John W. from Mount Vernon, OH:

Did you know that a Mount Vernon native was one of the original Iranian hostages in the 79-81 crisis? Bert C. Moore was his name. Hopefully this situation doesn't last as long. I'd like to see someone take out the Iranian President, the Ayatollahs as well.

Alex D., Mount Vernon, OH

This is an outrage on our country. Althought i no longer live in england, i still hear about and read about it everyday. If what is stated above is true, then Iran is guilty of illegally capturing our boys and has no reason to have kidnapped them. Also, where are our good old buddies the Us on this one? Why are they not on our side throwing their support behind us, as we so willingly did on march 19th 2003 (beginning of iraq war). Oh wait i know why. They will wait til our boys have been murdered, and then use that as motivation to invade iran, seize all nuclear arms and take over another country in the middle east. Cheers lads, and God Save the Queen

Alec weston, Brantford, Ontario

No no no, our frigate couldn't possibly fire on the Iranian boats, we might offend the Muslims!

Gary W, London, UK

I really can't believe our Navy let this happen.... Why didn't the main ship power over and prevent the 15 service personel from landing in Iran? We used to pride ourselfs on our Nava and Raf but we are becoming weak!

I strongly believe we should put a deadline on the safe return of our service men and woman and failure to do so would mean war. I'm pretty sure America would help us but if not then we should do it ourselfs! Its a unstable government thats developing nuclear weopons after all lets attack now before it wont be worth the risk of nuclear war!

Is it just me who think the middle east is evil?

Steve, gillingham, kent

I'm amazed at how we American's want action on international and local agenda's but we're not truly committed to the time neccessary for policies and procedures to take place. By no means do I feel all US policies are correct all the time. If we sit by and do nothing while other countries develope materials that they may give or sell to groups that mean us harm, I think were foolish.
No matter what your political or religous views are we (I also mean other countries too) have the right of freedom and should be allowed to live a fruitful life. If the United Nations would live up to it's name and demand nations to act together for world peace maybe the US wouldn't have to step to the forefront.

Scott, Atl, GA

Does it really matter if iran produces a nuclear weapon? What are the real odds of them using it? Would there country not suffer the same demise? Who would benefit? Are we that afraid of them that we are willing to sacrifice so many innocent people that live there, I should hope we set better examples for our future generations that will have to clean up these dealings.

Dan, windsor, Canada / Ont

It's amazing that in a time of war, we do not seal borders, don't have a ship or sub parked at said borders, and simply watch as we spin stories... McCaine even says some parts of bagdad are save???? as rockets hit the green zone...

Imagine if a sub surface at the border and trapped the Iranian boats inside Iraq waters... sounds too easy...
Face it we lost the war... just look at walter reed hosptial,
and how 'dragon skin' armor is kept from the troops..

God / Alla help us all...........

joseph bocchino, boynton beach, west palm beach, fl

Why does iraq have to have all the mess on us just because were are Americans or what?!?!?

Jessica , Panorama city, Italy

Excuse me but 80% being against the war is a seriously narcissistic inflation of the actual numbers. The USA is split in half abou the war at best. It is simply that the lefties are so shrill that they make it seem like they are the loudest voice and they are not. I agree that harsh measures should be taken to deal with a harsh regime that longs for atomic weapons to use on the world. They will hold us all hostage, as they have shown again and again if we stand back and do nothing, They danger is real people, the Iranian government is not a bunch of tree hugging humanists. The are a religious dictatorship bent on destroying and controlling everything that they disagree with mostly the western world, or infadels. Your antisemitism is showing and clearly it is not just about oil it is about life itself.

Jennifer, Bowie, Maryland

after travelling all around the world with my dad, we had to go and live in iran for a few xears because of his job in the oil industry, the amount of warm and truely amazing people i met there i have never seen anywhere else in my life and it breaks my heart when i read such hurtful comments about iran. have the people who judged it even been there? have they ever even tried to get to know a true iranian? one thing that is true though is that government are a disgrace and are hated by so many thousands and even millions of people in iran but can any of them come out with that? can anyone of them say how they are feeling? if they do... the numbers of people who go "missing" daily in iran is unbeleivable, the government is a wrong here, not the people, they need our help and its the uk and americas job to get the people who they helped make the humanely wrong revolution in 1979 out of the iranians lives so they can move on and be better people and then none of this would ever happen

nina, london, uk

Something is for sure.Our Soldiers won't do the same as British soldiers've done with Iraqi people.

Sedighe, Tehran,

So neither The Brits or the Iranians have GPS nav units to show where they actually were ?
Without facts or even partial facts who knows what went on, but the Iranian claiming the Brits confessed to an act of aggression paints them as liars in this crisis., unless they never said that and the media is twisting a pro western agenda.

Pasha, Perth, Australia

In a perfect world with shared goals and mutual trust, then possibly all nukes could be eliminated. However, this will never happen. It is a waste of time to pose such a suggestion.

War kills innocent people. It just does, no getting around it. Sometimes the best choice is to strike quickly and with great force rather than to find oneself painted into a corner having lost the opportunity for victory.

I study human behavior for a living. Global shared goals and mutual trust is just not possible at this point of our evolution. Radical Islam's beliefs/goals couldn't be more different from ours here in the Western world. We need to be harshly realistic.

Stephanie, Stowe, VT

Just to set the record straight: despite the preponderance of opinions posted here, 80% of Americans are against our aggressive invasion and occupation of Iraq. We speak the same language as you Brits, but that doesn't make you morally superior to any other nation. British imperialism set the stage for all these conflicts in the Middle East. As for Iran, if we hadn't overthown the democratically elected regime and installed the brutally repressive Shah, the current Islamists wouldn't have been able to take over. Now it's well-known that the Bush regime has been planning a strike on Iran for years, that plans are drawn up, that it's only a matter of time before the U.S. (with it's mercenary proxies, the Israelis) attack Iran, regardless of what Iran does. And what is this all about? Come on, everyone, you know the answer . . . OIL.

Peter Andrew, SAN FRANCISCO, U.S.A.

I can't believe the spin the media is putting on the nuclear issue with Iran. Aren't the Iranians doing less with nuclear capabilities or even desires than the UK or The USA? 15 British servicemen strayed into disputed waters of Iran. They are at fault. Wars have begun with lesser offenses. The West needs to have a little more tact and we also need willingness to concede wrongdoing. In the article above it reads "...defiant Iranian message..." These types of negative spin against Iran only stir up a blazing fire where there is no need for even a candle. Can't you people (media) not tell lies or manipulate words so the people who do care can go about our daily lives with pride for what we once were. Can't you try to regain some of the integrity of the West that you've "given" away so frivolously? Why not say the truth. British servicemen are at fault and should not have been within slingshot distance of the disputed sea border? You make me regret your position.

Gordon, Sofia, Bulgaria

Let us NOT forget there are good citizens in Iran and the problem lies with their government not their people. "Bombing them back 100 years" kills innocent people and is a stupid statement.

Unfortunately, I don't see sanctions or political resolve with Iran. The west will be at it again with another country I'm sure.

We need to RID the world of NUKES - All of them. I think this causes one of the biggest instabilities in the middle east (especially with Israel having nukes). It is not fair any country can not posses these and others can't, that is why we need to dismantle them worldwide.

Gregory Thompson, Salt Lake City, USA/Utah

arichards,

You are quite right that all the American Neocons offering your advice are not necessarily in the best position to offer any wisdom on any subject. It is just after the U.S.S. Cole incident, no Iranian (or any other) warship will get anywhere near an American one before they are blown out of the water. I think that there was a time in British history when you had the same approach, whatever its merits. But I think all Americans are with you whatever you decide.

James, Allentown, PA, USA

To Arik,

Can I point out that US ships - and other coalition vessels - are doing the exact same thing that HMS Cornwall was doing in the Gulf.

Futhermore, how can you accuse the British of never learning when it has taken the US at least three years to come around to a half decent counter revolutionary warfare strategy for Iraq that you never developed after a decade in Viet Nam.

Nathan, Canberra, Australia

Dear Arik Silvertwat: Unlike 1812, the British are in those waters at America's bidding. In the eyes of the US administration (ie your government) they are protecting YOU.

David Masu, Zürich,

Iran's international credibility is in shambles. Who is going to believe Iran when it claims British sailors were captured in its territorial waters when it had previously declared it was not working on a nuclear weapons program either? Kidnapping British sailors is first an internal propaganda stunt whose purpose is designed to keep internal popular opinion against the coalition high. Secondly, it causes frustration and places stress upon coalition govt's who have to respond to their own citizens' demoralization and calls for drastic action all while having to carefully negotiate for the release of hostages. Internationally, this incident underscores the reality that Iran has been the real rogue element in the Middle East for years. It's latest prepubescent bad behavior indicates an unabated interest in maintaining regional instability with a long term goal of establishing a shiite region which it alone dominates. Like playing chicken, Iran plays a dangerous game at its own peril.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

Where's Thatcher when you want someone with balls to stand up to this mess?

Q, Windsor,

The whole event is astonishing: being fully aware of the tense situation in those waters and of the fact that a few years ago UK service men were taken prisoner, the Royal Navy nevertheless authorised HMS Cornwall to do nothing all the while (reported by Al Haaretz) a Royal Navy helicopter flew overhead watching the events and while a BBC journalist observed and recorded the whole event. During this time - still according to Al Haaretz - the officer commanding HMS Cornwall simply stated that his communication link had broken down with his men in the inflateable boats and underarmed to meet hostile Iranian intervention. On these few facts it would seem that either what the Iranians say is true or some court martials of commanders in the Royal Navy are required in order to deal with what seems to be incredible incompetence if not downright negligence on the part of the Navy.

John, London, UK

This is a cover.
What was in that ship they were searching . Maybe there were Iranian Cars on that boat. Maybe with trunks filled with IED's or other contraband .

Go back and finish the search with 10 Apache Gunships.

Do it again with strength. Here lil Iranian,here boy..........

Wont be Fooled Again, chicago, Illinois USa

As a serving soldier in the British Forces I feel a sense of pride when reading some of these comments. It is nice to know that although we are a small nation with limited arms, we are still respected by nations such as the USA. I do not, however, agree with the majority of American opinion in that the resolution to this crisis is to shower Iran with Cruise Missiles. Quite simply we should; and I would imagine already have sent an SF force to locate and rescue the soldiers/marines held captive. After all Iran are accusing us of entering their nation illegally so why not do it now.

The last thing Britain needs though is a war against Iran. I for one am sick of spending the better part of my life in the desert and unlike Iraq, Iran quite possibly can reach our shores with their long range ballistic missiles.

I'm pretty sure Mr Blair will sort things out though... Just as soon as he gets of the phone to Mr Bush!

Gibbo, Bath,

I am a serving british serviceman in the royal navy. I know 2 of the people who have been kidnaped it is outragious that our government has not given a deadline for there release they do not seem to be doing very much at all. Thay should give the iranian government a deadline of hours not days or weeks this is the only thing they understand

rob, plymouth, uk

"I await patiently for the Royal Navy to releaase the latitude and longuitude of the ship they boarded, but somehow if it showed the incident did not occur in Iranian waters I think we would have it already."

If the RN did release the coordinates, and the data showed that the incident occured in Iraqi waters, then Anglophobic/anti-American elements would accuse the RN of falsifying the information. It's a no-win situation for the senior service, in that respect.

andy, cardiff, UK

To all of you who are decrying the "illegal" invasion of Iraq, trying to justify Iranian actions. Do you happen to remember a little thing called the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein? And do you remembered how it ended - with a ceasefire predicated on Iraq's good behavior, as judged by the US? Well countless UN resolutions later would show that such good behavior from Saddam never materialized. Please - Iraq's territorial integrity? Give me a break and grow up.

FedUp, Atlanta, USA

I hope the Iranians have learned what Sadam never learned. If you play brinkmanship you better know where the brink is. Or if you play with the bull you will get the horn. The British have the ability and the will to make Iran really sorry. The British are civil but they are not paper tigers. If the Iraninas have any doubt they should just remember that the British and their allies did in a couple of weeks what the Iranians couldn't do in 10 years of fighting with Iraq. It is too bad the people in power in Iran do not care more about their own people. It is only because the British are showing restraint that Iran exist a sovereign country (or any kind of country).

Kevin Dorsey, Tazlina, Alaska

Saudi Arabia should threaten to lower the price of oil. That'll send the Brits home faster than a wave of cruise missiles.

Dan Dr., Kirkland,, Washington, USA

When all else fails, blame the French

Steve, NY, NY, USA

Fair Play to Iran. Standing up to the western bullies.

