What was the rest of the British Navy doing while the sailors and marines were being kidnapped?....and, Commodore Nick Lambert's comment that "They (the captives) reacted in Impeccable fashion"...What does that mean? It's time for Lambert to retire.

Kenneth Benjamin, Pittsboro, North Carolina

America only continues to worsen its image in the eyes of the world, with it's continuing policy of acting like gangsters and imperialists and thinking they are above international law.

Usman Ali, London, UK

We support and appreciate our friends across the sea, Great Britain. The Islamists would like to divide and conquer us. Do what you have to do, the American people are right there with you...

Tom Mooney, Arlington, Texas

If the Iranians are in Iraq helping terrorists harm our troops, why should we bother capturing them, I say kill them and send them back.

jason, Nashville, tn

This categorization of what we were fed in school, on radio and TV and at every occasion about other people's leaders is fascinating. I think I would go along in labeling Hitler a murder, but I don;t know about the 'dictator' it, and I know lots and lots of Russians who admire and are still sad for the death of their father-figure Stalin.

The tragedy in not looking in the mirror lies in the lack of readiness to accept that Mr. Blair is dispised by his people as well as ythe rest opf the world, and Mr. Bush competes competes verey successfully with Blair's reputation.

So, please not more about dictators and dictatorship[s. We have a couple who acted to the detriment of hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq and the Lebanon - yet we are still looking at Iran!

Nicolaus, San Francisco, California, USA

America and Britain are in this together. We appreciate your support and we will support you. America needs to draft 2 million men and then insure that Iran gives up its nukes. A missile strike allows retaliation. A ground invasion is lower cost and risk.

We lost under 200 killed in the ground invasion of Iraq. A Nimitz class carrier has over 5000 aboard. We will have fewer deaths in the long run to do a ground invasion.

Old Atlantic, Atlantic City, NJ

Why do all of you naturally jump to the conclusion that the US is responsible for any Iranian disappearances? That is just Iranian rhetoric, and it speaks volumes of your anti-American prejudice. Shame on you! You criticize the US, but you can't even control your own affairs - bombings, riots, Muslim challenges to your cultural identity, and civil unrest. The very fabric of your societies are unraveling while you sit in denial, and offer nothing but appeasement and leftist, anti-American rhetoric. You're a bunch of spineless "Chamberlains" - who, by the way, caused WWII with the very attitude you are now espousing. Have you not learned anything from your history? Or does you ignorant jealousy of the US supercede all rationality?

Wallid, Weston-super-mare, UK

'How many centuries did it take for European countries and others to develop something that we call 'democracy'?'

pan European dictatorship as recently as 1945.

jenkins, NYC, NY

Havn't you learned anything from history? Talking to Hitler, Stalin and many others accomplished nothing but greater death and destruction. Unfortunately, there is a need for military action. The only mistake that we have made is in attempting to be too humane. If we had used airpower as effectively as we did in the first Gulf War, the Iraq situation would have been resolved with fewer civilian casualties. Should we have stayed out of WW 2? Again and again we help people from around the world with NO intention of occupying them. Yet the world responds with jealousy in a childish manner.

Don Walters, Yukon, USA, Oklahoma

Edwin,

You seem to have forgotten the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. A lot of chemical weapons going down range. Certainly all those in the mass graves of Iraq might not agree with you. I notice you didn't go back 62 years ago when American bombs freed your country.

Chuck Schmitz, Gahanna, Ohio, USA

By going to war with Iran we only do a favour for Israel and put US an very dangerous position. The act of war with war could not only devastating for US and Iran also for whole world. Seems to be Iran is the only key for all problems in whole region lets use it and talk to Iran.

Shaun, London, England

Iran has the option of flexible response. The US acted foolishly.

Charlse, Toranto,

II agree with the analyst that Iran would have no problem in returning a favor for both the senior British or US officers....After all..they control the majority of the population In Iraq or Afghanistan!!

Joe, Los Angeles, CA

Shawn from LA
Iran is cooperating with US in many ways since 9/11 and it is proven that iran and US have mutual interest in Iraq, Afghanistan and in fight against Al quida. Why all this hustilities. The fact is that US can not win this war militerly.
with it's most lethal army. US will leave Iraq sooner or later.
So it is better to realize this fact now and start talking to iran and syria in a constructive way. May be you can solve some problems. and save some american and iraqi's lives

Shawn, los Angeles, USA

Great to hear that the Mossad, as always, are awake at the controls- as this article seems to confirm; watching and waiting.....Nothing like giving them a taste of their own medicine. I hope our CIA Field Ops guys are taking notes !

Buy them dudes a big beer !

dave, overseas,

No Jay from Indiana, USA, , the smart question would be "What are the Americans troops doing in Iraq first palce...?" Iran after all is next door to Iraq, America however is a good 48hrs on the plane away from Iraq..!

Mike, Yorkshire, UK

So Mike from London...a government acting in self interest! Please show me a government in the world that doesn't act selfishly. Or a government that doesn't spread propaganda. (Oh and please remind me again about what Britain did in Africa not so long ago...was that for the benefit of the Africans?)

The world will be a better place when many countries share powers and responsibilities, not when one dominates the other or declines at the expense of another.

Janet, U.S.,

War is no solution for nothing!! Democracies need to be DEVELOPED, not BLOWN INTO EXISTENCE!!

How many centuries did it take for European countries and others to develop something that we call 'democracy'? Even now we aren't satisfied with it!!

So tell me, what's the use of sacrifying young men to 'speed up' this process? Over 3000 young Americans have been killed, and many, many more Iraqi civilians since 2003, is Iraq a better country to live in in 2007?

Furthermore, what a coincidence that only the countries which posess oil reserves need to be transformed into Democratic systems!!! How funny.

So, Iran is more dangerous than the US? Fact is, that more people have died from US bombs in the last 30 years than from Iranian, Iraqi, and all other so called "terrorist" bombs together.

Edwin, Holland, Holland

Need not be kidnapping ... perhaps they disappeared voluntarily .. maybe to form the beginnings of a coup ... maybe they just realised a boyhood urge to attend the Bahrain GP in disguise ... no really.. if Iran sends critical personnel abroad they risk 'losing' them. I doubt very much if they'll be getting ransom demands from Tel Aviv, Washington or London. Most likely they'll return tainted and take early retirement .Whatever went on it has al;l the trappings of a Le Carre novel... why T.E . Lawrence wouldve been in his element for sure ... in fact the Middle East has been one almighty mess since he left .. if you think about it .

Cm, Portland, Maine,USA

The most worrying thing about the comments here is that it appears the vast majority of Americans actually believe the lies and propoganda their government spreads to garner support.

If people from this "the richest and most powerfull country in the world" would actually take some time to learn about the world, understand different cultures and STOP acting only in self interest th world would be a better place.

What I am looking forward to is 30 years time when India and China finish outsourcing all the US jobs and the country goes into decline. And I say this only becuase of the way the people in the US and its leaders act towards the rest of the world.

Mike, London,

guys guys guys........they defected its obvious....wouldnt you for 20 million and a new identity... once the first defected they got scared "arminhisass" or whatever his name is is a ruthless piece of work the whitchhunt began and they got out.half of iran hates him or is scared of him

dat, wein,

Let's review for a minute. The Iranians, Hezbollah, or any other terrorists don't need any so-called 'excuses' to kidnap and torture Americans. They've been doing it for years. Leon Klinghoffer, Col. William Higgins,Seaman Robert Dean Stetheim, and the American diplomats in Tehran should be a permanent reminder of this fact. The Iranians blew up the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires. What offense had these innocents given to the mad mullahs? What you call the 'moral high ground' is just another word for being a defenseless target.

paul , Petersburg, usa/virginia

To Robin from Belfast, Why don't we just send in MacGyver!

Mohammed Choudhury, London, UK

Oh yeah!!, with ur so called delta force and CIA, they US couldn't even capture Osama and other group leaders, they're offering incentives, cheap intelligence. With all the advance weaponry that the US posseses they couldn't finish off a group of resistance fighters. It's the will of people that fights but not technology.

