to be commended. They fooled their captors better than any member of our Hollywood Left could have done in their best acting scene ever. Someone wrote why weren't they "blanketed" by protection of radar, heavy arms standing by and so forth. Why not? Because your military is stretched even thinner than ours. Your forces are doing the best they can with what they have to fight with! Even worse, our own political Party of Surrender is today voting to leave U.S. troops in the battlefield with no funding! No country has a monopoly on cowards and traitors. If not for them amongst us, we would be winning this final war. As it is, the best we can do is lose as slowly as possible. God Bless you military -- every man and woman in it!

Gary, Shawnee, Kansas

I am quite disgusted by the comments posted by some of the armchair critics. Given the immense pressure these people were under, especially with no consular access and very limited training on how to cope in this situation they merely had to choose the best decision to get themselves home. Their "admission of guilt" was evidently merely a ploy to get themselves home, would it have been better for them to face a show trial and 7 years in prison or even worse? perhaps the critics on here ought to contemplate this before spouting off such rubbish.

George Dyer, Harrogate, N Yorks

I say smart move by my former countrymen, you cannot reason with unreasonable people, it's all a game to the Iranians (Persians) about losing and gaining face. All the commenters who talk about the image of England and the British might want to consider if they would like to be locked away for seven years, depriving their children of parental guidance during their formative years. He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.

And another day is coming my friends.

Evie, Charlotte, USA

Poor Old Dad!. If he did not have Alzheimer's he would freak. Every Honor Code he loves was violated. This is not the RN he served in. Us kids (we[e] children) actually absorbed his theories and gave them some credibility. Little did we know that the best answer is to say the nicest thing possible, ignore all available facts and history -- Drake to present. Is there any kind of basic training these people go through? What happened to "Name, Rank, Serial No." as the only permissible answers? In the main Iranian released photo, there was this one guy (far right) who did not seem to agree. (Body Language only. He needs a comparative medal). Assuming for a moment there are some energetic journalists out there, they want to talk to him. There's another issue. Officers acting like lackeys, but someone else need to address it. Sad business, generally. No one teaches history like dear old dad.

Mike, New York, US

Oh the humanity!! These sailors and Royal Marines betrayed thier service, flag and country. If you believe you were not in Iranian Territorial Waters then stick to it and tell the Iranians to get stuffed, and furthermore never accept gifts, snazzy little suits, hookers or any other favors in exchange for false confessions. I assume the Brits have some sort of uniformed code of military justice. thier acts were treasonous and an embarrassment. One only has to look as far as the experiences Sen John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton to realize this. Wake up Not so Great Britian!!

T.J, DISCOVERY BAY, Ca.

Give them a break! The did what they felt right at the time under extreme pressure.
In my opinion all the errors came from the Royal Navy senior officers.
The mistake was to mix Royal Marines with standard sailors as the sailors will be the weak link in such a frontline situation. Sailors just don’t every expect to face capture and join the forces for different reasons than a marine.
Most of these guys are under 26 and the lack the guidance of a mature officer
They also lacked helicopter support at the time of capture and had to make a spilt second decision that could have had massive global implications!

You guys don’t ask for much do you!

Steve Bennet, Devon, England

Perhaps the reason that the Brit team caved so quickly was that the Iranians threatened to harm the woman sailor. This could have been part of the "mind games" that they were subjected to. Having served in the service and undergon resistance training, I know that this scenario is one of the most difficult to resist against.

Al, Portland, USA

If you are afraid to say stop all immigration while safe at home, don't criticize these 15 while they were captives. The real hostages are us, we won't say stop all immigration.

Old Atlantic, Atlantic City, NJ

I must apologize for our second- guessing Admiral who is Chief of Naval Operations. It is easy for him, in Washington, to state that
our Navy would have fought it out with the Iranians. Most sensible
folks would caution us never to second-guess the men or women at the scene. Our American prisoners and hostages (Viet Nam & Iran) have said numerous times that they made countless "confessions".
Let's all be thankful your sailors and marines all got back in such a short period of time, and that they don't have to listen to all the idiocy spewed forth from their captors, as the American hostages did for 444 days.
I say, "Welcome home !"