Don't worry the men will be eventually released... but at the moment Iran are in control.

Christian, Dublin, Ireland

We Americans stand with you in this time of turmoil. Iran had better stop playing with the Devil. The Brits have powerful friends. Let the troops go now!

Matt Deig, Evansville, IN , USA

You Brits and other Europeans better spend your share on your national defense for the next Battle of Tours (in 732 AD, I believe) when Charles Martel (better known as the "hammer") defeated you know who.

Bill ex Air Force, Tampa, Florida,

I await patiently for the Royal Navy to releaase the latitude and longuitude of the ship they boarded, but somehow if it showed the incident did not occur in Iranian waters I think we would have it already. Boarding an Iranian ship in Iranian waters is a tad forward, dontcha think?

Nevertheless, I feel for your soldiers, who are but even more British victims of Bush's duping of Blair.

By the way, what the hell is the Royal Navy doing looking for car smugglers cheating Iraq out of import duties? Admiral Lord Nelson must be spinning in his grave.

Mike, Croix, USVI

As far as I'm concerned this is an act of war against Great Britain and its allies. I only wish Canada took defense seriously and maybe we would be able to assist with something tangeable.

Jorge, St. Catharines, Canada ON

Most of the comments are hawkish. Thanks to George Bush.
Looks like Iranians caught the sailors from the waters belong to UK or USA not to Middle East.

Ayaz khan, Swat, Pakistan

Pay no heed to the apologists of Iran. Their apologies are tantamount to blaming a rape victim because "she shouldn't have worn that dress".

JB, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Well at least with the Iranians there's no chance of getting bombed by accident..

Also please note our American Friends didnt you have a problem with Iran over the embassy siege ..i dont remeber you sorting that out very quickly.

arichards, Stourbridge, West Midlands

Iran now wants a FORMAL and PUBLIC apology by the Brits as a condition for the release of the captured sailors.

What a joke - they clearly have no intention of releasing them and are playing the British for fools.

Roy, CT, USA

Doesn't HMS Cornwall have radar? Couldn't the commanding officer of HMS Cornwall see the Iranian boats coming, and "beat to quarters"? Then, Iran should be given a 4-hour deadline to return all British citizens and equipmen, failing which 500 cruise missles should INSTANTLY land on carefully selected tragets within Iran. Trust me, this will never happen again!

Ned, Stoneham, MA, USA

You Brits started a war with the US in 1812 because of boarding our ships. Now you're doing the same thing to Iran. Will you never learn?

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, WI

US and GB did not respect the international law when they attack iraq to get oil. Now they are traying to stop the nuclear program of Iran but of course Israel have the right to do whatever they want. This not fair and this is why there will be allways war in the middle east

Selim, Paris, France

Have our troops have been instructed not to defend themselves if attacked and, as in this case, apparently kidnapped? If so, who is responsible for such instructions?

Doug, Glasgow,

I hope this act of war by iran ends with the release of the UK navy personal. I as a member of a family that settled in Wisconsin in 1840 and supported the end of slavery with the service of 40 of my family members in the civil war and every other conflict since then. And as a ex Army Staff Sgt I just think that we must come to terms with what we in the end face today.
As Ken Butler Sq. Leader in the 103 Sq. RAF told me he did not learn to fly to go to war. But he found that in the end in 1939 war had come to him and he had to do what he could. So we at this time must remember not only our self and our family but also all those who in many cases gave their all to save the future. We now have our own moment in history to lose or to attempt also to save that concept of the future. And if we are lucky perhaps we can as Ken Butler did at the end of war drop food, not death.
For after all this is all about saving civilization.
And this is a work in progress.

james johnson, waukesha, wisconsin, usa

God Bless your soldiers. The common citizens of the US are with you in prayer....and if they are harmed....we will be there with you in Tehran.

GG, North Carolina, USA

The naivety of many of these comments worry me. The rights or wrongs of the incident can be analysed ad infinitum. In the meantime, let’s hope that the detained sailors are not being mis-treated and that their political masters can secure their safe release soon. Anyone who has had any experience of critical incident negotiation will know that neither gung-ho or apologist stances will lead to a peaceful resolution.

Michael, Derby, UK

Well, all this jingoism is being taken as normal. It just shows how militarized the world has become. Let's step back a bit and look at this objectively. Who gave Britain or the U.S. the right to be in Iraqi waters, or in Iraq for that matter? No one, as we all know. The U.S. and Britain simply invaded and occupied Iraq, pure acts of aggression. So in that context, whether the British sailors were in Iraqi or Iranian waters is a very minor point. Let's suppose they were in Iraqi waters, and thus the Iranians were real bad boys to seize them. Now compare that with invading and destroying a whole country--Iraq--and it's still a minor sin.
Why does everyone want war? Where's the glory in killing and maiming women and children, poisoning the land, terrifying animals, torturing untold innocent men?
This is surely a generation of vipers.
Only those who sincerely and vigorously work for peace have any claim to the moral, ethical, or spiritual high ground.
We're all responsible.

Peter Andrew, SAN FRANCISCO, U.S.A.

The UN security council has voted unanimously for sanctions. This raises the stakes but Iran's blatant intimidation has not worked. Rightly so. Iran must now give the sailors back or face a full-scale retaliation.

Ben, York,

"Quite simply, unless the sailers and marines are released quickly for what may or may not be a navigational error on their part, then the Iranian action can be considered an act of war"--GG, Whiteford, USA

Just out of curiosity, was not the US abduction of 5 Iranian nationals in Iraq back in January an act of war? Are not the highly credible threats from the US against Iran—up to and including nuclear assault—also acts of war?

WRJ, Chicago, USA

Send in the SAS and the Paras. We need Maggie or Churchill when the going gets tough. Never believe if you ignore the problem it will go away. We must deal with iran !!!

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, CANADA

Quite simply, unless the sailers and marines are released quickly for what may or may not be a navigational error on their part, then the Iranian action can be considered an act of war. It is unfortunate that the only thing that the mullahs seem to know how to do without foreign help is to take hostages. They are very good at isolating their country and squandering whatever goodwill is left. This standoff can be ended very quickly by Britain - first an ultimatum, and than an ongoing barrage of cruise missiles on select targets, such as oil production facilities and especially the homes of the Iranian "leadership". President Clinton did this in Serbia with good effect. If the mullahs are willing to take the barrage, then so be it. At least that way they will have something to do later on, when they have to rebuild the country. Enough talk.

GG, Whiteford, USA

We in America are fully behind Britain in this difficult time. If Iran does not return British soldiers, the United States will aid in your military strikes upon Iran. Israel should join on the principle that Iranian-backed Hezbollah still holds several of their soldiers. It is time to teach Iran to follow international law and to abandon their religious zealotry.

Devin, Chantilly, VA, United States

It's not so smart to joke with the Brits: iranians are searching delays but may find bad, bad surprises.

God bless your soldiers.

Stefano, Milano, Italia

Bob, you scare me.

John, I agree with you.

Starling, Lancaster,

John from Edwardsville, i suppose the Iranians just kidnapped our soldiers to siphon off the oil from their rubber dingys?

Bob Rubino, a lovely comment but you obviously didn't know that Britain is now full of liberal apologists. Its all our fault for our imperial past, and your fault for your imperial present.

J W Randall, Edinburgh,

I doubt your servicemen were in Iranian waters. I'm sure they are well aware of the hazards and plan accordingly. Regardless, arrest and detainment is not warranted. A simple "you're in our territory...get out" would suffice. I'm afraid these sailors and marines will be used as some sort of leverage regarding the UN sanctions. However, the primary reason this happened is that the Iranians believe they can get away with it. They captured British seamen in 2004 without any consequence. It's been a long time since American sailors at sea were captured by a foreign navy. I suspect the Iranians know they would received an immediate and hot response from nearby US Naval forces. Had the British decided to resist, US forces would have been obligated to assist. Undoubtedly, they would have quickly received support from the two carrier battlegroups in the region. I wonder if their ROE prevented them from defending themselves? A good question to ask your government.

GBS, San Diego, USA

arguing over wheher the incident took place in Iranian or Iraqi territorial waters will not get the men released. Anyway, which is the more likely:
a) HMS Cornwall allowed six Iranian boats to enter Iraqi territorial waters and capture their boarding party or
B) The boarding party was in Iranian territorial waters and HMS Cornwall was unable to prevent their capture without escalating the territorial violation?
Either way, neitherIran nor Britain is going to admit they were in error so the FO needs to find some other approach to ngotiating the release of the men, for their sakes.

Jim Oliver, Leicester, England

Well how embarassing, I guess the Iranians went for the Brits as they knew waht sort of a response they would have got from the Isrealies or Americans.

c.oversby, spring, usa texas

To the people of Great Britain,

America has no closer friend than Britain and her citizens. We are linked by a common heritage, view of the world and our collective position in it. We are brothers in yet another titanic struggle against dictatorships that must be won.

Throughout history, the people of Britain have demonstrated the resolve that only comes from a great nation. Stand tall now, have confidence in yourself and do not retreat. Understand that this is just another opportunity in your history to defend liberty and your way of life. Go get your people and America will be with you both in spirit, in prayer and on the battlefield. Yours IS a just cause.

God bless you all.

Bob Rubino, Mansfield, Massachusetts, USA

Repeat after me: "It's all about oil. It's all about oil..."

John, Edwardsville, Illinois

Two wrongs do not make it a right. These waters are either: Iranian or Iraqi. Not British. Violence and aggression on either side will end in nothing. But - just for one moment how would the UK react if Iranian or even US troops boarded a UK owned vessel in the Thames just because it felt it had the right to do so. The UK would be in its rights to detain anyone it felt was a local threat or should not be there. My gut instinct is now not to trust either side. We know the UK has been lied to by its leaders. The moral upper hand has been lost. One needs to believe - not follow blindly or we will all end up in the same dark alley. Just keep remembering that there were no WMD's is Iraq! Politicians are playing a personal game and the wolrd is the ball. We have no hope as it is now.

Paul, London, Canada

My dear friends:

War is not the answer. I agree wholeheartedly that there will be situations that call for arm conflict but if we quickly jump the gun (pardon the pun) everytime there is an incident we ALL would be dead. Let the paid diplomats do their jobs behind the scenes first. It is not a sign of weakness to negotiate and to use diplomacy. It is unfortunate that those from the "1st world" countries here are so generally intent on fighting everything out to the last man. That bravado has done nothing but caused too many unnecessary civilain and armed forces deaths in Iraq. My bright idea is for all of us to return to the Bible and Pray. I know it is a highly unpopular thing to say today but God is our one hope but we have turned against him.

ERNEST K. ROLLE, BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

It's a serious matter but it could be resolved in a short time and not amount to much. I believe it has happened before and was quickly resolved. Let's hope so again this time.

George Jordan, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Where Is Reagan When We need him lol.

Jeremy, Fort Collins/ Co., United States Of America

Keith, your question was "Does anyone serious think UK forces were not in Iranian waters"?

Every war ship and commercial vessel uses Global Positioning System (GPS). In answer to your question, I would offer the reply, NO, they were not in Iranian waters.

Cecil, Dothan, Alabama

Why didn't the Brits just blow those escort boats out of the water. Take no prisoners! Iran needs to be taught a lesson.

When will the super powers get a backbone?

VoiceOF, Atlantic City, NJ

OK, all you Americans who are for attacking Iran. Put your money where your mouth is. Sign up right now for service with the army, navy, air force or marines. Don't make someone else's kid do your bidding.

Dairyland Bill , God's Country, Wisconsin, USA

Get your naval and marine persons out of Iran ASAP and by what ever means necessary. Taking hostages, supplying insurgents with weapons to kill British, American troops and innocent civilians is a cowardly act, the same as hostage taking is the act of cowards. We in America remember how the Iranians took our hostages and therir are many of us that feel we should have blasted the Iranians back to the Stone Age back then.The Iranian government, if that is what it can be called, are all insane scum and should be treated as such. The Iranians are trying to play games with your people, don't let them get away with it. How much BS does the world have to see before it understands the the Iranians are out of their collective minds as are most of the middle east. End this crap with the Iranians once and for all and all other regional problems go away or at least become managable. Go get your people, the USA will be right with you. Long Live the Queen, and God Bless the United States of America

John Bass, Valencia, Ca

Iran had better be careful. History has shown over and over again that it's never a good idea to poke the British bulldog.

DW, Hudson, Canada

This is a growing enemy that will effect us all unless it either implodes internally or we use force. They are hell bent on the destruction of our way of life.

Peace only comes through victory.