Larry, MN, US

Around 500 People are members of Qods Force, they are known and trained quite well, if these people are killed and captured, Iranian people will dare once again to topple their dictatorial regime, and with some small chances, if no interference from Western Intelligence(like 1979 revelotion), this time they might have a chance to show the world that they truely are the decendents of King Cyrus The Great, and they will act like true belivers of "good deeds, good word, and good thoughts" and move the ugly fundementals of an Islamic republic from Iran and middle east !!
Iran is a country that can be like it was in the past for nearly 2500 years a major player in today's civilization. Iran has more potential then Russia and the rest of the Asia and middle east to become a supper power and quite sofistiated industrial country. You can see that from the way Iranian people have advanced more then ANY nation in USA, educationaly and economicaly, they have a place amont the best US can offer!!

Parsa Farman Farmayan, Rockville/ MD, USA

This is a war for oil, money & power for sure not humanity peace or whatever anyone would like to call it. What interests or business lies ahead for europe & usa if there was no oil in middle east? This is all tactics and excuse to create chaos by whatever means.

NavidR, Cesar, USA

Has the US been shown to have done anything here or is this heresay and speculation? If there is any proof of these allegations why has nothing been done to reprimand the US?

James, Aberdeen,

Perhaps your reader Devin, NM, USA., ought to refer to history, particulary, the US embassy hostage siege in Teheran, which if I remember correctly lead to one of the biggest humiliations the USA has ever suffered on the world stage, despite having the worlds most powerful military. If you cannot learn from history, there is no hope, particulary when the event was so recent.

Kevin Sullivan, London, UK

Way to go there! The war that is currently being fought at this very minute against the iranians has finally started then. The killer elite will do the job of bringing down that despot loony of a leader in Iran,WITHOUT the need of a mass invasion,or even nukes. Bring it on.

Come on you yanks(CIA Delta Force),come on the Brits(SBS SAS). And hey,as for Prince Harry getting kidnapped by the iranians,pssssssssssssf LOL! Dream on,he will have a very tight guard of the best soldiers from the said Killer elite,rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the iranians having a go! As i said,BRING IT ON!

Robin, Belfast, Northern ireland

Irrespective of the strategy (if there is one) it seems to me the tactics are pretty bad. If you torture people you give them the excuse to torture your people. If you kidnap then they will do the same. Keeping the moral high ground of course makes it difficult to win, but once you abandon it you have already lost.

GP, Moscow,

I do not like the tactics being used, but then one has to ask themselves; what were these Iranian military commanders doing in some of the most volatile areas, including Iraq?

So it does seem Iran is intent on ensuring problems occur in areas where peace is trying to be created, but then is this a good enough reason to kidnap military officers who are trying to destabilise those volatile areas.

A. Sturgeon, London,

To Russ in Baghdad, Well the US certainly has a superior understanding of the geopolitical scene than me, given how well things are going in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What makes you think I hate America? I dislike bush certainly, but last time I looked the 2 were not mutually exclusive. Given my hero is Homer Simpson I am not an american hater.

For Bea in LA, there is no Iranian threat, have they ever invaded another country? If nuclear technology (not weapons) are good enough for the US, Israel and the rest of the world, then why not Iran also? Just because you don't like them is no excuse for hypocrisy.

Akram, London,

Violence breeds violence.

Robert Finnegan, Belém, Brazil

If Iran were to attempt to bapture American soldiers in Iraq, or American civilians in Europe...the American Military response against the Revolutionary Guard and the Iranian military in general, would be devastating. Iran may be able to possibly get some of our soldiers in Iraq (maybe), but US Spec Ops Hunter/Killer teams would begin capturing and killing RG and Iranian military personnel in massive numbers. Iranian military complexes, bases, and RG headquarters would be bombed in Iran, and Hezbollah and RG leaders would be assassinated by the CIA worldwide (and particularly in Lebanon and Iraq). The Iranians better consider all these things before they make the mistake of attacking the best trained, most lethal military in the world.

“In Iraq, the Quds Force can easily get hold of American — and British — officers,” said a Jordanian intelligence source.

This maybe true....but we could kill and capture far more Iranian military personnel in response.

Devin, NM, USA

was'nt it late kenny everett a british radio dj who at a conservative election rally said some thing like '' let's nuke them'' at the time refering to the old labour party in oposition. how many mad men are there who want war and domination. and where is going to lead us and what future for our childern. how many of these war mongers think about a peacefull world. i hear so called peace lovers say ''does the west send suicider into muslim countries?'' bt in ow many counties do you see muslim countries troops killing and raping murdering innocent christians. i am sure they have dozens of examples. but tit for tat policy has never brought peace in mankinds history. i for one most thoroughly disapprove of any killing,no matter what colour creed religion whether in war or in neighbouhoods. nationalism,chest beating are the way of hatefull people who hate themselves and the mankind as a whole. for centuries we have never learnt to live peacefuly and never will

shaqa, hertfordshire, uk

Sad to see that a lot of people here are happy having a war and want more this is exactly what Bush and Blair have preyed on, your basic instinct to kill and be killed.
So the fighters of both sides fire and the one with a better bullet wins the day but then the other one becomes more savvy and fires when the other is not looking, all great stuff!!!
Bush and Blair had other choices besides trying to show their might. The death of all civilians and Army personal is on their shoulders and no one else’s.
Saddam did not invade USA. He could very easily have been kidnapped (disposed off, put in Guantanamo bay) as this report shows the Iranian officials are being eliminated.
If Bush holds his high ground by saying we did it for the Iraqis then please also do it for the Zimbabwean’s and the Eritrea’s and so on and so on, there are many places where they could and should stop the genocide.
We know the OIL and the armament lobby helped in this decision!!!
So really cares for the ARMY?

Charles, London, UK

Im sick of this overt US aggression - why the hell are they not being held accountable by the international community? Just another "lets pick on this muslim country" thing is it? The US disgusts me, they deserve everything they have coming to them.

Dislike, US,

Since when were Times Middle East pieces written out of Tel Aviv by Israeli's ? Honest I guess.

Ferris, London,

When the US / Israel in concert (or with the tacit approval) with western agencies employ such tactics, why should we be suprised, if / when, they retaliate with all the consequences that that will involve?

Kevin Sullivan, London, UK

typical american lunatic cowboy nation.
the usa military commanders have been watching too many fantasy Hollywood war movies.

Oh I forgot Hollywood war movies ARE controlled by the usa military

realist, london,

Even if the Irainans are the real enemy how can Any American take Bush seriously when he Refused to fight in South East Asia

He's basicly a Coward who sends Decent Americans to Die so his family and friends can Profit from High Oil Prices

Micky, Glasgow,

IT gives me great pleasure to see that we are using tactics that will show our enemies , that we to can get down and dirty. Why don't we snash the president of Iran this would send chills down the back of all these little dictators around the globe. More power to out forces.

we can put them in a nice Miami prison.

DRod, Ft.Lauderdale, Florida

Regardless of what you think about the US in Iraq, the Iranian government fuels the fire with it's support of Shite terrorists with weapons (such as IEDs) and personnel (Qods) to train them. Iran has leadership that denies the Holocaust, want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, supports terrorism in Lebanon and elsewhere, and is building nukes. Iraq is not the issue, but an Islamist regime, drunk on oil revenue to help consolidate its power, and threaten everyone in the west.

Regardless of what you think about Bush, Iran is a much greater threat.

Paul, Giessen, Germany

OOPS!!! WRONG WAR!!! We are screwed from criminal incompetence, arrogance, and the fact remains that Bush was not elected, he was chosen to usher in the apocalypse by a higher power. Fasten your seat belts!!

sm, anna , il

what is jingoism.?is that like saying "bring it on !" if it is, then i completely understand that response. if an iranian "quds force" is in iraq, id ask why. the us went into iraq with the full blessing of the u.n.. looking for wmd's, attrocities committed by its leaders, and continued violations of a cease fire resolution. the military fled, even the president hid in a hole in the dirt. we find out later that many opposed to the action were profiting from the regime in power(france, russia, and several u.n. officials)"oil for food" as its called. i believe in the human right to voice opposition to something you disagree with. many of the loudest voices didnt know about the war until MTV reported it. it is being used as a political oppurtunity by career politicians who will voice angst over the way a war is being fought but when asked for an alternative plan they say nothing substantial. as long as armed insurgents keep pouring in to iraq, i say, thank you to the US & British men.

peter, kansas city, usa

I say, if it walks like a duck,.....you know the rest, nuke them til they glow!