Richard Kennedy, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

I do not think the soldiers are telling the truth about their treatment by the Iranians. As the Brits and US have stated Iran as a "evil" country they will not let their serviceman say anything positive about Iran. The soldiers are used by the British goverment as propaganda tool.

I am glad to hear that Brits are proud of their country. I would not be proud to be British if I look at the things the Brits did in the past and are currently doing. But anyway I am happy that the sailors came back alive and they did not attack the Iranian Navy. There are enough wars in the world and we do not need another one.

Jaesinghe, London,

to Philip in Canada,if your a"proud brit" why are you living in canada? Are you one of those who voted for Blair and co,
and now they've ruined Britain you like many others have ran away?

ken, shrewsbury, shropshire

If it were 15 american Sailors and they were out numbered I think they would have fought to the end not surrendered

K. Bow, Avenel, NJ USA

While it's understandable that the 15 captives would be very happy
to be returning home, it's unclear why they would behave like
guests leaving a dinner party. These are members of the
mighty British Navy - not socialites.

I can't pertend to understand what happened to them during the
13 day ordeal - but maintaining a professional, miitary demeanor
that says, "it's time to go home" is better than one that says,
"we had a blast - can't wait to come back!"

Frank, Scarsdale, NY, USA

Live and fight another day? These people dressed in the uniforms representing Great Britian couldn't fight a cold on a bad day let alone an Iranian gunboat. You have weapons for a reason. Death before dishonor Always!!!
There is no grey area. Fight another day indeed, like they would.

T.J., DISCOVERY BAY, Ca.

I am former US Marine, a fossil dating back to the 1950s. I don't know if we were any better than the current crop, but at that time we were all steeped in a very macho male culture, considered then the basis of espirit de corps and the will to fight. Officers were gentlemen, of sorts, but were expected and tried to be even more macho. It seems to me that the officers who led the sailors and especially the Royal Marines, lacked determination and aggresiveness.

Stan Vanagunas, Tucson, USA

Whatever happened to the days when our troops are only suppose to tell their; Name and Rank, and that's it?

Britian just got their trousers pulled down to their ankles and then they have the audacity to thank the Iranians for letting them pull their pants back up. Great Britain has truly shown how NOT GREAT it is. Where is Churchill?

God bless England, they need it. May the USA always be the protector of Freedom and the home of democracy.

In America we don't back down, but our friends the Brits know this about us.

AMDG, Seattle, USA

Rubbish. The RN was unprepared for this event as were. the young sailors and marines...Whatever happened to name,rank and service number?

charles wright, Mazatlan, Mexico

Psychological pressure etc. How about Guantanemo? Are we only selectively outraged?

Phil, Hong Kong,

As someone who has been held at gunpoint in a foreign country, all I can say is that if it has not happened to you, you haven't got the slightest idea of what it's like. The trite way to put it is that you feel "helpless", but it's a helplessness that consists of the sudden absence of all the certainties, all the protection, and all the guarantees of your life up to that point. It's a vast and aching helplessness. And when you add in the probability that the guy on the other end of the gun has an IQ in the 90s and a bad temper, it's a very miserable situation indeed.

jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/US

You got to laugh at the comments from the Gemans. Their contribution to the 'war on terror' is a tiny contingent tucked safely away in north Afghanistan; not within a million goose steps of the enemy. Their armed forces are not even allowed to fly at night! It's deemed too dangerous, and yet they pour scorn on British forces.

You couldn't make it up.

Raymond, Taunton,

Well, you Brits have raised your school children to be politically correct and to appease in order not to hurt anyone's feelings. Is it any wonder your service people are now paper thin? The problem with World War II was that you didn't go back and weed out the very socialist appeasers who led you into the war... you pretended they fought valiantly, etc., without holding them accountable for their monstrous weakness that cost millions of lives.

Mike Sigman, Durango, CO

It is sad but predictable that the 15 Royal Navy personnel were blindfolded, bound and subjected to “constant psychological pressure” . America not Great Britain has set the global yard stick for abusive treatment of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and detainees in Iraq. Although torture and abuse of political prisoners and prisoners of war has no bounds, the media coverage of American tactics has legitimised abuse and disregard of Christian values and the Geneva Convention. We can expect ongoing atrocities and abuse of human rights thanks to the American example of "freedom" and "democracy".