Sean, Tarpon Springs, FL, USA

Abduction of soldiers conducting a harmless patrol is a crime. The chances are that the British personnel will be returned safely - but this can only be achieved by level-headedness of the part of those British officials who are in contact with the Iranian government. Hot-headed, macho calls for the US navy to round up Iranian gunboats or for British frigates to respond immediately arise from the same belligerent human nature that inspired the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Too many Western voices on this notice board dismiss the Iranians with the same vehemence and hate as their fanatical government shows to the West. Such Western voices are no better: rather than help the human race lift themselves out of such messes, they only serve to weigh us down more irretrievably. I do not subscribe to popular anti-Americanism, but US-led Westerners should be careful before claiming moral right: nuclear weapons, religious zeal, and military interference are not traits exclusive to Iranians.

Ben, London,

A glance at a map of the Iraq-Iranian border at the Shatt al-Arab, followed by a glance at the long history of disputes at this geographical point suggests that Iran just might be correct.

One notes that Western media seems to be avoiding these points of information, and maps and reasonable discussion so far remains ignored. Patriotic emotion rules the day.

John Clark, Los Angeles, USA

Now, now, Europe, let's not jump to the military option.

Because Europe has no military option, no serious ability to project military power beyond its borders. I'm talking real military power, not a couple of infantry battalions with three or four fighter aircraft.

British Navy's gone from ruling the waves to....what, exactly?

Not to worry, there's always the 'diplomatic solution', of which Europe is so fond. Pay the Iranians off, let the sailors confess to crimes on Iranian TV, & don't ever board another Iranian vessel. problem solved.

Jim Moulton, Fieldhouse, Texas

The Royal Navy should have immediately sunk the 6 Iranian ships and then "arrested " the merchant ship and put a prize crew aboard her. Granted this may have meant the death of the 15 naval personnel but it would have sent a clear message.

Tim, guelph, canada

I am absolutely sure Iran will give back the Brits momentarily. Probably as quick as they gave the Israeli troops back (here is where liberals would say Iran had nothing to do with that, they have no control over Hezbollah). I say it is time we get down to business...the US military needs to use its maintain capability...to destroy foreign militaries. Let the countries deal with their cleanup. Let us stop with the niceties...

Presley O'Bannon, Tun Tavern, USA

The main problem is that the west does not understand the Middle Eastern mentality. In the MIddle East te way to respond to froce is by crushing force. The Arabs and the Iranians only understand and respect force. Anything else will be viewed as weakness and surrender. What Britain has to do now is sieze 100 Iranians in response and then talk to Tehran. Remeber the hipe that was built around the strength of the Iraqi army, the Iranian army is no different. In a war they will be crushed in 5 days, one day less than the Israeli 6 day war.

Bill, los angeles, CA, USA

I find all this fascinating. I sit here thousands of miles away with my ONLY information coming from the media of some sort. Is it fact or fiction? I sure hope cooler heads prevail here. Hope, now there is a strange word anymore. I think some folks out there look at America the same way we look at our police. You hate them. Till you need them. But all this is based on what little information we get, right? Mistakes made? You bet. And I'm sure more will be made and always the innocent suffer. I do know this. I have seen people getting there heads cut off. Anyone out there still believe, more talking is going to fix this? Children used as bombs and zero regard for life. Sheesh! Personally, I think until everyone who cares starts to stand togeather nothing will end. And I do mean everyone in all country's. And this? I'm afraid this is just the beginning. More War is coming. As true today as it was many many years ago. Question is, What side will you be on in the end?

Peter Mckeon, West, US/Michigan

All this arm chair quarterbacking is just fun for lud mouths. The British Navy is top-notch and very professional. This happened because the Iranians were looking for an opportunity for a while. The russians kind of used to do this to us when we were on patrol during the cold war. They would let you conduct business as usual for weeks, and then suddenly they would intervene in some routine - but somewhat ambigous - operation.

Ed, Boston, MA

what are doing u.k forces there?can anyone tell me?everyone knows that only reason is oil.and everyday is deating a lot of peoples...that are human being not animals...

turan, london, u.k

Nothing short of a solid backbone and the threat of extreme consequences is in order. The immediate and safe return of all 15 British sailors and marines is the only option for the Iranians. I also hope the U.S. is doing everything to help our friends across the pond. This sort of behavior by the Iranians is unacceptable. Period.

Bill, Delaware, USA

I'd like to know where wwas the rest a the multi-national naval force and why they would allow this to happen? If they are not going to protect coalition forces and allow baltant acts of war with out doing anything then lets get them out now.

Keith McAuliffe, Boston, Mass, USA

THIS incident is what will define England today. Is it the England of Churchill, which would have risked all to save fifteen of Her Majesty's Finest? Or is it the England of Chamberlaine, which fiddles and fudges as the earth burns? I await the results with baited breath. PS All is not lost. You still have 443 days before you beat Carter's dismal record with these maniacs. Best get to work. Tally Ho, Old Chaps!

TheMadKing, Nashua, NH USA

I agree we need to support the UK. If they want to give 48 hours to retrun the hostages we should back them up on what would come next.

I thnk taking out Iran will help the situation in Iraq

Tom, oconomowoc, USA

Weapons of Mass Destruction and now a RN boat in international waters with no backup --- hmmmmm, let me think, who do I believe?

Ex military hostage from the first Gulf War

Bill, Bordon,

I have seen several posts suggesting that Britian doesn't have the wherewhithall to enter into a war with Iran. Well...They have us - their US allies - and we owe the UK a debt of gratitude!

God Bless the UK and God Bless her soldiers. We pray for their safe return.

JW

Jeff, Huntsville, Alabama, USA

God Bless these troops and their families! I pray they make it home safe.

Joesixpack, Smalltown, USA

Let Jimmy Carter hande this situation. He has experience with Iranians taking hostages.

Sam, wayland,

Well now, I think we over here in the states owe quite a bit to you Brits for standing with us in this Iraq mess, as far as I am concerned, whatever you do we will be there. It is time to end this crap with these people.

fogwash, seattle, wa

It is time for the US and the UK to take action against the Iranians (the rest of Europe is too weak and spineless to even matter anymore). Many in both of our countries will blame the West for Iran's actions but the time has come for Iran to pay for the actions they have taken over the past 30 years. Iran is helping terrorists in Iraq kill American soldiers and now they capture British soldiers. These are acts of war and should be met by acts of war from our two nations.

Fred, Kansas City, MO, USA

The usa and britian should immediately apoligize to the iranians and give them 10 billion dollars as a show of contrition for our misdeeds. Then we should all get on our hands and knees and kiss Ahmadinejad 's ass. signed nancy pelosi

Johnny B Good, Jacksonvile, Florida, USA

Does anyone serious think UK forces were not in Iranian waters?

The time for imperialism is over.

We Brits have no business helping the USA curry favor with Saudi Arabia by sheltering Sunni militants from the Shia majority in Iraq.

Keith Terrance, Winnipeg, Canada

Iranian islamofascist regime has been working for its due for a few years now :
The hostage crisis, the killing of opponents in France and elsewhere, the killing order against british citizen Salman Rushdie, the killing of hundreds of jews in Argentina (with bombs), the attacks against Israel through its lebanese- and palestinian puppet militias, its killing of US troops, UK troops and ordinary iraqis in Iraq through its agents and weaponry, its nuclear push and official desire to erase Israel and its inhabitants (....)

Time for action... (or should we wait that iranian agents have dispatched dormant nukes all over the West ??)

Regard, Paris, France

Only fools would say bomb Iranian cities,the problem in Iran is not with its people but the Mulahs who run this country. A huge percentage of Iranians hate what has been forced upon them, it is time to muster this surpressed group and try to arm them so that they can over through this tyranical regime. And once that has been accomplished lets help the poor people in Zimbabwe, Enough is enough.

peter archer, vancouver, british columbia

This is a direct challenge and provocation to the United States, Britain, and her allies. The longer this drags on without either nation putting its food down and militarily confronting Tehran the weaker the West will emerge. Those Iranian fascists must be sitting back amused by the current inaction which should have clearly justify armed attack.

Danny Hekier, Los Angeles, USA

This incident clearly illustrates complacency, poor planning,timidity in the face of the enemy and is emblematic of the direction that the UK and the Europeans have taken. Freedom, democracy and liberty are now meaningless terms to the European countries whose safety has been guaranteed by the United States for many decades at great expense to the American taxpayer. It is a sad commentary on the state of Western democracies and does not bode well for our future survival. George Bush is one of the few leaders who has a clear vision of reality and the threat posed by Islamofascists. God bless him. Open your eyes before it is too late.

Peter Welch USA

Peter C. Welch, Carmel, NY USA

Westerners have a zero grasp on how regimes work? A naval blockade? It shouldnt surprise me that your from France anything to keep from having to fight but then again it has ALWAYS been up to America to do the dirty work and put our lifes on the line because people like your self want to sit back and be an arm chair General.RBO South Carolina, AMERICA

Rob, Greenville, South Carolina

Where's 007 when you need him?

Randy, Blackwood, NJ

Looks like the British press, and now the US Congress, have provided the blink that Iran needs to know they can perform misadventures and get away with it.

John, Providence, RI

"So why are we complaining about the war games to which no rules apply. It is high time that the British get out of the Middle East and leave the policing to the countries of the middle east." ....
I find that comment rather worrying, and incredibly naive. Im sure when you put your plastic/polyester shoes and clothes on, and tap away on your plastic keyboard and drive your oil driven car you must be thinking “Damn the British and Americans....”

Jim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

Iran has just opened the door for a military responce. The world cannot live with a nucleur Iran and this situation will escalate into a "regime change" there....the sooner the better!

Bill, Boston, Mass.

I have read with interest many of the viewpoints and I see that many think Britain should declare war,that is if Churchill or Baroness Margerate Thatcher were still in power.
There is Just one problem,Britain does not have a Million man army navy or Airforce,her forces are already deployed in strengh in Iraq and Afghanistan,so the question is,who does she send to the gulf,without pulling her forces out of Afghanistan.
I do not think Britain alone could win a war against the mad mullahs of Iran,Iran is not the Faulklands.
Does America have the stomach for another war with Iran?
She is already fighting on two fronts.

David Nigel Braham, Milan, Italy

I am of the opinion that we ignore the incident and leave our soldiers there. As with the takeover of the American embassy back in the 1970's demonstrated, Iran's leaders continual desire for regional stability and world peace are refreshing. Their assistance in Iraqi development should be recognized as a model to all. I am confident and certain our provoking soldiers will not be made political pawns or be used for any political means.

Also for those who believe the nuclear production is for harmful purposes should understand the Iranian need for power. Their lack of renewable resourses and energy make nuclear production critical.

As we have for the last 40 years, we should continue to explore diplomatic means to bring this unfortunate situation to an end. The Iranian president seems to be willing and open to frank discussions.

Santa Claus, Elf City, North Pole

Like a few posters have already commented, what I dont understand is how these Iranian ships could creep up on them,
did they Navy/marines not have lookouts or was he asleep ! and secondly once they realised what was going on why the hell didnt they open fire on the Iranians. OK some people may have got hurt but as ex military myself its better that than be taken prisoner by these sort of people.
My blood boils to think the Iranians have gotten away with this without a fight.

BBJMS, Edinburgh, UK

The problem with the interception of said vessals is constituted by the fact that under US rules of engagement as they are the US may not persecute such vessals until they are in international waters,ie. 10 n. mi away from any and all national held lands and projections. Without a map I can not say for sure what the window of oppurtunity might have been, but I'm sure that it was much too small for the US leadership to have made a decision to intercept in time for it to have happened in international waters. It is with this in mind that I believe that the US must adjust its views on rules of engagement as it applies to openly aggressive/hostile opponents. I feel that until we do, this will be a point that gets exploited far too often.

geo, Vallejo, CA

Maybe it is time to start bombing Iran. I mean not just their nuclear facilities but their cities and installations of all kinds. We don't need to invade, just cause some trouble which will intensify if they do not begin to behave themselves. Westerners have in general zero grasp of how these regimes work. They need to start adopting a new realpolitik. A naval blockade of Iran is also an option. Alternatively we could take 15 or more of their soldiers hostage.

JL, Paris, France

I honestly see this seizure as an ongoing attempt to provoke Western integrity - they are trying to set the scenario for attack...I think we underestimate Iran's military capability - under the surface, these guys have a strategy and hopefully I am out of this country before I get to see its wrath...

VLM, UK,

This incident is just embarrassing. Where was the back up? Where was the helicopter, and more importantly, why was HMS Cornwell not close to move in should backup be required? Never mind the Iranian gun boats, what if the anti-smuggling operation had detected smugglers who decided to fight it out? Seems to me there was an operational error in the positioning of HMS Cornwall.