Terry, Detroit, Michigan/USA

Iran is getting a taste of it's own medicine. Now, if we can just finish the job in Iraq, and come home.

G-d's speed to our troops in harms way.

Mark, Dallas, Great Satan

A good man conveys knowledge, godly counsel, and sound wisdom. Fools babble about their opinions and complain about most everything.

Curt, Portland, USA

It seems we can never take the moral high ground. Two wrongs don't make a right. Kidnappings, illegal detentions, no legal representation and torture, how long before it is turned against us.

Curtis Gomez, Los Angeles, CA

Iran has the ability to supply (may already have) enough Sams and antitank missiles to deny US forces an ability to resupply. The Shi-ite militias have yet to engage the US forces to anything like the degree the Sunni have. When this occurs the occupation will become untenable and arguably will make them hostages in Iraq. We could then see the nightmare of the US threatening to nuke Iran in an effort to save their army.

Bruce, Wellington, NZ

If it was up to some of you people, you'd be perfectly happy with Iran having a nuclear weapon and using it to threaten your own countries. Don't you Europeans remember the dead little girls in your airports in the 1980's? Are you going to blame that on "the recklessness of George W. Bush and his cowboy America?" The real problem with Bush: he's come too dangerously close to allowing these gangsters to succeed, and he should have put a sledgehammer down in Damascus and Tehran 4 years ago.

Brian, Virginia, USA

Perhaps Tom in D.C. forgot about all of the Americans captured and tortured at our embassy in Tehran.

Dan, Chicago, Il

Our political leaders have left us a shell of a country...with all our trade deals...they have squandered our inheritance left us by our forefathers. Politicians are the enemy within, and an "enemy within" is more formidable than an enemy at the gates. Our politicians care nothing about the American people or our troops....just power, money, and getting re-elected. What will it take for the people of this country to wake up!

Cecil, Mansfield, Texas

As I have posted on my own web site, there is already a covert war going on with Iran. The U.S. didn't start it -- Iran did. The U.S. will engage it fully or lose Operation Iraqi Freedom. With regime change in Iran, the whole scene in Iraq will become easier by an order of magnitude. Iran is the global terror master.

Herschel Smith, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Bush is right and courageous to do what he has done in the middle east, since nothing short of "peace through superior fire power will" ever work over there. More needs to be done as force is all they understand - and Iran should be next. Like Iraq, Iran has a vast number of reasonable, educated people who want to be free - we need to help them. The leftists who hate Bush actually hate America and will not change their opinions and will not stop at trying to defeat America. This means they are now enemies of the Republic - Traitors all.

Rick Zacher, Buffalo, NY

If Iran kidnaps American forces, we should nuke it once and for all. How much crap are we supposed to take from that little Hitler with the "formaL" windbreaker? It is obvious that Iran is the focal point of much of the world's terror and both Bush and Blair are treating her with the same gentleness that France appeased Hitler with in the '30s. Sorry but we in the west have NOT learned our lessons from history and unless we start, we're doomed to repeat them.

Foster, Albuquerque,

To some degree I've felt for the past two years that Iran is Israel's problem, not ours. Israel is the focus of the Iran's nuclear ambitions so let Israel deal with them. We should have let Israel deal with hezbollah in Jordan and we should let them deal with the Iranians. They have the justification and history will show you they also have the means. Not that the US doesn't, but Israel can handle themselves too.

John, Cincinnati, OH

Wars are only won when your enemies are on their knees begging for mercy. The US has not taken this responsibility seriously since WWII. Until the US is willing to act like wars are violent and that we are indeed at war, the fantasy-driven zealots in the world will continue to bolster themselves with the media that adores them for the darlings they are not.

Drew, Golden, CO

You Americans are too quick to belittle the Iranians. Because, please realize, those guys are capable of things you have yet to imagine. I believe them when they say they will retaliate for what they call "kidnapping" of their high ranking personnel. And while you and I are quick to accept the idea the "missing" are defectors, the Iranians never will. To lose that much "face" in the international spotlight could topple their president. It is a matter of pride, and war by all that is unholy. So, expect VIP kidnappings, or attempts, anytime soon. I predict that if Prince Harry does go to Iraq the iranians will do everything in their power to "bag" him. Don't be surprised if they succeed.

Ken Nelson, Edmonton, Canada

Where to start. The people that are complaining about George Bush, do not like him period, no matter what he says or does it wouldn't be to their liking.
With that said, the Jewish terrorists drew 1st blood, whether it be the USS Liberty Massacre or the King David Hotel terrorist bombing in Egypt or the Sabra & Shatila Massacres. For God's sake they mass murder women and children, what the heck did they have to with the war in Iraq. These Jews are cowards, they are not even men. A real man can think for himself, unlike these terrorists and the Neocon groups in America and especially the dim wits in the Israel First Lobby.
If you all are so concerned with what is going on in the world, then do something about it yourselves, do not expect your governments to do it and then complain because it is done to your satisfaction.
So quit your crying you little babies, grow up and take responsibility and go help someone who is in need.

Bill Anderson, Washington DC, USA

The so called leaders of Iran have taken a wonderful & beautiful contry and have set it back 100 years. When the Reza Shaw as toss out of power by our president Carter, the person he allowed to come into power ordered over 450,000 people killed. They shot every air force pilot, every general, all officers of the military, everyone that had any position in the counrty. Do we believe the current rulers of Iran will set down and discuss freedom, no wars etc, I really do not think so.

richard, Jax Beach,

Defend ourselves from what? We created the hatred for the USA and have been for a decade in our grab for land and resources. Stop watching Faux news. Bush is an idiot. You need to worry about putting food on your family.

DonD, lusby, MD

Jon, TX

I would like to agree with you on the rediction you make. But the nature of it is going to be catastrophic for USA. If USA really engages in war with Iran, the situation will be much different than in was with Saddam.

Saddam was an empty drum, Iran is not. War fatigued US soldiers, Politicians and people won't be able to sustain with Iran at all. Specially if US attacks Iran while they are still bogged down in Iraq; I am afraid; body bags will be 10-20 times more; if US can sustain that; let alone the possibility of dramatic political and economic negative outcome in the region and influx of terrorism (As you say).all over the world.

Nizam Uddin, Kabul, Afghanistan

Iran has been so patient with us. Even after we overthrew their democracy and saddled them with one of the most notorious dictators in Middle Eastern history, Iranians in general still like Americans. It's our government that they hate, as do most people I know.
Iran is taking a leading role in resurrecting the economy and providing social services. Why would Iran be going after Americans when all they want is stability on their Western border? Why do right-wing chicken-hawks point fingers at Iran when even the Pentagon admits that the vast majority of attacks come from Saudi-funded Sunnis? The reason is simple. The right-wing wackos support GWB and he wants to bomb Iran, one of the last pieces of the Neocons plan for the Middle East (also know as THE PROJECT FOR A NEW AMERICAN CENTURY). If George continues do provoke Iran at every opportunity then eventually our soldiers in Iraq are going to pay a heavy price, over and above their current FUBAR status.

Daren Satake, Mill Valley, CA, USA

I am pleased to see our special forces involved in this. It sounds like a brilliant plan that has a chance to avoid massive loss of life at the hands of the an evil regime.

Scott Fehrenbacher, Colorado Springs, USA/Colorado

When will people understand that we are at war with an enemy that has been at war with Christians and Jews for 1,400 years? Read history and you'll see that Islam is the religion of war. Read history and you'll see that Islam has been the religion of agression. The historical documents of Islam, the Qur'an, Sunnah, Sira, Taquiyya, and Hadith, are replete with deception, hatred, and violence. Get smart !! Don't allow the bad faction of Islam fool you.
There is a good faction of Islam. People of the good faction will probably remain good if they don't take their historical documents seriously. Let's hope that the good Muslims never read the Islamic documents of hatred, deception and violence. Instead of complaining, get smart.
Get smart !! The world has always had an evil faction and a good faction since Cain and Abel. Remember? Cain murdered Abel. At present, the Islamofascists belong to the evil faction.