Ian Hunt, St Albans, herts

I'm very proud of the British marines for not giving the rogue Bush administration (aided and abetted by certain English poodles) the "provocation" to start yet another conflict in Iran. This is why they are being villified by right wing talking heads. The Iranians obviously saw through this too which is why they toyed with the marines, then sent them on their way. It would seem that everyone involved has studied the USS Pueblo game plan.

KJ, Albany, NY,

To the writer who said: "One way would be to bomb their naval bases and destroying every one of their naval craft." - Who is going to do that? The Brits have a tiny antiquated air force and an obsolete navy, they simply can't take on the Iranians. They came close to losing the Falkland war against Argentinia twenty five years ago and their equipment has not been updated since then.

The US won't bomb Iran for us because the Brits wet their pants and fled with new suits and bags of souvenirs.

The Brits can't pay cricket, they can't play football, they can't play tennis, they can't fund their health service, they can't give their people a decent standard of living and they can't fight third world countries. Leave the sinking ship and move to Australia, like I did.

Arthur Gibson, Melbourne, Australia

All 15 should get out of uniform and head for civvy street at the 1st oppurtunity!

Kevin Smith, London, England

I believe that the Britons were in Iranian waters. If so, then it would not be the first time. If not, they were still there to bring threat to the Iranian government and still had no business being there.

So to say they were threatened, well consider this: maybe if the soldiers and mercenaries of Great Britain and the U.S.A. did not torture people, the Iranians would not threaten your sailors. What no leaders seem to realize is that a war with Iran is no more sensible or called for than was the war and occupation of Iraq. These are illegal wars. Did anyone ever hear of diplomacy?

Carla Herwitz, Fall River, MA

Compare the treatment of the sailors with that given to detainees of Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo.
Well I know that the media does only its job. Just like the 'Wochenschau' did for the German propaganda from 1939 - 1945.
There is a shared responsibility for the war with Iran. You certainly have Your share.

itsjustkarma, Hilo, USA

I am getting bored with people (British or not) on the North American continent passing judgment.
First the United Kingdom is not at war with Iran, which all the 'name, rank and number' brigade totally forget. It was a border 'incident' with a country known not to be friendly to the UK
Secondly, the actions of the marines and sailors, in conjunction with a major diplomatic effort led to their safe return and meant that the incident was over.
Perhaps Iran got the better PR from it, but the UK can and will get over it.
The 'lessons to be learned' are 1) that Iran continues to be sensitive to border incidents 2) Sea patrols need constant air,ship cover when border incidents are likely 3) Foreign Office diplomacy can be more effective than 'gun boat' diplomacy.

Stuart Hamilton, Somerset,

I am not advocating Iran's actions, but to talk about their treatment of prisoners being deplorable is perhaps a bit hypocritical. Since our leaders have decided the Geneva Conventions are quaint and outdated (or only follow them when they feel like it), we shouldn't be surprised when others follow our lead when dealing w/ prisoners.

Our government has proclaimed that alternative interrogation techniques such as sleep deprivation, noise, temperature extremes, waterboarding, etc. are permissible, so don't whine when other countries use the same techniques. Blair has been very supportive of w in this whole mess, including extraordinary rendition, so the UK is also a target and any prisoners could be subjected to this type of treatment.

Jim, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Not an option? I thought soldiers were supposed to fight? Seriously, the real message here is that we don't deserve to win any struggles, not if our "finest" are as weak as this.

Al, Southampton, UK

What a terrible disappointment for President Bush and Dick Haliburton Cheney. If Capt Air had opened fire and consequently had his group massacred, Bush would have been able to declare war on Iran. Wouldn't that have been fun. We can thank our lucky stars the Royal Marines are not trigger happy fools. Their initial reaction was not to fire because, as the Captain so rightly,said, Britain is not at war with Iran. You don't shoot at people you are not at war with. It's a concept the present US Administration has yet to understand.