Armchair General, Perth, Scotland

What a difference between Great Britain,during the Falklands conflict,and the spineless goverment/military that we are now left with................Pity that the commander of the Cornwall is incapable of protecting his service personnel.....someone isn't doing there job....unforgivable that this is the second time this as happend.

S farmer, blackburn, lancashire

The Brits were taken hostage by Revolutionary Guard Naval units during their second search of boats bringing cars to Iraq from Iran. Is it possible that the Revolutionary Guard have a stake in or even run this business?
Secondly, is this Trade also used for smuggling armaments into Iraq? Either of these scenarios are a possibility. People in the Gulf make their money in ways different to ours, even though their governments do nothing about it.
Finally, is it none of the above. Is this an Iranian Government test of the British will to respond to Iranian aggressive behaviour, as our involvement in Southern Iraq begins to wind down and the Iranians presumably step up their involvement in Basra and the southern area.
April 2nd is the 25th anniversary of the invasion of the Falklands Islands by the Argentinian military government of 1982. Is Gordon Brown made of the same stuff as Margaret Thatcher? If he is, then he has my vote.

Chaplain, Canterbury, Kent

Perhaps you should worry more about what Americans think of Europeans. It could easily be summed up in one word: ingrates.

Frank, The American Street, US

This only shows how important it is to have our troops in this area even though Bush got us all involved for all the wrong reasons based on bad intellegence, and that America, Brirain etc should stop being diplomatic in this area as it is only seen as weekness. Let us have War with Iran as well and get it over with and finally defeat these evil regemes allowing the people to have democracy for a change. We need to be in there for the long haul for all our sakes.The world will become a better place. We need to continue this until there is no place for terrorists to hide regardless of the cost.

Tibor Verebes, Gold Coast, Australia

The British government has downsized and continues to downsize and under-fund the Royal Navy. This incident is one result. When will the Opposition in the House of Commons call for the resignation of the government and force a vote of confidence when it fails to do so?

Derek, Shanghai,

So why are we complaining about the war games to which no rules apply. It is high time that the British get out of the Middle East and leave the policing to the countries of the middle east.

Compton, Perth, Western Australia

the UK should issue a simple statement to the Iranians & the press: "as of noon today you have 48 hours to release our soldiers."

the US should file a statement approximately 1 minute later stating, "you now have 47 hours & 59 minutes to release their soldiers."

Ming, London, UK

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Ron, mountain home, NC

The Iranians are trying to bully the Brits -- and to find out whether Tony Blair is a wimpy Jimmy Carter, or a no-nonesense Ronald Reagan. They played Carter for all he was worth, but immediately turned over the hostages when Reagan stepped up to the plate. My prayers are with the hostages, with the British people and with their PM. The Spaniiards cut and ran at the first shot, but I think our friends in the UK know they can count on George Bush and the American people to stand by them.

Michael A. Shoemaker, Eugene, Oregon, USA

Time we went to war , the best way of defence is attack, these countries are getting complacent and don't seem to realise that they're messing with the United Kingdom, home to the best armed forces in the world and to a proud christian people who have nothing but loath or their cowardly terrorist tactics.
Come on England, let's get our boys back.

jbland, Caen France, france

I suppose if the Russians would trasspass off the coat of Florida and enter US terretory the US navy would do nothing !!!

Mojgan, NY., US

It is amazing how quickly people jump on the conclusion to bomb the hell of whole of the country or region. Reading some of the comments reminds me lines from the movie Gladiator when Russell Crowe said to the people in the coloseum ‘is this entertainment to you, is this not what you come here for. Are you entertained now?’ Well, it is still an entertainment for us to see people dying, nothing is changed.

Gulfam Zahoor, Lahore, Pakistan

Surely there's an operational flaw here. If the Cornwall was out of range, or no other cover available to the British personnel, wasn't it just asking for this kind of action by the Iranians? I wouldn't mind betting it's another result of the cheeseparing and cutbacks making the job of our armed services even more hazardous than it is already.

Ed, London, UK

I can't understand how the Navy didn't see this coming. The iranians have been saying for over a week that they too have the capability of snatching hostages or whatever you want to call them in response to the disappearance of three of their generals recently. Why wasn't the mothership guarding the sailors? We will now start months of negotiations getting them back in exchange for their defected/kidnapped generals. Tactically clever of them to capture Brits not Yanks as it will put a nice wedge between the allies.

Guy Thornton, Cirencester, England

OK I am now convinced that Ahmadinejad is actually a double agent controlled by the west. What else could explain his making every effort to make things ever more difficult for his own country? Asserts the right to produce nuclear power, then refuses to pay Russia, the one country helping them in that effort, then taking British Marines hostage on the eve before a new vote on tougher UN sanctions. What else could explain such bizzare behavior?

Charles M, Albemarle, VA, USA

Niall has his/her facts wrong.

To equate this incident with the USAF P3 incident a few years ago assumes that both the USAF and the British sailors did actually wander into enemy territory. Both have not been verified.

In addition, the Chinese held our personnel for 11 days.. which is much different than 1 or 2 days.

So how are we to believe your misguided opinions when you get such simple facts wrong?

Humphrey Cheung, Redlands, USA

This goes to prove that the Iranian government is no different than any two-bit terrorist outfit. This is the way they try to get their way whenever they are confronted. If this isn't even more proof of their approach to civil behaviour, then I don't know what is. Other than the typical view of Berkeley professors and the faux intellectual set, most of the sane and thinking world can see clearly where this situation will go if left unchallenged. Time for all nations to drop their special interests and stand together peacefully and defiantly to stop this NOW.

John Sheridan, Oakland, California, USA

Niall,

We thank the British people for their partnership in the War on Terror. But I don't think our soldiers, who out number the EU contingent in Iraq by a ten to one margin, believe they are snug in their fat armchairs. ( By the way, are we Yanks now being accused of cornering the market on fat armchairs).

And if we want to squander our goodwill that is our business and none of yours.

I for one want GB and the US to smash "Dinnerjacket', for being a dangerous little Hilter wannabe.

Michael Hall , Antioch, USA/California

I get so sick of people telling us we squandered all the good will we had after Sept 11th. What they are saying is we should have just sat on our duffs and whined like they would have done to keep good will on our side. And another thing...when was the last time you saw diplomacy actually work for anyone? It always involves the country with more power having to grovel. And building up more "goodwill". Pffft Goodwill is a store...not something to strive for in this context.

Hkinsey, Andalusia, Alabama

Why were the British troops not given air-cover? On the face of it, this capture demonstrates an incredible lack of leadership on the part of the British high command there. It really is time for all our troops to return to the UK as they have become mere pawns in a much bigger game. No doubt the Iranians will drag this one out, humiliate the British government - and then go looking for Prince Harry!

Dr David Green, Athens, Greece

We should have had their backs. How sweet would it have been for US forces to surround these Iranian miscreants.

USA, USA,

This demonstrates why the Brits, Aussies, Canadians, and Americans MUST all stand together. I know there are crazy, influential leftists (socialists) in these countries but the people must decide are we to beg, plead, and bribe the likes of Iran. That was tried once before in the 1930's in dealing with Hitler. I hope all my Brit, Aussie, and Canadian brothers know I stand with them if necessary to deal with the fanatics of the world. Iran and the Middle East will not go away through wishful thinking, but with action. I hope the rest of Europe will awaken to this crisis, especially the Germans (the French are hopeless & hapless) because we must all stand together as one or face the consequences alone. It's our decision. I love the Brits because they have always been there for us.

I agree with previous posters, where was the British warships at and what was the Naval Commander doing, having tea?

Randy S., Trussville, Alabama

Remember the USS Liberty.

Shredder, Marlborough, Mass, USA

It is time to get out of an area that we little understand.

Kidnapping leads to kidnapping - who started it?

Alfred, Ryde, UK

Hopefully you brits can live up to your heritage and say Hell No!! You can take out Iran's nuke capability and get your guys out at the same time. Time to wield some POWER.

crayegg, Tustin, CA, USA

I suggest to read the "Four Day War" by Claude Salhani published in the September 13, 2004 issue of the American Conservative IOT to understand the Brits' reluctance to start a war with Iran. Armageddon enthusiasts might differ in opinion.

Hans Wall, Queretaro, Mexico

I think the mullahs are scared. Still though, this game has been played before. If one of the brits are harmed it would only be natural to want to bomb that government out of existence. But, I question if that would be the smart play right now.Iran is ripe for democracy. We should give the revolution a shot in the arm and a timetable. Unless ofcourse TPTB know that the world has hit peak oil. Then we should just go ahead and get it over with. Take it.

Jason, fairfax, VA

The British government absolutely must be tough and resist Iranian demands here.If they cave,what will Iran demand next?This hostage taking is an outrage and must be condemed by all the world.I doubt that we will need to hold our breath waiting on the U.N. on condeming anyone but the U.S. though.

Ed Nickels, Mayking,Ky,, USA-Kentucky

If the Brits kept their nose out of the Persian neighborhood they could avoid having it smacked.
The Brits , like the Yanks , realize that their oil resources are drying up and many nations in the Persian Gulf recall the past colonial peroid when what ever the Brits wanted they stole by force.

William Hawks, Lynchburg, Virginia / USA

Sadly, this brings out all the "Blame the West" and "Blame the Soldiers" mantras from the leftist/socialist elements of American and Europe.

When will the rest of the world wake up and realize the danger
that Ahmadinejad represents to the world. Maybe they are just too busy blaming the west to care.

I hope this incident does get resolved peacefully, but if not, then I hope Ahmadinejad is one of the first targets. The world will be better off without him and his 12th Imam delusions that he and his cultish followers want and hope to trigger through their provacative actions.

Bryan, Oklahoma, USA

Untill we stop killing, nothing will work. It should be illeagal for any human on earth to kill any other human, no matter what. Whatever we need to do, whatever happens to us or to others, the line must be drawn at killing one another. Killing each other will never solve any of the problems we are dealing with, and we will never solve anything until we stop killing first. Couldn't we just try not to kill each other for one year, and work on the problems another way? I bet that we would see great progress in solving the world's problems. As for people whose "religion" says they must kill other people for whatever reasons, they will just have to be locked-uped, for they obviously have no worth in offering workable sollutions to humanity's problems, and they cannot be allowed to hurt or kill others at their disscretion. (This also goes for the "religions" of capatilism, nationalism, patriotism, etc......)
NO MATTER WHAT, until we stop killing, there will not be any solutions.

Roger Underwood, San Antonio, Texas

It is not the Iranian people that is the problem, it is their President. I believe he is starting to feel the pressure, at least I hope so.

Doug, Las Vegas, NV USA

I wish I could say cooler heads will prevail, but Ahmadinejad seems to be spot on when it comes to playing the part of a mad dictator. How are we supposed to reason with a man who predicts the eradication of Israel in the near future? How can we talk sense into someone who claims their country has the right to 'illegally' pursue nuclear technology (his words, not mine)? He is not a rational human being, and he is definatley not afraid to risk the lives of not just those who are the targest of his cowardly attacks, but his own nation's citizens. He has continued to display unexplainable, destructive behavior. I am no war hawk, but I am afraid that in this situation we are dealing with a rabid animal; like the frothing dog he is, Ahmadinejad needs to be put down.

DirkDiggler, Hopkinton, NH, USA

America and Britan are weak and will do nothing about this incident. America voted today to retreat for Iraq effectively handing Iran a victory in Iraq for which they will become stronger then any Arab nation. Muslims will unite and the end of Freedom is nearer.

Good Luck.

Tom, Middleburg, US/FL

We have to wait and see what the Iranians want out of this, but five high ranking officers from the Revolutionary Guard have been abucted by someone recently. The Iranians must be very concerned and nervous. If the US has these people, then what an intelligence bonanza. Information extracted from these people could provide the definition of Irans true intentions regarding Iraq and uranium enrichment. Iran has been funding Islam-o-fascists for roughly 40 years. We should not provoke an armed conflict, but encourage a slow deterioration of the weakening Iranian economic infrastructure.

Verner, Beaverton, Oregon

why have we forgotten the "Pueblo". there should never be a time the western world should allow this to happen!

Edward Wiltz, PLEASURE ISLAND , Texas, USA

Le me put this into perspective ....
What would the UK government do if the Iranian navy would surround the island and would inspect every incoming and outgoing ships at will ??

Think about it !!!

Joe Cocker, Shambala, Guitarrene

Scary to think that we are in WWIII. If that is so that would make us what Germany was during WWII? The country that is going from nation to nation because they have think they have the better ideals?
Yikes!