Philip, Houston, Texas, USA

they must be removed from iraq
good job U*S*A

bud, san antonio, texas

fact: there was no legitimate governmert in Iran when the hostages were taken in 1977. This was a period of vaccuun in terms of a regime in Iran.The Shah had just left
and Khominie had not landed...it was chaos...and a bunch of students out of revolutionary fever took over the US embassy. Now I am not condoning the act nor am I saying there was no hatrad for US and their puppet ruler, the shah. On top of that most Iranians go back to the 50's as the beginnning of many US illegal activites and meddling in Iran s a mean of contolling that country, starting with the removing of mohamman mosadegh as prime minister (who was a national hero) and his government and putting back the on . By the time 1979 came along .....Ianians were sick and tired of many years of US intereference and meddling with their their were comassive hatrad for what US had done in Iran. Bottomline everyone should stop referrings to 1979 as the beginning of this tit for tat circus...

A. Javahery, Los Angeles, USA

At least the US is "kidnapping" military personnel and not Foreign Service Personnel from an Iranian Embassy.

David , Weston, FL

I think it shows that our intelligence agencies are just collection data at their computer screens. They are actually getting out and getting their hands dirty, like they used to. Time to shine the light on the Iranians who are at the bottom of most of the terrorism throughout the Middle East. I think the Iranian Generals don't want to meet the same fate a Saddam. Maybe they want to become part of the solution. I don't think all is well in the Iranian Military, as Amadinijad would like everyone to think.

T.D., Novi, Michigan/ USA

Again, who meddled in whose affairs first? The US has a long (dark) history of overthrowing democratically elected presidents (including in Iran) to serve our own political/commercial interests. Let's not fool anyone, we're no saints either...

Jools, Washington, DC, US of A

Why does any article like this get met with lots of Jingoism from Americans?

Bragging is always a sign of insecurity and bluster

Greg, London,

I love my country but we're acting like a bunch of morons with everything we're doing. I don't blame other countries for hating us. We act like i thought we should act when i was a 15 year old freshman in highschool. I've learned a lot since then. Too bad George Bush was never required to attend classes.

Tony, Anytown, USA

The Iranians don't have to kidnap Americans to win. They have the Democrats in control.

Clarence Baugher, Conneaut, OH

I often hear about getting "our sons and daughters" out of the war in Iraq.
Last I checked today was an all volunteer army. You had to enlist and hold up your hand and promise to do what you are told.
NOBODY made them join. They wanted to be in the Army. If you don’t want to get shot at DONT join the Army.
Does it take a rocket scientist to figure this one out?

Ken, Brisbane , Australia

If Iran wants to play hardball they had better get a bigger bat. I don't see anything coming out of this more than what they are currently doing. They just want to get a rise out of all those less informed to get public sentiment.

Steve, , USA

I have the feeling Iran thinks something very similar about the US, Tim.

Starling, Lancaster,

It's so sad. I hope the comments here are not representative for all the Americans. You are so eager to have another war. To demonstrate te rest of the world your military superiority. Even to throw a nuke over Teheran! To kill some million people doesn't pose a moral problem, for a radical Christian. Oh, yes. They are terrorists. I forgot.
Soon, really soon, you'll have your 'casus belli'. At the end you'll have your so desired war.
Once I was a supporter of US. Not any more.

Josu, Europe,

Since no one (US or Israel) but Iran has commented on the alleged kidnappings I think it fair to say that we don't know what the truth rally is. A lot of people are simply assuming they were kidnapped and believe the comments coming out of Iran. The Iranian regime is not exactly inexperienced when it comes to propoganda and I would be very hesitant to judge either way.

There is just as a good of a chance these these people defected or disappeared by other means as being kidnapped by the West.

We simply do not have enough facts to make any judgement on the matter.

G, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The way the democrat US Congress is not acting makes me wonder. If there is any group of America haters who would be the first to charge the Bush administration with kidnapping it would be them, not the Iranians. So why isn't Congressman John Murtha ready to throw a thrombosis over this?

Maybe the dirty little secret is that some of the Iranians have been 'offed' and the others maybe have defected and found a nice , safe spot in the West.

Ken, Charleston, USA

Maybe things are getting a little hot for the Terrorists how better than to distract us from what appears to be working in Bagdad than upping the ante with Iran and they know who it will be blamed on. I can't imagine the Israelies causing any trouble either. If it is the US its about time we start shaking the trees. If we are preparing to move on Iran we better have good intel this time.

Robert, Orlando, Fl

it is truly frightening to see my country(wo)men apologising for the international crime of kidnapping. many of you are probably political operatives, just doing your job, right? we are one step away from degrading ourselves to the level of Nazis and many of my people cry for more. is this the Christian nation's voice? is this the land my fathers built? you have shamed yourselves and all Americans with your apologetics. thes are CRIMES and all who support them are criminals. God's justice is infinite, my friends. to quote Jefferson, "I tremble for my country when I remember that God is just." May God have mercy on your souls.

Chris, New York, NY

The CIA may have "interfered" - but how often do we hear that USA residents are forming terrorist groups & bombing innocent civilians over there in iran? NO, we don't. Casualties of war ARE casualties of war.......

Judy, NY, USA

I'm not sure what it is that makes you (Allen & Akram) write such things......I don't know if it is a complete lack of geopolitical understanding, a faulty value system, or something uglier like envy or jealousy. Regardless, you embarrass yourself by drawing those conclusions from an article like this. Your hatred of America blinds you from Reason.

Russ, Baghdad, Iraq

The Iranians( or Persians )are a regional power only because none of their neighbors are considered military powers (except for Israel). I think their military power is vastly over-rated and that their goose-stepping troops would do about as well as Saddams boys did when faced with the supreme USAF. I reckon Israael can take them apart by themselves and if the Americans do not first, then this will likely happen.

christopher, palm beach , Florida

I will take no particular stance on this dialogue but will would like to mention that "sacrafice" is actually spelled "sacrifice" and that "Saddamm" is also incorrect; it is spelled "Saddam." These misspellings become something more than "typos" when repeated throughout an entire blurb. If we're going to discuss issues, we'd best have a basic grasp of how to spell the words with which we take issue.

Joshua, Fulton,

In America we have a saying: "You mess with the bull, you get the horn."

Rob Hruska, Sacramento, CA, USA

What do the Iranians expect? If they have high level operatives inside of Iraq and Afghanistan trying to destabilize these young democracies, you'd think they would understand the risk. If they try to take our soldiers hostage, they better have more than fighting cocks....

Ron, Miami, FL

AMEN!

Eric Colman, is right on the money.

Robert Briggs, Harriman, TN

It's nice to see our intelligence agencies are finally getting their hand dirty, instead of sitting behind a computer screen. Iran has been at the bottom of most of what troubles the middle east for along time, and it is time to turn the spot light on them.

T.D., Novi, Michigan

Hey Sam,

Zimbabwe is your colonial problem, remember those that live in glass houses should not throw stones!

Pro USA, Warren , MI USA

Iranian bluster may actually be carried out. However, Jimmy Carter is no longer president and the reaction might be rather severe.

There are over a quarter million tons of floating (and submerged) 'diplomacy' within range of Iran and they are not there for a pleasure cruise.

Arthur Downs, Wild Quail , Delaware

Perhaps if we use the same policy of kidnap and 'interview' against Bush, Blair and Howard, we too might garner enough information to convict the trio of war crimes and crimes against humanity!

de Havelland, Maclean, Australia

To Eric from San Diego,

Wake up!!! I am a combat vet. When the imams are telling you to grow a beard and your wife to wear a burka I will be dead. Why? Because I have the balls to fight for our freedom.