Richard, Richmond, Virginia, USA

To give up without firing a shot is a disgrace. These folks in Iran are famous for the removing the heads of those they capture. What was the downside of fighting their way out? What was worse was the collaboration, without even suffering a bruise. Some 'stiff upper lip'!

Clay Stringer, Sunnyvale, USA

would the British govvernment have acted differently if a member of the Royal family would have been invovved?

Matthew, NY, USA

I totally agree with Warrant Officer Michael Steedman, below. I don't know about the British system, but in the US military forces, there is a code to abide by when taken prisoner by the enemy and it does not include "yucking it up" for the cameras.

I am very worried about the state of Britian's armed forces and hope US personnel would never act like this. It may have made sense not to fight back when faced with overwhelming force on the water, but the way these sailors acted once they were in captivity is shameful. The very fact that they thought they had to kiss up to Ahmadinejad and actually thought there was a chance they'd be abandoned for 7 years in Iran shows a serious lack of confidence that needs to be addressed.

Paul B., Washington, DC

I am amazed at all those posting the sentiment (including 2 from Texas that ought to know better) that the sailors "did the right thing because they stayed alive." Do you realize how ridiculous that statement is? Is that the standard we are holding them to? Of course they stayed alive - they went along with everything the Iranians wanted them to do, including defaming their country. Where is their backbone?

And all you saying that we who think the sailors acted dishonorably ought to go see what its like to be at war - well, I was in Iraq for 1 1/2 years so I know what fear is and I have seen that the measure of one's character is made when one is under pressure. These individuals failed the test.

Paul B., Washington, DC

Phil

Perhaps you should come back to the UK and join the armed forces and see if you could do a better job under the circumstances - that would really show how proud you are. Leave the guys alone they're young and are defending our country risking life and limb, which is more that i can say for you!.

Farrah, Stourbridge, England

Psychological torture is Psychological torture! Those sailors may have been subjected to less brutal treatment than those that Farrah from Stourbridge is referring to, but that is not an excuse to condone what they went through and how they were treated. They may have looked as though they were smiling, drinking and smoking and looking happy on camera, but Farrah must be completely naïve to think that any of that show was genuine. Iran has long history of hostage taking and subjecting captives to televised humiliation and has long seen it is a way of showing defiance towards the West when it feels particularly isolated. The way 'disgraceful' way that Farrah from Stourbridge carries on you would think that the British Sailors and Marines deliberately got themselves caught, put their families through hell and back just so they would be able to make the story up for today’s news in order to tell everyone what we have already known for a long time about how Iran treats its captives.

Jason, Birmingham, UK

I am sorry that the MoD were ill-judged enough to mount this charade of a press conference. The proper place for these officers to make their statements was in front of a properly constituted Board of Inquiry, with a view to determining whether Courts Martial proceedings were appropriate.

One wonders for whose benefit this was organised.

Richard North, Bradford, England

Isn't there any way that a military ship could send a signal that would verify what its location is when it is about to be boarded. This would allow the world to decide if Iran had any legitimate complaint about the ship being in its waters.

Dale, Apache Junction, AZ

Where the hell was the H.M.S. Cornwall and helicopter that were part of this operation and suppose to be guarding the search team?
Certainly, they knew the speedboats were coming and could have moved into position. Doesn't sound like they had much of a contingency plan.

Mike Migliore, Gardiner, NY, USA

I have nothing against the US but I wish they would stop believing in fairy-tales, i.e. no US soldier would have acted in this way. I recently watched a video where Halliburton driver Preston Wheeler was ABANDONED by his military escort and subsequently three Americans were killed.
Let’s also give a special mention to the heroic leaders who sent the troops in, neocon draft-dodgers: Bush, Cheney et al. In turn It was disgraceful the way John Kerry’s war record (the real deal) was rubbished by these armchair warriors.