John Norum, Charlottesville, VA

First of all, I can find little fault with the British forces with what has happened. The cornwall was obviously out of range to engage the Iranian forces, even so, 15 hostages are less likely to enrage the british public than 15 dead soldiers. What would the British do if, 15 of there soldiers were directly killed by the Iranians. Go to war with Iran? That is an unwindable war, not in the military sense, but politically you cannot win this fight. So you bomb the Iranians, hit some military targets, destroy there nuclear development sites. Now what, ground invasion. No offense to the British, but thats just asking for 10,000 caskets in the course of a couple of months. All the while, the Iranians will retaliate. This is not the proper time for this fight. The situation in Iraq must be resolved. Fix that, and the Iranians might just find themselves a little bit frightened of the combined strength of the U.S. and Brits with nothing to distract them. As for Sonar net, thats a shallow gulf

Tim, Alton, US

I understood when I was in the Gulf that I was not about to be taken hostage by anyone regardless of what my CO said. As a group, the sailors I was with would fight to the death before we let that happen. You didn't need to open fire on them to start with. I would have called their bluff and made them create the international incident by stalling and waiting for the frigate or running. I don't believe they would open fire if they were in international waters. Yes...I would have taken that chance instead of being paraded on TV by the Iranians.

tim, guyton, ga

It is time for Great Britain to take a stand. They should demand the immediate release of the hostages, and that's what they are. The United States should immediatley deny the Lil' Hitler's plans to come to this country to bash American. It's time for the U.N. to disappear from the American landscape. Iran is next, I assure you. And Bush is the man to do it.

Dave R., Orange City, FL, USA

It is time to start sinking the Iranian Navy; bad move on Iran's part if you ask me.

Scott, Portland, Or

Fascism in any form is dangerous. The problem with current society is the fact that we are spending so much time accusing our own varying political parties of the same offense; we may truly be missing true fascism (religious) forming in the ignorance of politically correct denial.

However, if history proves correct (it usually does) the true understanding of America has been lost on those around the world. We always fight! It’s our nature. Our style of government is the best example of it and yet it’s, in my opinion, the best style of government. Think about it, two major parties always slug it out every couple years. The U.S is built on differences and fighting for them. The concept the rest of the world keeps forgetting is we are always at olds with ourself, just don’t be the outside the family guy who shoves one of us. A house divided is only weak until a common purpose or threat cements it’s resolve.

samueladams, newark, DE

This is insane...if we keep "fighting" this way....we're done for. Let the terroreists come over here to our soil!! We'll show our weak, incompetent governments how to kill an enemy in a WAR!!!

This isn't a War this is a joke!!!!

jeremy, cheney, kansas

We should do exactly the same as the Iranians and then offer a barter deal.

Rob Phillips, London,

well, we have been worried about our friends for quite a while, and now the transition from greatness to weakness has culminated in your heroes being herded off like sheep...goodbye england, we will miss u

usamom, Seattle, USA

Well today the American Democrats have told Iran to start making its moves, because we will soon retreat. What was a stabilizing situation in Iraq will now only spread out beyond the middle east.

Chicken Little, Harper Woods, Michigan

MadKing:
The same way we allowed the USS Pueblo to be seized by the North Koreans: The military forces of the major powers are not allowed to use their force unless all possible POLITICAL considerations have been weighed, assessed, and counted. The men and women whose lives are on the line, well they ARE expendable. Ask any good Democrat, like John Kerry.

Bill, Petersburg, Illinois

we can't always assume our blue eyed boys are correct in everything they do!

James, Town,

You haven't seen anything yet, just wait and see how they are when they get a nuke.

Joe, Findlay, Ohio USA

I do not believe for one minute my governments propaganda regarding this incident. I would put money on the fact that they were in Iranian water and probably (as with 2004) bristling with surveillance equipment.

"TheMadKing": Yes, conflict really does resolve everything?

kemuri, Surbiton,

Hey "A New Yorker that survived 9/11, maybe you should take a look at what the Pelosi and the democratics did today and rethink you statement about Americans having resolve. I'm ashamed at what transpired in Washington today.

Darby, Devola, USA

Hpoe the get home safe. Worked with the RAF & RA at Brampton Park early 60s. It seems that Iran is looking for a fight.

Cleary, Midwest City, Oklahoma, USA

The leftist US Congress set a withrawal time that will be vetoed by the President. In other words it dont mean squat.

Keyser, Dallas, USA

Britain needs to crack down on this Iranian egotism and show them we won't tolerate these little tantrums.

Larry, Sacramento, California

I'm an American soldier. Many times I've been dubious of missions I've been called upon to participate in. But damn near every time I've deployed there's been a Brit nex to me.

I'm ready to deploy now for you.

Richard, Dayton / Ohio,

In response to TheMadKing: according to this article they were lightly armed and surrounded by six heavily armed Iranian vessels.

Dom, Manchester, UK

Give 'em hell Britain!

G Donnelly, Cleveland, OH USA

As a citizen of the U.S. I would like to see President Bush instruct Iran to release the soldiers in good health within 24 hours.

24:01 after that, barring the release of all of the captives, I would like to see Tehran reduced to rubble.

It really is time to stop playing footsies under the table with those crazy huns.

Raymond Meyers, Richland, WA

If only Mitt Romney was president things like this would not happen. Get over the fact is is Mormon. They no longer practice poligamy, and they stopped discriminating against blacks in 1978 when the church allowed them to hold their priesthood. Mitt is a good man who only been married once.

Sir George, Lanshire,

How badly do they want nukes? I'm sure we have some to spare.

Bob, Scottsdale, USA/AZ

Please England,take this act of war as all the reason you need to take Iran "off the map". The world will be forever in your debt.

Ted Hughes, Alexander City , Alabama USA

From someone who has participated in these operations.....and obviously not going into inappropriate details, here are some things that might clear up the story. The Iranians have very "creative" ways of making their borders, and their logic in making them does not conform to the International Law of the Sea. They operate with a sense of entitlement because of their past domination of the Gulf that bears their name. This seems like a politically motivated action, because it is virtually impossible for a small boat from a ship to stray into Iranian national waters (even the ones the IRGCN recognizes) with all of the safeguards in place. As far as the HMS CORNWALL is concerned, they would not have the capability to board the Iranian vessel without their small boat, and any shots fired would have endangered their troops. In addition, shots fired into Iranian waters would have been an act of war, and no commanding officer would be able to get that authority in a timely manner.

BCD, San Diego, CA

Let’s not forget that Bush allowed Communist China to force down one of our planes flying in international airspace. The crew was held for some time and the plane stripped of all of its surveillance equipment. What did the mighty Bush do about that? Nothing! We have shown the world that America is weak even when attacked. It has taken five years to win a war in Iraq when we won a world war in four. We have the best military in the world and we allow the UN to dictate to us on how we must engage our enemies. It is high time that America asserts Her Independence again. We had to fight once to get that Independence and it looks as if we are going to have to do it again as we our lead by our globalist thinking leaders in to a "New World Order" The world should be grateful for what Americans have sacrificed on other nation’s behalf over the last century. Instead they spit in our eye. I say to hell with them. Attack us and you will lose a capitol. It time to use the full force of our power

Robert Sharpe, Houston, Texas

Common sense tell's me this is an act of war. It would be great to see the SIS take care of this problem with any help they may need from our Spec. Op's. I have great confidence in their expertise.
A successful mission should halt anymore of this nonsense!

Frank, Yerington, Nevada

This is just another way Iran is giving the world the finger. By now they know the West is run by gutless politicians full of apathetic subjects.

Say the Iranians killed them all. Would the UK govt actually do something about it?

Jonathan, Halifax, Canada

A public demand for their return and a public timetable are necessary.

If that does not work, refit the Sophie and send in Capt. Jack Aubrey. Even he got his sword back: "It is no small pleasure to me to receive the commands of the court I have the honour to preside at, that in delivering to you your sword, I should congratulate you upon its being restored by both friend and foe alike; hoping ere long you will be called upon to draw it once more in the honourable defense of your country."

Best regards to the Royal Navy from America.

Mike, Charleston, West Virginia USA

I pray for the safe return of the British sailors. I am baffled as to why there was zero response from other British naval units or multi-national military forces in the area. This could have been over and done with fairly quickly had there been a military response to this act of aggression. I would guess that British soldiers have strict rules of engagement and followed them.

As much as I pray for a peaceful resolution, I fear there will be none.

DCM, Washington, DC

From the Iranian POV, it's a PR win-win unless they do something stupid. They won't do anything to the prisoners since they know at that point, all bets would be off. They'll stall for a week or so, release them, then try and come off as compassionate.

From a Yank's POV? Brits, go get your guys. It's already an international incident. Iranian weapons are in Iraq along with some of their fighters. Iran isn't innocent here–it's already a war.

JohnR, Minneapolis, MN/USA

I'm getting pretty tired of seeing these peep squeak countries doing so many things that tend to completely freeze up all of the normal worlds countries and and take advantage of our superior morals. I say we use some of their own do unto others mentality and use the neutron bombs that we developed solely for this purpose and regain control over the heathens of the world and allow the good people to live their lives in peace. Read up on the neutron bomb and the way it can be used to bring peace in the world with very minimal collateral damage. It's time has come to save our troops and country.

Dan, Danville, Virginia

It's odd the Iranians are picking on the Brit's when the Brit's were planning on leaving the area. Maybe they thought they could make them leave sooner, let's see what kind of back bone Blair has,?

George, Harrisburg, usa/pa

Give us back our men or have the city of Qum vaporized.
You have 24 hours....

P.S. We have no peanut farmers in Britain

brooks, hilo,

To Samuel Braff:

"Why in blue blazes would the British Navy allow six Iranian naval vessels to even approach -- let alone surround -- a lightly armed boarding party?"

Very good question. Perhaps the fact that our Glorious Leader has been jonesing for an excuse to attack Iran might have something to do with it?

Damiana Swan, Seattle, Washington

The Brits should give Tehran the word that if their soldiers aren't released immediately then they will start taking out their navey. As we take out their nuke producing centerfuges. Then special ops to take out that little screwball and his Ayatolla daddy. The Iranian people will then have something to think about.

eric, Stratford, USA/Connecticut

HMS Cornwall was nearby? And helicopters?

The proper response in this case would have been to inform the Iranian boats that they had 30 seconds to haul themselves out of Iraqi waters, without our people, or they could start examining the murky bottom. While simultaneously broadcasting in Farsi on Iranian comm channels that they were about to lose their navy, airfields, nuclear sites, and the leaders better get to the bunkers.

Its not too late. The British can still send the message that they are going to destroy the military infrastructure of Iran if their people are not returned within 48 hours.

A. Sleestak, Little Rock, AR, USA

Because the Iranians said "please".

Pythonian, Houston, Texas

The Iranians get bolder and bolder because they get more and more slack. The British navy should give them an ultimatum: give back the boys or we will set your naval power back by 100 years. The inane appeasment of the anti war fringe and idiots like CIndy Shehan is going to get us all killed. Like Jacob said on his post-> You win the peace by winning the war. Wake UP world.....

Matt, Salt Lake City, USA

Spineless liberals are allowing Radical Islam to win this war. Bottom line todays vote in the U.S. to retreat in defeat from Iraq has given Iran the power to take over the world. This is the weakest Generation in the history of Democracy. Our children and theirs will pay the price of our hesitation and weakness. When Amadmanjihad is burning jews in the streets of London, I think then it may be too late... America bailed you out with Hitler. The stage is being set so that we will be unable to help you with Radical Islam.

Tom, Middleburg, US/FL

This is Iran's response to the revolutionary guard defection and other missing Iranian military personnel that they think the CIA or Mossad has captured. We will never know, however provocation by the theo-religious government it is. We will see how the Brittish nation responds, and of course the U.S. will support their cause.

James, Castaic, , USA

Here's an idea, let's negotiate: We trade Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton (they can have Hillary too) for all of the hostages. That will solve a host of problems. We will also include multiple liberal US Senators and congressman, to be named later.

Are you people starting to figure this out? Come on Europe, you need to stop deluding yourself and work with us to take these guys out once and for all.

Andy, Malvern, PA USA

Kidnapping British soldiers, and fleeing into Irainian waters! THe Brits should have put those 6 Irainian boats on the bottom of the Gulf!

I hope someone in the UK or the USA finally grows a pair and puts those terrorist pukes in their place.