Michael Cantley, Smithtown, NY

It is nice to see that despite the Democrats best attempts to provide aid and comfort to the enemy (i.e., Iran) that we still have responsible people governing our country and our military. If in fact it is true that we have captured Iranian agents in Iraq, or even better, that Iranian military officials have seen the writing on the wall and have realized that they have a far better probability of staying alive if they were to defect and join the west, it finally feels like we are turning a corner and the pressure on President Tom is going to get ratcheted up significantly. Iran and the world at large will be a far better place iof Iran stops acting in a provocative manner. Hopefully we will shortly be in a position to teach them this lesson the hard way.....

Vito, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Good on the U.S. Special Forces. I truly hope we are being proactive in our dealings with the Iranian regime. We are now harvesting the fruits of appeasing and ignoring the Iranian threar for the past 28 years.

You people who seem to think the U.S. is the agressor should move to Iran and see what they desire our lives to be under radical islam.

Dan, Atlanta, Georgia USA

I wonder how they like having their nationals kidnapped and held? They finally deserve their comeuppance for holding American diplomats hostage for over 500 days. I have no sympathy for the hypocrisy.

C.K., Washington, DC

Whether these "abductions" are legal or illegal depends entirely on where the Iranians were taken (if they were in fact truly abducted instead of voluntarily seeking asylum). If this occurred in Iraq then US & Iraqis would be on sound legal footing in saying they were detained as part of security controls. If they occurred in Europe then much shakier. Why is it though that when the al Quds kidnap, torture, and later kill 5 US soldiers in February - that's ok. But its somehow illegal for US to respond?

Bob, rochester, NY

What are the Iranians doing in Iraq and Lebanon in the first place?! I'd capture them too as it is essentially an act of aggression against the U.S.

Tim, Friday Harbor, WA

Go USA! Bottom line, we need to know Iran is builiding nuke's. If they are we need to take them out. If not, then more power (nuclear that is) to them.

Richard Benson, Hunstsville, AL/USA

You lilly livered people make me sick. Let's all bash the U.S. and say "Oh no we can't defend ourselves" and "Bush lied, people died". What a bunch of whiners, I'll bet if the ole peanut farmer himself would have done something in 1979 we wouldn't be in this mess. Oh yea, let's remember the Beirut bombings in 1983, Reagan did the same thing. We need politicians with a backbone.

Gale, Rockford, MI.

"the USA must be obeyed or you face total destruction"

It seems there are some intelligent and thoughtful comments on this article but then you read ones like this and realise where all the anti-american sentiment all over the world comes from.

This view just echoes the arrogance of the current administration and is frankly both ignorant and arrogant.

Especially interested in the word "obey": like who decided america knows best what to do, clearly they didn't in Iraq.

James, Plymouth, UK

I have read most of the responses and they never cease to astonsih me. It seems that most of you are hell bent supporters of an attack on IRAN. If the you are that determined, I suggest that you guys join the military and put up or shut up!
I am a Vietnam vet and I remember being attack never happened and we ended up in a war that cost 50000+ american lives, millions of Vietnamese lives and the destruction of towns, villages and hamlets.
Fast forward, I ran has done nothing to the US and under the Nuclear Non Proliferation act, they are within their rights to seek and develop nuclear weapons....look at what happened to Iraq with no nuclear weapons and what has happened to N. Korea who is said to possess them. I say right on for Iran, get your weapons and then the negotiations between Isreal and the Arab world will get serious and the US will have to start being even handed. BTW, why didn't the US attack Isreal after they attacked the USS Liberty, on July 8, 1967....

rhon, San Francisco, CA

We are on the eve of destruction and I don't put the blame on my country (USA) as so many other players are jockeying for position.

Those mention oil won't be laughing when a nuclear Iran has control of all the oil in the Persian gulf and drives the price to $6 a gallon for gas here in the US while simultaneously driving the economy down in other allied nations like Britain. Australia, Japan, and a few others.

People didn't believe Germany, Japan, and Italy were as crazy as they were. Hitler invaded Russia, a huge country with huge resources. Even in 1941 that was idiotic to think he could win that. Japan hit Pearl Harbor and her own admirals lamented it was the end when it happened because they would awaken the sleeping giant. Crazy , but true and people don't think these small countries are that stupid to wage war against military giants.

We are headed for rough times if we don't acknowledge it.

James, Cincinnati, USA

Why are the quds forces in Iraq, anyway? and traveling abroad? I guess if you are a senior military officer of any government you should be in better contact with your own government... you vanish and it takes them weeks to fig. out that???

G, Detroit, MI

Amen David of Hempstead.
The only tarnish that I have as an American is from the people of this great AMERICA that no longer has a back bone, like our fore fathers that fought to give us what we have.
I like to hear people just as yourself offer them a one way ticket to any other country if they do not like ours.
All they have to do is look at history. What do they think it is there for? It proves you right every time.......
Barry, AMERICAN...

Barry, Stephenville, Texas

Asgardi reportedly defected. He wasn't kidnapped.

If Iranian generals are in Iran, then they're most likely leading terrorist efforts, as they do with Hezbollah and Hamas.

Just because Iran says their generals are being kidnapped doesn't make it so.

But I'd prefer the US &/or Israeli gov'ts be open and say... Asgardi defected, the others were found in Iraq and captured with known terrorists.

They should be dealt with accordingly. (ie: shot)

Kevin, St Louis, MO, USA

Who "messed" with who first? CIA interfered in Iranian politics since 1950's. When was the last time Iran overthrew an elected US president?

For the "tough guys" who talk about teaching Iran a lesson, where will you be when the fighting begins?!?! My guess is glued to Fox News in your living room wearing battle fatigues you bought from a surplus store...Meanwhile, it's mostly innocent civilians who die (see what happened in Iraq)

Tom, Washington, DC, US of A

I hate to say this but we really need to put some faith in our government to handle Iran in a way that shows what we menat when we say peace thru strength, we can't continue to cripple the president with our dissent. Mr. Gates and Ms Rice are acting in your best interest and until 2008 they are running this great land so stop whining and support them so they can do what is necessary and forget doing what is popular.

Chas, Vienna, VA

Saddam Hussein's main target audience in EVERYTHING he did and said was directed toward Iraqis and the broader Middle East in general. He didn't care what the UN said, what Europe said, what the US said. He was jubilant after the Gulf war because he knew he had won. Let me say that again, Saddam Hussein WON the Gulf war. How did he win? He was the Lion of the Middle East who stood up to the US and her allies and lived. He became more popular, more revered, and thus more powerful even though militarily he failed miserably. Heck, he even got to lobbed a couple scuds at Israel.
Iran is the same situation. It might be that Amadenejad is PROVOKING the US into attacking it, SO THAT HE CAN WIN. How can he win? There are a number of dissatisfied Iranians who would appreciate a more cordial relationship with US (it would make them money). They are the biggest threat to his power. But if we attack out right, then their sense of patriotism will cause them to flock to Amadenejad's banner.

Jon, Austin, TX, USA

These officers have probably all defected to whomever could take them in the fastest. Leave it to the Iranians to chalk it up to a western conspiracy.

Taylor, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA

Lest we forget, in 1979 52 Americans were taken hostage by Iranian Revolutionary forces. So the kidnapping hardly started with our actions in Iraq. Iran has thumbed its nose at the entire world, and not just America and Israel. They want a war with us, and not the other way around.

David CAmpbell, Kingsport, Tennessee

We need to quietly let the Iranians know what it will cost them to strike at us in Europe or Iraq. If they kidnap a major, then we do X. If they kidnap a general, then we do Y. If they target and embassy, then we throw the whole alphabet at them.

Dan, Shreveport, LA

We had better do this while we still can. In 2008 Hollywood may well get it's way and see Hillary elected. At that point American leadership will join the French leadership in a keen embrace of appeasement. A WWII acronym comes to mind that should cover the situation; BOHICA!

Loren Harmon, Phoenix, AZ

Isn't it all just a vast right wing conspiracy like everyone is saying? There are no enemies. Iran wouldn't do that. And of course, in the wake of the Iraq "War" (more of a large scale policing effort really) we all know that the only thing our leaders care about is making money and taking over the world. You see; if we had just stayed out of Iraq and made nice to the fundamentalists and West-hating, Jew-hating, progress-hating zealots everything would be fine.