Seigfried, Harrow,

According to the testimonies, it seems the iranian speedboats appeared from nowhere. They really did not see them coming? They didn´t know the area was under logical surveillance? Moreover, are we really sure which is the maritime border line between Iran and Irak? Why CRAIG MURRAY, Former Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Head of the Foreign Office's Maritime Section, said Blair's map was faked, or al least, "invented" by the MoD? Mr Murray also said those boundaries were not agreed or recognised by any international authority. And what about Skynews interview with Capt. Chris Air 5 days before detention? In that interview Capt. Air said "we are gathering intelligence on the iranians". If soldiers have to obey orders, who can guarantee they are telling the truth now if they were forced to lie in Iran?

Marcelo, Santa Teresita, Argentina

So, the Iranians got a two weeks worth of higher oil prices and a suspension of the boarding and inspection process while the procedures are "reviewed". It seems that Iran got a considerable reward for their action.

Paul Smith, Honolulu, Hawaii

Tom in Boston, you seem to have hit on a key point. Why were the sailors not fully protected when boarding a ship? The ship could have been hostile. The Iranians were hostile. This is not an area where the presumption of orderly civil behavior should be made. The British forces should have strong offensive forces protecting boarding ships -- protection such as helicopter gunships or additional small boats with heavy weapons such as those used by the Iranian. Boats approaching boarding parties should be warned off and if they do not move away they should be destroyed. This is a war zone after all.

Mary Ellen Stevens, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Where was the mother ship! its criminal to allow a couple of small rubber boats to do that work in those waters without protection. What was the Captain of the Frigate doing! Well armed Coastal Patrol Vessels are required to give protection not a Frigate! The Rules of engagement must be amended. This should never have happened if better planning had taken place.

Trevor, Sydney, Australia

Iran is up to there old tactics. During the Carter Administration they did the same thing and they paid no price. They were actually applauded in the Middle East streets. Understand that the mullahs in Iran are weak with the greatest population demographic being less than 30 years of age. They will do anything to stay in power. If this means trying to start a war with Britain or the west they will do so. If they can gain a little bit of prestige in the Middle East by capturing troops located in Iraqis’ waters and parading them around on state run television they will do so. Again they pay no price.

Tim Meed, Vancouver, WA

I'm sure Neville Chamberlain would be proud of the Royal Marines performance in this incident.

Winston Churchill, I fear, is positively spinning in his grave.

Tom, Derry, USA/New Hampshire

Shouldn't any statement made under coercion just be taken as irrelevant?

If someone is being held prisoner, they should say whatever they're told to say and it should be assumed to be non-informative.

If they are asked to divulge information, maybe they should not.

But if they are told to say we were in Iranian waters, just say it. Everybody knows that it doesn't mean they were (or were not) in Iranian waters.

I see the decision to say what they tell you to say as not merely justifiable but necessary. If we pretend that confessions under coercion actually mean something, then we are giving power to those who would torture.

But if instead we recognize that confessions under coercion are meaningless, then coercion has less power as a weapon for propaganda, and enemies will be less tempted to use coercion.

Wayne, Atlanta, US

Good psy ops by Iran. The enemy (Ahmedinijad & the mullahs) is an expert at manipulating the media and getting the world to focus on their Point of View.

If I was the commander, I would encourage the captors to beat each other up (non lethal) and then blame the Iranians for all kinds of rights abuses. Turn the tables around so you become a liability for your captors and they are eager to wash their hands off you instead of parading you on the world stage to sing praises in their defense.

Learn something from the Gitmo detainees.

Manoj, Pune, India

A Hart - Totally agree. I have absolute admiration for those young people. They did what they needed to in order to stay alive for their families (I feel particularly for those with their own children, who would have had little say in their parents' choice to join/remain in the military).

I hope they are all able to come to terms with their experiences and remain able to serve their country so well.

One thing that has bothered me: why was Leading Seaman Faye Turney singled out by the Iranian leaders? Whilst the male personnel were given (fairly!) nice, matching suits, she was made to look like she'd been given ill-fitting randomly chosen clothing which set her apart from her comrades. It struck me as unfair and almost an attempt to make her look different because she was a woman - a striking difference between how she looked once she was back in her proper uniform.

ZH, London, UK

Thanks God they were no taken to Aby Ghirab, to Guantánamo, or even thrown in a plane to cruise over Europe while their captors looked for a place for them to "confess". They would not be released, they would, yes, be subject to a lot more humilations, and oh... Poor Turner...