Mike Birch, yuba city, USA / Ca

Thanks to the media convincing the general public all we need to do is stand around, "have a dialog" and sing kum-by-yah to solve problems...what do you expect? Iran knows they are about to be put under serious pressure to stop developing nukes... so they kidnap some brave brittish sailors and sit back while they wait for the brainwashed british public to pressure Blair to "let the poor iranians have their nuclear fuel" so the sailors can come home unharmed. History has tought us time again those with WILL overcome the odds... right now Iran has The Will and we have The Media.

mike, san Luis obispo, ca

I think Iran knows the British public doesn't have the stones to retaliate for such a horrible seizure of British Soldiers. They will certainly use this as a negotiating tactic. I bet some of the far left labor will want to give in to every demand of Iran.
I would love to see Iran try such a thing with United States Soldiers, that would pretty much signal the beginning of the end for the whole Iranian regime. Iran is not that stupid.

Rich, South, Florida

If something drastic happens, maybe the british people will wake up and realize the US of A is not the greatest threat to humanity.

spartacus, NY, New York

I believe Ahmadinejad's sudden cancellation of his UN visit coincides with the kidnapping of the British troops. It also coincides with the latest Security Council attempts to thwart Iran's nuclear aspirations. The Iranians always stir up the waters when important Security Council decisions against their nuclear ambitions are imminent. Don't expect a repeat of the last kidnapping because Iran's meddling in Iraq requires a stern response. One which has yet to be delivered. Iran will get smacked it's just a matter of when.

Harry, Brooklyn, NY

Can someone please explain why/how a British armed unit can be "detained" by soldiers from another force when they are operating in similar circumstances to that of the previous "arrest"...especially when they are supported by a Type 22?

There are 2 x questions: 1) is there actually a functioning chain of command, and 2) which civil servant and senior officer is repsonsible for designing the Rules of Engagement?

George, Dubai, UAE

Was wondering that myself.. in the old days it would have been considered an unacceptable act and their ships would have been sunk immediately for daring to attack our sailors, who were performing legal international policing duties in Iraq's waters on behalf of Iraq's elected government to interdict the smuggling of arms and war materiel to militants trying to Islamify the country by force of terrorism. Mrs Thatcher and Churchill would have had none of it, but Blair's got no balls. Would he ever say it like it is and declare anything an act of war? If they nuked London would he sit in his bunker and say Islam is a religion of peace? I doubt it, he would always claim an attack was a few misguided individuals who definitely dont represent any specific country or religion thus sparing him from ever having to publicly declare any country or religion an enemy by name. We need a Churchillian prime minister to declare those who attack us as enemies to be eliminated not appeased.

Dariush, bradford, uk

I'd be remiss if I attempted to hazard a guess how this will turn out...but his Yank would like to say God Bless and Godspeed to the British Marines.

Bill Green, Highland, CA

Could the Captain of the Corwall please explain how he allowed 15 marines and sailors to be captured by a hostile force operating within the captains immediate area of operations.

Rowan Scott, Auckland, NZ

Just more irrational behavior from the Mad Mullahs, maybe the world will wake up to Hilter in a Head scarf.

Joe Kern, Austin , Tx USA

Time for war.

Dave Hazard, Cleveland, Ohio, United States

How in the hell can you be surrounded in the ocean without seeing them first? I believe the the unaided human eye could spot those ships from a mile away.

In the Navy the first thing you do after leaving dock is to constantly scan for miles around, visually and electronically. This involves many men and devices. OU never let your guard down, doing so invites death by attack.

I would immediately dismiss the Captain of the ship that they were stationed on and the lead seaman of the 2 crafts that boarded the vessel.

There is no excuse for this, it would never happen in the USN....

Paul , Norfolk, VA

Iran is clearly looking to draw the US and UK into "firing the first shot". Ahmadinejad is a thug who is simply trying to sway world opinion in his direction by entrapping these British sailors and marines. Let's just hope and pray for their safety and timely release. Ahmadinejad just might find out that Uncle Sam and Union Jack are two giants he doesn't want to cast any more stones at. God save the United States and the United Kingdom!!!

John W, Mount Vernon, OH, USA

This is part of a bigger war - Brits, Americans, Aussies, and any other freedom loving country better understand that we are dealing with radicals. I am sick of all of these libs blaming the US and UK for the behavior of the tyrants. You can't be bullied by these bullies. Stand up and bloody their nose! Its time to get tough and demand these men be released or Iran will pay and follow through with the threat. I learned as a young boy how to handle a bully and it isn't by negotiations!

foxfan, Mt. Vernon,

The Iranian leadership is half nuts and half brilliant.

That makes them very dangerous.

Splash Laptop G4, Dalton, US

I love the patriotism of the Americans in many of these comments, but many are just making us Americans look foolish by saying, "America wouldn't tolerate that!" Somebody already mentioned the incident in China in April of 2001. We didn't retaliate with the military then and neither should Britain in this case. Do you not realize how unstable the region is already?

Diplomacy and stern warnings are probably the best course of action. Please, Americans, refrain from saying such stupid things like, "Obviously the USA would not have stood by an let this happen," and "why did the british warship take no action?seems a american commander that watched his boarding party captured would be flooged.wake up brits this is war." You're making me and other Americans look like idiots by proxy.

-U.S. Army Officer Cadet

Shay, Seattle, USA

If the Iranians allege that we were in their waters (which we were not, or we deny), then MOD might care to release a few US satelite photos and settle the issue.

Paul Medhurst, Vienna, Austria

"When the inspection was completed the British were surrounded by six larger vessels from a Revolutionary Guards naval unit."

Was HMS Cornwall's radar, or the boarding party's communications equipment malfunctioning, that the Iranians could manage to approach with six vessels, surround our craft and then take them prisoner ?

Paul Medhurst, Vienna, Austria

This is no more "war" than when the Iranians seized hostages in 1979 - 1980. That country is a total joke. It's run by religious kooks and a puppet of the religious kooks.

The Brits did well not to escalate the situation. This only makes the Iranians look bad. The men will be handed back, just as before. If not, Iran just signed it's own death-sentence.

Matt, Kansas City, Missouri

I think we all know what's going to happen.
It'll be a precise replay of the saddam crash and burn saga.
It won't happen too soon for me.
Let's get on with it and be done with it. There's other more pressing stuff to deal with in the world than get distracted by a demented tinpot dictator - again!.

Graham, Burlington, Ontario

People, give it up. This is illegal and if not that, truly stupid. Just give up the British sailers and also the nucleur desires. If you want peace sincerely, I can support you. If you are making excuses, then what is the excuse? If you're lying then why even should we negotiate? We all live in the same world. Why can't we agree to have different opinions? I'm a Christian and I believe that we can co-exist. I invite you to agree. Please!!!

Amen

Beeker2, rumson, nj

Simply put, there are people we have met in life and the only thing they understand is a Punch in the Face. Do not reward bad behaviour. Can you say Nazi Germany, Facist Italy, Japan 1930-1945, North Korea? The following quote was made by an American President in the early 20th century, but is applicable for any nation that enjoys the freedom that has been paid for by those who did not shy away from adversity.

"The virtues that made America are courage, honor, justice, truth, sincerity, and hardihood. The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt.

By the by, my father suffered through the horrors of WWII in Eastern Europe as one of the so called inferior races (Slavs). By the grace of God/Allah he survived because of others who were willing to sacrifice their lives for him.

JDO
Hinton, West Virginia

Jim Ozols, Hinton, WV/USA

Let me preface this statement with the admission that I know nothing of navy technology.

However, is it not reasonable to assume in this age of GPS and satellites that all British navy ships can be precisely located? Even fishing ships have GPS technology that lets them know exactly where they are. A sophisticated British ship should have no problem proving its exact location.

Matt, Virginia, USA

When you are at war, 15 sailors may be an international incident, but it is hardly leverage for the Iranians. In the larger picture, armies sacrifice many more than 15 of their own routinely to acheive a larger objective.

If there is one thing the Iranians may not understand about the West is that we've hardened ourselves to this reality, and the only thing they are achieving by holding our ally's sailors is the increased severity of the response. The difference is, we do not respond immediately in a knee-jerk fashion. Rather, we will allow them to dig a proper hole, and then they will be buried.

I don't say this in a blathering macho fashion. I say this only from the standpoint of the real-world strategy the West now deploys. Their aggressiveness is their weakness and it will lead to their destruction.

The Iranians are undoing everything the American Democrats are trying to do, and that is to destroy the will of the American people. Not gonna happen now.

Tim, Pittsburgh, USA/Pennsylvania

Britain knew were its boarding craft were in relation to the Iraq/Iran zones and given the political situation at home likely had very strict orders about avoiding confrontation at all costs even at the risk of capture of its men. Who is winning given that very likely fact? And no doubt they knew that the Iranian boats were approaching in time to act.

The patrol craft of both forces likely get close at times, but given the tension in those waters, nothing short of orders… can explain why a military commander would be casual about protecting those under his command every minute with the treat of force. Unless potential loss of life trumps every decision… if that is the case… it is no longer a military and should be withdrawn.

May Allah help the Iranian Navy if it ever tries this with the U.S. Navy.

The positive: weakness is clearly defined by this incident. The West will wake, or demographics will define Europe's demise within 50 years. Spain's non Muslim birthrate: 1.2.

Kelly, Aspen, USA

how is 911 related to this? brits were inspecting an Iranian ship near the border with iran, it is no surprise that they may have entered Iranian waters and got themselves surounded by iranian guards

Moe, Montreal,

These kinds of incidents occur because the Iranians do not fiear the multi-national forces (i.e. U.S. & British). We can thank the leftists in both countries for that.

The Iranians are convinced that both the British & U.S. are "paper tigers" and that we will soon run (this assumption is based on what they see on our news reports, and that the democrats are working to have the U.S. cut & run).

If we fail in Iraq, the blame will be laid directly to the actions of the Democrats and leftists in both countries.

Melvin A. Hyler, Dover, United States/Ohio

to all this bs of "lets just give them what they want so we get the hosties back". Are you completely insane? did you forget Neville Chamberlain and all that crap? Give them a inch and they'll take a mile. and to the supposed "iranian diplomats" in northern iraq, i didnt realize Quds Force Generals were now considered diplomats. This does seem fishy though, i will give it that. Nontheless, taking hostages is cowardly. If this was truly "illegal" as the Iranians claim they shouldve just escorted them out of their Waters. But im just and ignorant, warmongering, bloodthirsty yank. What do i know!

Caleb, Los Angeles,, USA

Tell them they have 24 hours to release the hostages before their country is turned to glass.

Jim , phoenix, USA

It is high-time the Irains be tought a lesson. This is a country that has been defying the world with their nuclear program, and is a known Terror sponsor state. It's time to stop messing around and hit these guys before they have a nuclear option.

Sousa, Tallahassee, FL

What the hell was the mother ship doing? Didn't they see the Iranian vessels approaching? Was every body asleep in the radar control room, was nobody on watch? Unbelievabe incompetence in a war zone. This needs a thorough investigation.

Paul Wong, las vegas, nevada. USA

If anything, it's as good a stunt as any by our Brit and American bed-buddies-cum-leaders to keep Iran looking evil and to keep the great business of war going strong.

Raphael Gersowsky, Los Angeles, CA, USA

The evil behind the government of Iran is the enemy of our time. Whether or not this country's government or any of our real allies' governments still has the ability to think clearly on this issue remains to be seen. I have serious doubts they are able to. Nevertheless, appeasement is the means to an end. Ours.

Cynthia, San Antonio, Texas/USA

The detainment of British servicemen by the Iranian military should be viewed as an act of war. The Britain that I love wouldn't stand for this. And mustn't now. It is time for the Two greatest nations in the world to strike at Iran and bring order back to the chaos that is the middle east. The tip toeing around for the yellow, liberal cowards in both our nations who have no stomach for a fight, must be stopped, it is time to fight, yes there will be casualties, and yes it will be hard on the civilians at home. But the Lion that is the British Empire and the Eagle which symbolizes the great USA is being tarnished by these extremists. I bet the RAF and the SAS could put the "Revolutionary" guard in their place in a heart beat. If only the politicians had the stomach to do it.

Kyle, Springvale, Maine, USA

When will the pacifists wake up? You protect your family, your country and your allies. We are Brits and the Brits are us. The US was borne of the Brits and we will back them. The Middle Eastern culture is incompatible with ours,' and nothing will change that. Witness the subjugation of women, polygamy, bombing innocent people sitting at their desks, supporting their families. If we do not defend our families, who will? The UK, the US and EU need not put up with this ridiculous provocation for violence for long. Diplomacy, ala "Kissinger" is in order, however, if there is no release of these patriots, we must rescue them, relieve their families of their terror and settle the score. The action of capturing these Sailors and Marines was not in the best interests of anyone, especially the Iranians. Lives are lost saving others, a warrior never leaves a fallen comrade and stands ready to engage in combat for the freedom of their countrymen.