Yeah, all we needed was a little diplomacy, like the kind Clinton used when he violated U.N. mandates and bombed the hell out of Kosovo, then bombed Sudan and then Iraq (wait, Iraq?) after signing into law the Iraq Liberation Act in 1998 which clearly stated that it would be our mission to overthrow the Baathist regime.

Sure folks, the Iranian government would never kidnap people, take hostages or train terrorists. It's all just a right wing whitewash...

WAKE UP PEOPLE. Read some history. Think critically.

Eric Colman, New York, NY, USA

Lets get this straight, Iran said that there have been people dissapering in Iran, could that be the resistance inside Iran? The 5 foot president of Iran was a member of the Revoluationary Guard when OUR embassy was attacked and OUR personnel held prisioners for more than a year, thus has blood on his hands.

All of you Left Wing Nuts,(most of whom live in Calif.) who don't like living in the "occupied" United States, can leave with just a plane ticket, a pasport is an option, since you hate where you live.

We who love the United States and wish to stay wish you a nice trip. This message was brought to you by an angry Vietnam Vet who was badly mistreated on his return. Senator Kerry, I will not forget you.

John, Columbia, MO

I am confused for all of you people that think the Us reputation has been tarnished and respect for the US has diminshed because we decided to confront Sadam and take a different approach to the middle east isstead of sticking to the last 50 years of failed policy.

What cant you do today that you could do 4 years ago? Aside from the sacrafice of our soldiers, what sacrafice have you had to make. Where has our supposed tarnished reputation affected us? You are so blinded by your hatred of GW bush you just complain to complain. Sadamm is gone and Irag has chance at being a democracy, hopefully followed by other middle east countries. I dont understand what people want, and what you would consider a better scnario.

David, hempstead, US

"Get out of Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq," one reader exhorts. If Iran, neighbor to those nations and ally to some of them should leave, how about our own warmongering U.S., half a world away from home base? If that doesn't make sense, it just reaffirms the myopic, hypocritical, one set of rules for us, another for everyone else attitude of arrogant imperialists now and in centuries past.

John, Norman, OK

Lets hope this is true. Iran is already our enemy. Why wouldn't we take steps like these now, rather than sit by letting Iranian efforts go unchallenged? You remember those efforts don't you, the ones which seek our destruction?

Iran's been involved in kidnappings and assassinations as official state policy for decades now. Those who want us to treat them from a we-are-the-world mindset , are living in la la land.

Oliver, Denver, Colorado

Lets not forget that Iran held U.S hostages for 444 days.
And given Irans' defiance towards the U.N. and E.U. for disclosure this may be another ploy and more retoric.

Kurt, Baltimore, MD, USA

Does anybody have any proof the the US is kidnapping ANYONE? Or are we just supposed to believe the Iranian propoganda? Amazing that even one American can jump on Iran's band wagon with no proof. Where in the world did our honor and love of country disappear to?

Bobette, Tampa, Florida

These responses are sad. It seems most people are against the USA, and they are Americans. What if an American wrote something about a brown-haired, brown-eyed Iranian? He would be dismissed as a rascist not worth discussing, only condeming. But an Iranian does the opposite, and it's the USA's fault. Nevermind what Iran does, if the USA responds, we are the enemy. Have no doubt it is always America's fault, we are the evil ones. It is clear the average man is a fool, and it is good the average man has no power.

Muhammed Ashall, Austin, Tx

Iran...your enemies are your own neighbors...your own "kind'..so stop blaming the US...

Linda, San Antonio, TEXAS

Where to start. The people that are complaining about George Bush, do not like him period, no matter what he says or does it wouldn't be to their liking.
With that said, the muslim terroriest drew 1st blood, whether it be 9/11USA or the train bombings in England or the Bali night club bombing. For God's sake they blew up a night club what the heck did they have to with the war in Iraq. These Muslims are cowards, they are not even men. A real man can think for himself, unlike these terrorist and the leftist groups in america and especially the dim wits in Hollywood.
If you all are so concerned with what is going on in the world, then do something about it yourselves, do not expect your governments to do it and then complain becasue it is done to your satisfaction.
So quit your crying you little babies, grow up and take responsbility and go help someone who is in need.

Justin Hadley, west monroe, La/USA

Perhaps we should allow the Iranians to kidnap a minuteman missile with a 10 megaton warhead detonating over Teheran. They are seeking nuclear weapons are they not?

Dryden, Redmond, USA

Why do you bash the Neocons? The Dems do the same thing when they are in power. When the Iranians took our embassy during the hostage crisis the great humanitarian Carter told them: hurt a hostage and we will shut down your economy, kill a hostage and we will take military action against you.

Iran has been at war with us for 25 years- be careful who you side with.

robster, Boston,

The arrogant comments of my fellow Americans are frightening. President Bush claims to be a Christian - how about following the Golden Rule? If he had not "done unto" Iran this way, Iran wouldn't be about to do it unto him (i.e. to the U.S.)

D. Schwartz, Bronx, NY, USA

It is just possible that the officers in question have defected and are freely giving strategic information to the US and Israel. Calling the disappearances kidnappings may simply serve US propaganda aims better. Most Iranians dislike their government and given time will bring it down, without military assistance from the West. Of course this may not be what Israel wants, since their long term strategy is to divide the country, as they are doing in Iraq. Bringing about military intervention may serve these aims better. We must not forget that Russia, France and China also have geopolitical interests at stake in the region.

David W.A. Robertson, Inverness, Scotland

The sooner we deal with Iran by eliminating their nuclear and military threat, the sooner the war on terror will be won by keeping under control its major state sponsor.
I hope Iran does something stupid soon to give Bush the chance to go for broke and ultimately save us from a later worse fate of a nuclear armed Iran/ terrorists.
Iran has already been at War with the US since 1979, just listen to the current cold war words if not the actions of supplying bombs to kill Americans in Iraq. Diplomacy has not worked, time for action, and ultimately a more permanent peace having eliminated the threat.

George, London,

There's no comparison. Iranian officers have been captured, not abducted, in Iraq. If they are there, and they are not working in cooperation with US or Iraqi forces, then they are to be regarded as enemy combatants.

Popular support for the Iraq war is almost gone; but if Iran were to begin kidnapping US and Israeli officers, there would be no hesitation in the hearts of Americans. We would get them back, and penalize every Iranian we find responsible, including those who knew and did nothing. I dont think Iran is stupid enough to do that, but then again, they're stupid enough to pursue nulear power so they may be.

CW Smith, South Burlington, VT, USA

We should remember that Iran are also responsible through their puppets Hezbollah, of murdering 241 American Marine Corps peacekeepers as well as 58 French soldiers. Iran has been a state sponsor of terrorism for many years. Justice will catch up with them.

Harry Hayes, Geneva, Switzerland

put your head in the sand it it will all be better

sol kesslar, latrobe, usa

Most of these Iranians were captured in Iraq, it looks like we are already at war with Iran. It's time to make an example of them. No limited war this time, we need to show the world the USA must be obeyed, or you face total destruction!

Wyatt, Lafayette, Louisiana

Incredible report and likely more fuel added to the fire for those seeking war. This report is like a flashback from 4 years ago when we loyal and patriotic Americans were constantly fed stories such as this. Repetitive use of words and phrases such as: suspected, allegedly, purportedly, sources report, sources say, might, could, a foreign intelliegence reports ect,,coupled with the use of graphic photos and placement of adjectives .led so many of us to equate these unsubstantiated charges and rumors as FACT. Because of this we were duped into war and thousands have died and my great country's steed and credibility has been severely denigrated. Based on my experience and observations, I find this type of report disturbing and frankly, give it little credibility. I question the writers "sources" as well as their intent .
In the meantime, I pray for our sons and daughters sent to this needless war and urge all to research news reports such as this before embracing the material as fact

Chester, New York, USA

In every conflict dating back 1000 years or more, this was known to be a good tactict to know what is going on and get intellegience, at the same time limiting your possible human losses. If these guys are in IRAQ after the new IRAQ government warned all outsiders not to mindle in IRAQ'a affairs including IRAN, than they are a prime target. Period. If US forces are in IRAN capturing these guys...Good for them....Else its just rumors to force other guy hand to do something. How stupit and ignorant we are all to even to play a Monday morning QuarterBack, when real lives are at stake. IRAN should get out of Lebanon, Syria, and IRAQ in order for peace to be there once those stubborn IRAQ's get theire country in order. I wonder what would have happened if the Internet and Satelite were avaliable when King George decided to Invade the young runaway colony that we call today U.S.A.? What would the headline say? Which side of the lines London & NYT would be on?