Could we imagine what she would have endured?

May be we are talking about moral here, but yes, may be not.

Lou Camargo, Sao Paulo,

It's very easy for you armchair soldiers to criticise these people for doing what they did from the comfort and safety of your living room in America or Britain. I imagine you would not be so quick to judge so harshly if you had ever yourselves spent a week or two under interrogation in an Iranian military prison.

Tom Bolson, San Mateo, California

Here is not the fault of the service personnell. It is the fault of the British Government for the defence cuts. The defence cuts are biting into the efficiency of the fighting forces. We need to make the defence forces more aggresive and this can only be done by giving them proper backing.The present government has taken money away from the armed forces and been appeasing the illegal immigrants with that money. People living on benefits and do no work are rewarded with plenty of benefits for the purpose of votes.
This has to change.

C. Nunes, Uxbridge, Middlesex,UK

If some days of 'psychological pressure' make you this, imagine what can you confess after 5 years in Guantanamo!

Alberto, Barcelona, Spain

By caving in, they leave all other forces open to further abduction by other splinter groups. I cannot see the US Marines cowering as quickly as the Brit's did. Leaves a very weak, afraid, wavering impression in the world about the British forces.

Shockingly poor performance. Who taught them to act this way? Were they not trained on the implications (worldwide) of caving -in?

Geroge Grunner, atlanta, USA/Georgia

I would have expected British soldiers to be well trained and prepared to face all sorts of situations, specially went sent to war.
They don't appear to be since they played the game of the Iranians by saying publicly whatever they were told.
It is either the are not trained to be tough, or they don't believe in the support of their own government..
When you are a prisoner, you shut up, you only tell your name and rank, you don't make public statements against your own country.
They should be ashamed of themselves and disgraced, not welcomed as heroes.

paul , brisbane, australia

Admiral Band spilled the beans when he said "Was the intelligence correct? We will look at the equipment, we will look at the procedures". This was a planned excursion by the weasels to test Iranian navy. it failed because they were detected and arrested. Thanks to Iranian generosity the poor sailors were released.

loren, sao palo, Brazil

Our 15 sailors are alive and home, they helped themselves by not making a pointless sacrifice of their lives. We can't blame them for this.
If they had been Americans,reading what they are saying here, they would probably be held for months and it would have escalated into war and plenty of innocent civilians would be killed by gung-ho Americans who really don't care who or how many they kill to achieve their aims.
Sanity prevailed, that little mad man was humoured, the "forgiveness" comment was sarcasm, well done that man!

Andrew, London, UK

The government is complaining about their treatment...
I'm sorry but does everyone so quickly forget Abu Grabi and the legal system of Guantanamo Bay captives.

N Morgan, York, UK

It's easy to pontificate if you haven't been there!

John, Dayton, Ohio, USA

God Save the Queen. The great British nation is hanging its head in shame. What a great nation that has fallen to one of its lowest points. Are you going to wind up as Frenchmen, appeasers, whiners and surrenderers to all that would destroy your culture. Winston Churchill is surely tossing in his grave, and Kipling....?

Ray, Chicago, Illinois

The First Sea Lord needs to be replaced. The blood of Nelson does not run in his veins. His statement that "This was not an attack on the street . . . ." just defies reality. Getting pulled over at gunpoint certainly sounds like open hostilities to me.
As to the acts of these sailors and marines, there is nothing there the Sea Lord should have defended. At most, he should have taken personal responsiblity for their actions if he believes they acted appropriately. I do not.

Lastly, why has the Sea Lord stopped boarding operations -- that is the humiliation. Not that this happened - that was negligence on the part of the Commander of the Cornwall for allowing his party to operate without support. But stopping the boarding ops now - that is humiliation. They should be doubled - and appropriately armed and supported.

Scott, Tennessee, USA

I have nothing but the highest regard for British fighting forces, but, to all appearances, this was not their finest hour. Moral fiber is of paramount importance in a military man or woman, and especially in a Marine.

joseph mercieca, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, USA

A lot of people are being critical of these troops without having the slightest clue of what it is like in a combat environment. We train for years to be able to think, assess and