Sally, Belleair Bluffs, Florida, USA

Why does the UK navy not cover for all contingencies, they shoud have had back up. Do they think they are in the Boy Scouts? Never start a fight unless you are prepared to finish it.

Jim heath, Capalaba, Brisbane

It is about time for the British to learn that Iran is not another Iraq, and any territorial violation will be dealt with strongly.

Essie Bakhtiar, Atlanta, Georgia

Hey DC- MAYBE Jimmy Carter could negotiate the hostages release. He is a great negotiator, and this time Ronald Reagan wouldn't be secretly negotiating to have Iran keep the hostages until after the next election.

CB, Indianapolis, IN

Give the Iranians two hours to hand them over unharmed. Let them know that if that time expires, they lose whatever, an industrial complex, a town, whatever. At exactly one minute past the deadline, do it. Don't blink. Give them one more hour until the next target. Don't back down, don't blink. See how long they'll go. They knew they could push Jimmy Carter around. As soonas they knew Ronald Reagan was coming, boy did the tune change.

Michael D, North Royalton, Ohio, United States

Winston Churchill or Maggie Thatcher would have immedi- atly responded by demanding the immediate return of the hostages within 24 hours! Then if the Iranians did not comply, the Brits would have withdrawn all diplomatic ties to Iran and declared WAR on them! End of story!

The really pathetic response of the west on all these provo-cations by Iran and its proxies like Hezbolla, Hamas, and Syria just emboldens them to take bigger risks to get what they want. Sadly, all this pseudo-diplomacy and political correctness in dealing with Iran will eventually give them what they want --- the thermo-nuclear weapons they need to exterminate the Jews in Isreal!!!

Does anyone remember MEIN KAMPF? Are we all sleep- walking? Why do the western allies take Maummoud Amadinagad's venom against Isreal about as seriously in 2007 as they did Adolf Hitler when he wrote his book of hate in 1921? Think about this, because the results are going to be the same!!!

Monty Stewart, Langley, B.C., Canada

The Iranians had previously been caught sneaking in various materials prohibited by various treaties, so the Coalition Forces, via in this case, the British, had an absolute "international right." To board the merchant vessel, as is often done around the world.

One post said above that "violence never stops violence." Oh, contrair! It is rather appeasment in the face of evil that begs mass violence and genocide to taste its sweet flesh. No bully picks on the toughest kid on the block; Ever.

Stephen T., Birmingham, UK

There was a Time when the British Royal Navy would have protected her own men and Honor...apperently that time is as dead as the democrats courage.

Aaron glendenning, north richland hills, TX

Philip, The British decided to send military personel thousands of miles from home to conduct military operations in a hostile environment. To stand by and let their service members be taken prisoner was foolish.

I don't know wether the Brits were in Iranian waters or not. Whatever the circumstances turn out to be - someone screwed the pooch big time on this - and it wasn't the Iranians. Those sailors shouldn't have been put in a situation where this could have happened to them.

Mark, Redmond, WA US

Has it never occured to anyone that Iran is attempting to martyr itself?

ed ronin, nyc, usa / ny

Sounds like a good reason for an embargo of all Iranian shipping.

David, Winchester, VA

Why is it every time a nation decides to sell its crude for a monetary unit other than the US dollar, that nation gets bombed and invaded? Sadam went off the dollar in the oil for food program and the USA was invading in no time. Iran decided this year sell their crude for monetary units other than dollars as well. Is this about nukes, islam vs the West, or about the failing US dollar which will crash if the world no longer needs dollars in the greatest commodity market, oil

Roy, Cleveland, USA

To the 911 survivor who says "we will not forget 911": what connection are you trying to make between 911 and Iran? Not only are the two in absolutely no way related, but the output of support and sympathy for Americans after 911 from Iranian citizens was huge!

Don't take this to mean that I'm in any way trying to imply that we (Americans) were responsible for what happened to us. But to put blame on anyone besides Bin Laden and crew is to draw up comparisons which are warrantless and only draw us into problems like the one we are in now in Iraq.

In regards to Iran, I think people need to make the distinction (which is huge) between the Iranian people and the Iranian government. Their government (not unlike our own) are a group a fundamentalists who are acting in their own interests and not at the demand of the citizens.

J, Osaka,

I am fed up with Islamic Radicals. Barbarians if ever their were . Cutting off someones head and taping it for airing to the public changed my mind about Islamic/Palestinian rights. Go Israel.
Military Member
United States

bob, Jacksonville, Fl

Keep in mind, both parties know that sattellite images can determine the excact location of the incident.

JVJ, Palm Springs, US

Europe is not going to support anything being done .. and Britain is more European then aligned with USA Canada Australia.. so they will continue to destroy their military and Navy to be more like Europe.. under Americas protection.. but spitting on us at every chance.

Richard, Beaumont, texas

Being a former U.S. Army Ranger and seeing this occur, I can't help but ask where the support was for these "Marines". The entire command of the "5th Fleet" should be called to task for this and many relieved immediately. Let the Politicians play their games. This is a war zone. We all know what's coming! However! now we have a few more soldiers used as cannon fodder because those in command are too afraid to act to protect their own men. Guess what those men are thinking right now! If there is anyone of them with "combat" experience he will be the first to leave the military after this and therefore another huge loss for western military forces. That is exactly why the military here in the US is trying to recruit experienced older and former soldiers, as are the Israeli's. We all have "kids" fighting under commanders who have no experience themselves. I would have jumped in front of a Bus if I was ordered to by my former leaders. I "knew" they would have done it for me. Not any more!

BoardRunner, Boston, Mass

The British, who should have never been in the area, or the region, , brought the problem on themselves. Wrong place, wrong time??
They have no one to blame, but themselves for wanting to rule
the world.... yes "Rule Britania.'

DOMOBRAN, FRITCH, USA

I feel sorry for the Iranian people. How sad it must be to have the sociopaths they have ruling the country. And with no way of voting them out of office. I would like to say that I am surprised that Iran has captured British troops, but I'm not. It sounds par for the course.

Jack Strombuss, St. Thomas, VI

We, the Brits and the US, need to be much more merciless in our dealings with the people in this region. If the British decide to go to war over this, they know the US is there behind them. But, unfortunately it will probably be another confict fought with both hands tied behind our backs. It's depressing that we have everything we need to end wars, but WE DONT EVEN USE IT.

Ed, Billings, Montana

We are holding Iranian citizens that they claim are diplomats that we took into custody in Iraq for months. We need to recognize all the things we have done to Iran over the decades, starting with our CIA deposing their freely elected government and installing the Shah, who was a brutal dictator but friendly to the US. We don't like it that they had a revolution in 1979 and chose their own government, out of our control. We provided weapons and training to Iraq in their war against Iran and helped them kill hundreds of thousands of Iranians. We shot down an Iranian plane in 1988 killing all civilians on board, including 65 children. The hostages taken in 1979 were not harmed. They have never done anything to us that compares in any way to all the things we have done to them. I think we need to look at our history with Iran and realize the wrong we have done.

Elizabeth, New York,

MY GOD!! Are they insane? And we thought the Cuban Missile crisis was bad. I voted for Bush and I believe that we need to be in Iraq. But now I feel that Bush has totally mishandled the war and we have no choice but to stay there until we can make it right.

karen carrola, blanco, texas us

i don't like the way this is shaping up. hope the british take a tough as hell stance.

phillip clark, la grange , georgia

Its simple, this is a gulf of tonkin type provocation designed to increase, not reduce tensions. When the big boys want a war they go out and make one.

D. Sistern, quincy, ma

Well now isn't this ironic. By the looks of things those soldiers are going to have a long stay. This is what happens when you project weakness.

Jason, Elkland, USA/ PA

This is the result of the west caving to these outlaw countries. I think Iran feels the west won't make any provocative moves. UK should flat out tell Iran if they don't free these guys in 24 hours, Britain will treat this as an act of war, and unleash with all it's might. If we don't take a stand now, Iran will continue it's illegal activity. They need a quick and swift hard slap right across the mouth.

Sparky, Santa Barbara, Calif, USA

What would Admiral Nelson have done?

Corey, Clear Creek, Colorado, U.S.A.

If the British don't respond forcefully and quickly to this provocation, Iran will conclude that it can continue to act with impunity and step up subversion in Iraq even higher. Kick their butts hard right now, and they'll leave us alone!

Bill Dodson, Yorba Linda, California

The ball is entirely in the Iranians court, but there is just not going to be a positive outcome for pulling this stunt, which appears well coordinated and deliberately timed. If there was no cover by the frigate in reasonable proximity (and this is key), there would be no realistic means for the boarding teams to fight back. The ship's open deck small boats were heavily laden by personnel (+their gear) would have been sluggish to maneuver and extremely vulnerable to even light machine gun fire, nevermind an auto cannon.

Any resistence by the small boats and subsequent exchange of fire by the larger Iranian patrol craft would have demanded an escalating committment of force from CROMWALL. Distance and draft constraints on maneuverability for the frigate may have likely prohibited her from being able to save her boarding teams if anyone started shooting, anyway. Its an unfavorable operational scenario which has met with a "best-worst case" opportunity. Stand by...

Kris, Salem, CT

If Iran wants to make it easier to declare WAR on them... all they need to do is keep it up. They have more to lose than anyone else.

Patriot, United States, America

The British appear to have learned nothing from the first epsidode. They mention Rules of Engagement: Surrender peacefully?-since we have no intention of protecting you. Where was the vaunted warship HMS Cornwall during all this? I think their skipper has some explaining to do.

Greg, Portland, USA

Before one can even consider an opinion one would have know where this incident REALLY took place. If it happened in Iranian territorial waters, than perhaps the British Navy should apologize. If not, than one can only wonder why the safety of this "lightly armed" boarding party was not better monitored and why there was no emergency back-up or a contingency plan for an event like this.

Nick, Melbourne, Australia

If you won't fight - you gotta run.

Ed Foley, Pompano Beach, FL - USA

My prayers are with these brave serviceman and their families. Iran is once again sending a message to the West, they will do what they please to whom they please. Many in the world simply do not get the fact there is no reasoning with madmen.

JC, Cleveland, Tennessee

The last time Iran was before the Security Council, Hezbollah crossed the border into Israel, killed several and kidnapped 2 Israeli soldiers.

It's not coincidence that now, before another Security Council vote, Iran abducts 15 Britons.

Ahmadinejad started his political career by helping take the American embassy in 1979 and holding 70 hostages.

He keeps returning to the only trick he knows.

M. Fernandez, San Francisco,

Yeah why do these guys like hostages so much?

Mike, Chicago,

Don't do to others what you dont want done to yourself, its fair game, the brits will be safer in Iran than the illegally detained Iranian officials in the hands of Americans that have no concept of what a middle eastern person's human rights are.
Sorry.. but why is it ok to kidnap Iranians but not brits or Americans, this attitude has caused this latest riff. Lets hope that Britain and America respect inrenational law and allow Iran to develop nuclear capability so that they can defend themselves and not end up like Iraq.
Iraqi oil is Iraqi oil...not US oil, why dont they spend as much money on your native indians that you comitted genocide towards as you do with Israel? Because they have no concept of democracy, justice, pity or human dignity. Sorry but I have no idea what the other people are saying in the above coments, makes no sense its just racism, bigotry and prejudice.
We must live in paralell worlds!

sarah, portsmouth, uk

Does this mean that the Iranians now posess cloking technology that enables them to materialize, surround their enimies and then disappear? Somebody please remind somebody to plug in the radar.

CS, White Bear, us/mn

Scoreboard....U.S. 15 aircraft carriers, UK (1 or 2) Iranians 0!
Let's park a few more off Iran's coast. Considering each carrier is the equivalent of the entire middle eastern airforce, save Israel, that will give the insane over there something to think about. And oh yes, I do remember the hostage crisis from '79, and am not likely to forget, or forgive. Time to bring back Monroe's "gunboat (or in this case, carrier) diplomacy". God save the UK. Believe me, despite what you see in our "Quisling" Congress, Americans will ALWAYS stand with the British. God bless your great nation, and God bless your captured sailors/marines.

Roy, Houston, TX, USA

Can't say I didn't see this coming.
The Iranians are going to try to use the sailors as a bargaining chip.
Bad idea on Iran's part, the Brits will take care of both problems for us now.

Too bad Ahmedinijad was to cowardly to negotiate, now his countrymen will pay the price for his arrogance in blood...