James Doyle, Danbury,

I wholeheartedly agree with Tim from Seattle. We Americans would never broadcast execution video of a captured enemy, such as Saddam Hussein.

Oh wait, we did.

Frank, New Hartford, NY

We have 4 fully loaded carrier groups with the most advanced strike capability the earth has ever seen. Iran knows what time it is. The USA knows that the Iranians are good people and would not turn Iran into glass, but instead chop off the head of the snake in terms of military surgical strikes. It won't come to that, as I mentioned the carrier groups are there to keep them firmly in reality.

Brian , Minneapolis, USA

And I suppose, Doug, the Americans are up to 'good' in Iraq. Only from your perspective. Their equally guilty of interfering in another country. Why don't they go sort out Zimbabwe. Oops, sorry, no oil there.

sam, Birmigham,

The notion that Iran would do anything to inflame the situation is ridiculous. They are not that stupid. This story smacks of propaganda. Why is the United States trying to goat Iran into war? What is it about some of the neo-con wackos in this country that they won't be satisifed until the entire Middle East is engulfed in chaos?

Eric, San Diego, CA

Assuming it is true that Americans and Israelis are kidnapping Iranian officers, these are actions that are both against international law and custom. In fact they are a form of "terrorism," and they go a long way to legitimate similar responses by the Iranians...
This kind of shortsighted and stupid policy is not befitting American values and should be stopped forthwith!

Arthur Carruthers, Scarsdale, NY/USA

The people out of Iran are not familiar with the matters going on in IRAN. We in IRAN have several ways to access the information about other countries. But people out of IRAN don't have access to right information and conditions in IRAN. We, the IRANIAN aren't happy nor by RG neither by US. We hate both of them. Our government and US government.
Pls don't prejudge.
All of us are bothered by our governments.

nikzad, Tehran,

Bring it on..... We have been at war through their terrorists acts since 1979. Time for us to settle the score and get rid of their crazy cooky Persian Islamic Regime.

Lev, Honolulu, HI/USA

I'm sorry...what were they doing in Iraq again?

Jason, Anbar Providence, Iraq

this is bad. These skirmishes will lead us to a huge problem. It seems an all out war is smarter than tit for tat with the Iranians.

matt, Florida, USA

Tehran is notorious for settling scores? Well guess what? So is the United States.

I seem to recall an incident some years ago involving a certain country's embassy in Tehran for which there has been no payback as of yet. I also seem to recall regular chanting of "Death to America" on a regular basis by citizens of a certain country. I also seem to recall a diminutive bearded fellow incessantly shooting his mouth off recently.

We've been giving Iran a lot of rope. If that little bearded fellow doesn't zip it he may well find himself swinging at the end of that very same rope just as another of his mouthy friends did.

Dave, Dallas, USA

At last the civilized world develops the resolve and energy to
strike back at Iran and Islamo-fascism!

Information is the key to defeating Muslim terrorism and Iranian
Revolutionary Guard officers are a treasure-trove of information
that can be mined and exploited. No objective is richer, no target
more accessible, than them.

Time for commando traditions of the SAS and OSS to revive.

John, Winchester, VA / USA

Remember, Iran is not supposed to be participating in Iraq. Officially, Iran is not in Iraq. But yet it is.

The USA and Iran are in their own min-Cold War. Go back to the top, substitute Soviet Union for Iran and KGB for Quds, and then re-read the article.

Suddenly, we are nostalgiac for the 1970s and the much better spy movies from that era.

Steven, San Francisco, CA

It's time to take the gloves off. Dissapear the Quds Force every chance we get.

Chris, Oklahoma City, USA

It appears, finally...that we are playing hard baseball...

..spun and confused...Salfists can be put on their heels.....

..we are so close....just another push and the tipping point could point
elsewhere...

It feels like NOW!


Damn the Dhimmicrats !



.we have a year and a half. It's starting to happen!

lawrence de la garza, Marfa, Texas

The Qods Force has been specifically responsible for brutal terrorist actions against Americans and other Westerners (e.g. UK and France) for 20+ years, many of these actions included kidnappings.

To fight back is not arrogant or reckless... It is simply perseverance. It is only right that the Qods murderers and their oppressive theocratic masters get there comeuppance.

If Iran escalates any conflict with the US, it will certainly be a clash that Iran will lose because the US would be unrestrained, Iran is a country not an insurgency, Iran is economically weak and vulnerable, and the political legitimacy of the Iranian Mullahs is on very shaky ground.

Joe, Hong Kong,

I'd like to note to the critics out there that currently these are 'disappearances' - we have no proof whether they were kidnapped or their loyalty happened to have a price the United States could afford (such as safety for them and their families, plus a nice wad of cash). Either way though, if it leads to actual information on Iran's true intentions, then you critics won't be able to use the 20/20 of hindsight to criticize failures of clandestine intelligence.

Nemo, Lexington, VA, United States of America

All indications are that the higher ranking members of the Iranian military are tiring of the leadership and are defecting. The world believes the US will do nothing if provoked or attacked. They are sadly mistaken. It is said the last thing the US wants is a confrontation with Iran. That sentiment is probably true, but if the shooting does start I will feel a lot more confident being in the US rather than Iran. The world has not seen the US unleash it's military might. If the handcuffs come off and we don't dance around politics the effects will be devastating. I certainly hope it doesn't come to that, but we are being threatened by so many around the world you have to be prepared.

Gene, Houston, Tx

How is it that these Iranian officer were captured in Iraq, as opposed to being kidnapped from Iran, hmm? What were they doing there int he first place? Sounds to me like it's the Iranians who are up to no good. Again.

Doug, Sharpsburg, GA

Even Bush wouldn't run an operation like this. Kidapping foreigners who haven't attacked us, would definitely bring down his whole government. He has enough trouble just trying to keep Khaled Sheik Mohammed, the AlQaida mastermind in Guantanamo, and he dropped the twin towers.

There is only one country with the will and the stones to do this type of thing. I wonder if Israel believes it's missing soldiers are in Iran. It would make sense for them to then divert attention to the US, by saying the US doing this is an act of war it will regret. They are probably hoping to grab someone who has seen their guys, so they can rescue them, and the PM can regain some face. After the failed campaign the Israelis have probably just decided the whole Covert Munich thing is back in style. God Bless 'em.

Mack, Sachem, NY

Cool. An excuse to invade Iran.

Thank you for playing.

Stephen, London,

"[...] force on the other hand has proven itself time and again."

that must be why the world's so stable these days. tell ya what; use force in your neighborhood, if it's such a great thing. you won't, for the same reason it should be avoided with international neighbors.

blowback. look it up.

charley hardman, occupied, US

Iranian officers are getting snatched IN IRAQ, and the Iranians are acting like this is some sort of provocation out of the blue? Iranian generals were in Iraq presumably on vacation or something, and not providing sophisticated IEDs aimed at American troops.

Andy, Seattle, WA

We should have dealt properly with the Iranians in 1979. Ever since then I knew from that act that someday somewhere we WOULD be dealing with them again. WE ARE and I do not expect this to be settle with a handshake. I prefer we win and they lose.

Fred, phoenix Arizona , USA

It's silly to think that stern talk by the UN backed with nothing more than the threat of yet more stern talk will accomplish anythin in regards to Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. Given the lack of responsible positions taken by countries like Russia (who are actually supplying nuclear tech to Iran) and others in Europe who refuse to take a tough approach with Iran is it may affect their pocketbooks, it's clear only the US (not withstanding the leftist) has the courage to take substantive steps to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. I am curious to know what alternative ideas folks like "akram" and "allen" have in dealing with the Iranian threat. And please, do not ignorantly suggest nothing but "diplomacy" as clearly that naive approach is not working.

Bea, Los Angeles, USA

"Reckless" you say? It seems these Iranian officers disappeared INSIDE Iraq. Didn't the Iranians deny interfering in Iraq? Who exactly is being reckless now? I say any Iranian military personnel inside Iraq are fair game. If Iran wants to keep its "military" terorist organization intact, it needs to keep them out of Iraq. All the Iranian regime needs to do in order to cease to exist is give the United States an excuse-- and I hope they do.

Jay, Terre Haute, Indiana/USA

Excuse me? Who is reckless here? I mean are the US forces manufacturing bombs, transporting them to Iran, where they are planted as road side bombs? Have they threatened to wipe a country off the map using nukes?

Come on- the US is the only country in the history of the world who actually possesses the weaponry to conquer the world who has decided not to. What other country can say that? Persia tried, Germany tried, France tried, and China tried and may still be. People need to put stuff into perspective.

Nifty, Fort Collins, Co

America isn't ready to stir up the hornet's nest in the Middle East. With Iraq we have just been poking at it with a stick. We come at it with a bat by taking on Iran, and we are going to get stung repeatedly all over the world. If peace and trade is an option, why not take it? No one calls the Russians wimps.

Matthew, Atlanta, GA

And still tens of thousands scramble to enter the United States every day. Must be a terrible place to live.

PHilBob, Worchestor,

The USA is family in my heart.

But the home truth is that the USA should pull it's head in before it is degraded.

Develop your foreign policy and your forces. There will be a time to use them, but it is not now.

Not by a long way.

Brian Ormskirk, Melbourne, Australia

Bob Caran -

Just because the Iranians are saying it, doesn't mean it is happening or, if it is, we are doing it. The Iranians say that the Holocaust didn't happen, they are not interferring in Iraq (why would a commander of the Revolutionary Guard Quds force be in Iraq?!) and the movie 300 is U.S. Government lies/propaganda.

Frankly, if we were doing it, it would be the first positive thing I've heard for a long time. BTW, it takes a lot of Chutzpah (a Yiddish word) to complain about their 'diplomats' in Iraq after the 444 days that their President help keep real diplomats hostage.

M. Fernandez, San Francisco,

The U.S. needs to quit fighting the Iraq conflict politically and bring out the big guns! We still have firepower that the world has never seen.

Jeff, Richmond, va, USA

I note with interest that several of the Iranians, including members of the Revolutionary Guard, were allegedly seized in Iraq. To all of the U.S. -bashers out there: regardless of what you think of the Iraq war (and I was against it from the outset), as an occupying force, the U.S. is currently responsible for Iraq's security under international law. What were the Iranians doing in Iraq? It was right to seize them.

Nick, NY, USA

It's a shame that we have people in America who will believe the Iranian Dictator and feel sorry for them. Don't just wish those types of people will just pack up and move to Iran since they have a dislike for our government, I know I do. America would be a much better place.

Jackson, Norfolk, A proud citizen of the U.S.A.

Of course the US has captured these officers. The only issue is that we didn't have to cross any borders to do it. Iran continues to send their officers into Iraq sovereign territory.

Mark, Dallas, TX, US

"We’ve got the ability to capture a nice bunch of blue-eyed blond-haired officers and feed them to our fighting cocks,” he said. “Iran has enough people who can reach the heart of Europe and kidnap Americans and Israelis.”


What I want to know is, whay are they taking this out on the Swedes.???

Randy, Mariposa, Ca.

Our arrogance? What would you have us do? Sit on our hands until they overrun us? Like any good coach you want to be on the offensive not the defensive.

Brent George, Lubbock, Texas

The Iranians are threatening to hit Europe or Israel with a nuke and America is out of hand....ummmm...yeah....(eyes rolling)......maybe we should contact the ghost of Neville Chamberlain to see what we should do next?...

Carl, Destin, United Staes of America

I don't know why we don't throw a GPS transmitter on every American in Iraq. That would end the kidnappings pretty quickly.

jim, NY, NY

People have been defecting for years; there is a huge resistance movement in Iran that doesn't get any press...

allen, washington dc, - if you don't like the U.S. just leave. Our policies have always been the same and have changed little no matter who which party was in power.... I am sure Iran would welcome you with open arms.

Joe, Bellmore, NY

So let me get this right..............Iran has forces in Iraq and they start disappearing and it has to be our fault? Iraq is a dangerous place maybe they should stay out. Now there's an idea.

James, Nashville, USA/TN

Iran claim to have no agents in Iraq, therefore there should not be any Iranians in Iraq. Why is the Revolutionary Guard doing in Iraq, humanitarian work?

quaid, washington dc, usa

Call the Europeans lazy and some Muslims "Islamofacists" all you wish, but the reality is that the US is in Iraq and we shouldn't be there. The fact that we are dabbling in the Middle East requires that we deal with nations such as Iran. The situation in Iraq is bad enough and tough rhetoric towards Iran is not going to help because let's face it, what have they got to lose? The US is the greatest power in the world right now, but there is nothing that says it must always be that way. Thus, the US stands to lose the most in a conflict with Iran.

Ray, St. Bonaventure, NY

It is laughable that the Iranians complain about the tactic of kidnapping.

Steve, NY,

Iranian special operations soldiers in Iraq are valid targets. What is the problem?

Peter, Oakton, VA

Whatever it takes.

Jeff, Houston, TX

It warms my heart to see Iran get a taste of their own medicine.

I do not think that Iran knows what it is getting itself into by messing with the US in the last 2 years of the Bush administration.

Tom, Boulder, CO

I would rather be kidnapped by Americans than Iranians anyday.

Julien, Besançon, France

Iranians should be careful about what they ask for, they might get it.

Boomer Von Cannon, Boston, USA

Kidnapping officers of a foreign government is in itself an act of war. Like everything else (using WMD (nuclear weapon on Japan in WWII)),when we do it, (or the Israelis do it) it's okay. Should Iran retaliate we'll be running to the UN for more sanctions against them.
Keep in mind: what goes around, comes around. So, again, we've jeopardized American soldiers by putting them in harm's way by setting them up for retaliatory acts.

Bob Caran, Jacksonville, FL

Surely this article cannot be correct, as the good people of the Iranian govt have assured the world that they have no military personnel in Iraq?

James, Takoma Park, USA/Maryland

So the Iranians are complaining that RG military commanders operating in the sovereign state of Iraq have been captured? They seem to have an expansive idea of what constitutes legitimate actions.

Ernst Blofeld, Krakow, PL

If they retaliate in Iraq, which the last two paragraphs suggest, then it would only serve to further establish Iran's hostile efforts in Iraq, and further justify American aggression towards Iran. Frankly, Iran can hardly afford that.

Michael, Stanford, USA

It's about time America did something about the terrorist Iranian regime instead of sit back and waiting for these lazy Europeans to try to come up with a solution. Iran has been and is a very real threat to not only the stability of the region but to the world as well and America, it seems, is one of the few countries with enough backbone to do something about it instead of waiting around until it's too late.

Peter, Texas, US

If the US did take these people, you won't see them on TV or the internet getting their heads cut off, unlike by the barbarian Islamofascists.

Tim, Seattle, WA-US

Negotiation w/ terrorist organizations /c ountriies has NEVER solved anything, force on the other hand has proven itself time and again.

Jim, Willow Grove, USA / Pennsylvania

nobody has a problem saying when things go wrong but when the U.S tries to do something right, they jump all over the things that went wrong.(give them a break)

jim, Halifax, Canada Nova Scotia

Your correspondent's assessment of the kidnapping policy and how Iran views it is correct. An Israeli intelligence officer's comments earlier last month on in this matter "that this is dangerous and amounts to a declaration of war" seemed then to be extravagant. Not any more...Tehran is not sitting on its hands.

R. Mayson, Wellington, New Zealand

the american ignorance and subsequent arrogance is rearing its ugly head yet again.

allen, washington dc,

the recklessness of the US seems to know no bounds. They are heading for another humiliating conflict which they will lose.

It seems to be a final absolutely crazy throw of the dice.

akram, London,