Melissa, Beaverton, Oregon USA

The democracies are going to cause if not their own downfall then the horrible destruction they brought upon themselves in the last century.
Our inability to summon the will to confront the true potential of threats will delay our response until it gets to the point where millions will have to die to decide the outcome.
This time the stakes are higher because of the nature of the weapons available to our enemies and their ability to deliver them. Have no doubt they will deliver them in our own home countries.
I doubt the Cornwall was close enough to engage even if they wanted to. By the time their men were seized it was already too late.
Negotiate with the Iranians now and try to get the troops back but prepare for war. It is coming whether we want it or not.

m4a3, Houston, USA

Iran is now circled by the US and its allies or friendly regimes. It is desperate to build the the bomb, as it is the only way to stop the US (not the UN) imposing itself in its own soverign matters. (like the DPRK)

I don't really want to see a nuclear armed Iran, but what can we do? It is desperate, and in a very good position. US is bogged down, it is highly influencial within Iraq and it can also block the Persian gulf long enough to cause the West problems.

We have to ask ourselves how we are now in this position. Why is the UN so weak? Why do a large proportion of the world see the US and allies as imperialist scum? And also, if drastic measures to stop Iran's building do take place, are we strong enough to keep them there? As we are currently militarily overstreched, i feel not. It would increase extreemism (i hate that word) and probably increase Iran's international support among regimes that also feel that the US has abandoned the UN and human rights.

Stewart, Scotland,

Who cares anymore? I for one am tired of hearing about this nonsense. Some of the posters on this comment board crack me up with laughter. You act like you were there and no all the details. The only thing you know is what the media feeds you. I just wish the final war would begin based on the religious nutcase predictions, so that the nuclear button comes into play. I say let's have the final showdown so the world can continue on with out these Persian idiots.

John Holmes, Chicago, USA/IL.

This is a a slow burn, the beginning salvos in the third crusade. We are dealing with religious tensions fueled by those seeking or in power. The divide seems only filled with intense war. The purpose of government is national defense, not social programs. Europe has gone socialist. Ayn Rand predicted this 50 years ago. The only thing Iran will respect is the ability to muster force, no different than Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, Castro, Al Gore and either Clinton. Someone in this thread asked where Churchill was. It takes great peril for a leader to come forth. A bloated America is reliving the mistakes of ancient Rome. The BBC reports I see are so leftist and tainted, I have to wonder what the people of Britian consider philosophy these days. The British response to the taking of their sailors will show their backbone - or lack of one.

Ken, Detroit, Michigan USA

this is shaping up to be an interesting showdown and i hope like hell the british take a strong as hell stance and get their men back pronto.

phillip clark, la grange , georgia

If Iran harms these sailors then all bets are off...but probably, as always, another Iranian "foreign policy" move.
Wait! I forgot...this is all our fault, right?

Rick Allen, San Antonio, Texas,

Poor tactical command by the Cornwall commander. In the U.S. Navy this would eventually cost the commander his ship. No drones or SAT surveilance by the British? This may call for a coordinated OTH (Over The Horizon) SAT surveilence between the U.S. and the British.

Old Swabby, Wildwood, MO/USA

You know what makes more sense iran releases the soliders and they stop provicating. you conspiracy nuts need to get a life. either way i the US is already fighting iran in iraq. If iran was smart they wouldn't try to push anything when the US has 150000 troops on its boarder. I also agree with the madking Why did the brits just sit ideally by and not go help? either way if push comes to shove, i would put my money on the troops being returned and iran going back into its corner.

bob smith, town , new jersey

England needs to realize that they need to play hardball with Iran. Iran cannot be allowed to play the game this way, if they continue to do so they will need to be taught a painful lesson. I say if they do not release the brits, the brits should retaliate with overwhelming force. All these people understand is force. Diplomacy means nothing to them, for centuries all these people have only undestood is strongmen. I encourage tony blair to use every means at his disposal to rectify the situation asap.

Kevin, Madison, CT

Jimmy Jimmy ! where are you ? The Iranians have just taken some more hostages. We know what a brilliant negotiator you are can you please help us . If you would only go to the UN and talk to them I'm sure they could be home in 5 or 6 years .
After reading some of the post's here I can see that we are blessed with many great thinkers and many very compassionate peace loving souls who understand that if you just sit down and talk to your enemys all will be well in the world .
Its just a good thing I'm not in charge because I think I might read my radar scope wrong and think that several Iranian ships had just crossed into Iraqi waters and be forced to capture and hold them for investigation and questioning and I might even mistake the Iranian embassy for a building that contained criminals and be forced to send in several hundred heavily armed police and take everyone there into custody again for investigation and questioning .

Darrell, Joplin, USA

This is probably retaliation for the US forces in Iraq taking Iranian diplomat hostages last month.

Kevin Cay, Washington DC,

I believe the Iranians have made a grave mistake. the Brits do not take kindly to these types of threats. Remember the Folkland Islands.... I'll support the brits.......

chasemax1999, Dayville, CT

What most people forget is that the USA, UK and Coalition forces are fighting the war on terror on the ground but also in the eyes of the rest of the free world. The countries that support terrorism do not have to answer to the general public, If they don't agree the just kill them. We have turned this into a War or politics. I blame ever elected offical for the problems we are having. I have many friends in the British Royal Navy as well as other country's. I would like to end all of this as fast as any person but its not going to happen. Congress is divided and it wont change after the elections. Lets stop putting the workers of the war down and let all of the elected officals now of our discord, This is not a democrate or republican thing this is a free world thing. The British military have a job to do as does the rest of the coalition forces, support them and lets find a safe way to bring them home.

R. Snow, Portsmouth, VA, USA

>but could some Brit out there PLEASE explain to me how fifteen British sailors and Marines were taken captive by Iranians with FRIGATE HMS CORNWALL just looking on, and not stopping and boarding the Iranian ship to get their men back<

Could it possibly be that the british DID board the merchant ship in Iranian waters, had no choice BUT to stand idly by as their men were arrested ? After all, it would not do to have either the Iranian vessels OR the british vessels sunk, and therefore able to definitively mark the sunken vessel as in Iranian waters or international waters.

Like this would be the first time that either the USA or the British goverments have tried to con the world's peoples with lies and fabrications ! It hasn't been THAT long since the imaginary evidence of WMD's !

Karl, Albany, New York

I've just read Mark Steyn's book "America Alone." Looks like he's going to need an appendix when the Iranians get finished with Her Majesty's Navy.

Owen, Princeton, NJ, USA

This is brinksmanship, no different than what North Korea does really. Iran can do what it does because they expect others to behave rationally. They will be much worse when they have the bomb. I think the only solution is to build a wall between the Middle East and the rest of the world...east is east, and west is west, etc.

Lud Kissell, Chicago, IL

there is NO COMMON SENSE with these morons, all they understand in force...we need to pummel them into the stone age. PERIOD .WAKE UP!!!

If Churchill were alive he'd be giving them an ultimatum about now....

Danno, New England, USA

To TheMadKing: They were in Iranian waters. That's why the Cornwall did nothing.

NotAMadKing, Tucson, AZ USA

R.O.E., my friend. We wouldn't want the Brits to start a war just because a few of their soldiers were kidnapped, would we? After all, us yanks put up with our embassy hostage situation for, what, how long? Besides, someone might accidentally start shooting, and, well, that's how people get hurt.

Kurt Duncan, Wichita, KS

Of course the "New Yorker who survived 9/11" is right about one thing. (By the way, how many New Yorkers survived 9/11? About 8 million, right? So this fella is special. He is one in 8 million.) America's aggressive attitude toward Iran does have a lot to do with the embassy hostages. Of course, Americans can't admit it. It would be grotesque to kill hundreds of thousands of people to avenge 450 that were detained for a year and released unharmed. Not too grotesque to do it. Just too grotesque to tell the truth about.

In other ways, this New Yorker isn't less ignorant than his average countrymen. You won't forget 9/11? So what? What does 9/11 have to do with anything? Get the cataracts out of your eye -- America and Britain are illegally occupying a country. They have no more rights in Iraq than Germany had in France.

Babak`, Los Angeles, CA

We need to get W and Rush Leimbaugh to straighten this out

Concerned Citizen, Roanoke , Virginia

Bush told the world Iran was part of the Axis of Evil and everyone mocked.

I hope the Brits are realeased immediately.

John, Los Angeles, CA,

I'm curious to know why the Iranians were not arrested for being in Iraqi waters? Obviously the Cornwall Commander was aware of there presence and clearly the capture of 15 sailors warrents a response by their Commander. Is it not dereliction of duty to fail to protect the sailors under your command? I doubt that the decision not to respond was made by the commander of the Cornwall but I would surely like to know who did make that decision.

Jimmy, Winchester, MA, USA

Never should have happended, the sailors should have been backed up by the Royal Navy or the U.S. navy. Time for action < less talk...

M, Dunedin, Florida

I can stand by and watch the invasion off Iraq (I was never a fan of Saddam) but the hostilities with Iran are stupid. I fear I will have to disregard my normal apathy and go on a protest march if this situation goes much further. Whatever the situation, I hope that we don't get sucked into another US lead invasion of another country ... hopefully the Government will not do anything stupid.

Al, Bath,

My poor British friends, what has happened to your country? You were once a proud and strong country that never hesitated to defend yourself from evil. Sir Winston Churchill must be rolling over in his grave! Thanks to the good lord that PM Tony Blair and his friends in Parliment were not in power in 1939-40, you all in Great Britian would be now speaking German and goose stepping in front of Buckingham Place. Wake up before its to late and you lose your country!

Dave, Lake Jackson, TX USA

Been wondering what sort of incident the Bushie Neocons and their accomplices would manufacture to get us into a war with Iran. Here it comes.

Warren, Phoenix, AZ USA

I just wish we REALLY knew what was going on. I'm sure it wasn't that innocent. Sure the Iranian president is an idiot with the apocolypse on his mind but I still think we should take everything OUR nations tell us with a pinch of salt. I think both sides of this fight are equally guilty and the innocent citizens of both countries are just collateral damage as these rich men bicker and fight with each other so they can get what every rich and powerful man wants....more money and more power.

Avi, Los Angeles, CA

Don't negotiate with lunatics. Negotiate with the soviets and chinese, are allies in previous wars. I'm sure we could come to a deal to split the spoils of the middle east. Forewarn the peoples of these terrorist country's to remove the madmen from power or face total elimination. We should no longer except the loss's of our military heros over the greed for power of these slime portraying themselves to be human. It worked before, ending WWII. They must be stopped before they go nuclear, if not ,prepare to bow to persian kings.

Mike Wilson , st clair, mi

What would Chamberlain have done?, perhaps repeat his past mistake?
What would Ms.Thacher have done?, elementary my dear Watson.

GRJ , St. Augustine, USA

How about the rest of the world step up for once with us. The members of the UN have to act instead of backing away and symbolicy slapping the hands of rouge leaders like this. The world needs to understand its leaders like this that will start wwIII

Tim, Orange County , Ca

Maybe they should swap the Commander of that ship for the men?

John Paul Jones, Boston, Mass

Someday, before all this is over, the West will finally come to understand that we must unite to destroy this radical evil once and for all. If our leaders can ever get past their pointless bickering and jockeying for higher levels of self importance, we can focus on the true challenge at hand...fighting for nothing short of civilization as we know it. We have given these maniacs all the backbone they need to face us down. The U.S. and U.K. must do as they have done before. Present to the world the most powerful force for good imaginable.

Kevin O'Brien, Apex, USA/North Carolina

Typical muslim ploy from Irans Revolutionary Guards (basically Islam's religious 'compliance' army) - when faced with real consequenes for their decision to arm militant groups in Iraq and Palestine and aim to pass on eventual nuke-technology to these same groups they would rather shield themselves with a hostage negotiation than face the music. USA made a big mistake during the hostage crisis when the Islamic Revolution happened - they didnt treat it as an act of war and didnt threaten to destroy the enemy unless they releaser their hostages and surrender control of the country to an accountable leadership. I hope Britain takes a firm stance against this and gives Iran a choice between returning their abductees and restoring religious freedom (including the freedom to leave Islam) in Iran, or all out war to free Iran from Islamic control and restore power to the Persian people in the spirit of King Kourosh (Cyrus the Great). Kouroshu Akhbar!

Dariush, bradford, uk

Hmm, Iranians taking hostages, this is something new. I wonder why they were so brazen in kidnapping these Sailors and Royal Marines, since last time they kidnapped Americans we responded so harshly, oh wait, we didn't. It is time to teach this back water the lesson that should have been taught in '79. I mean what a brilliant move by the Iranians, on the day the Americans voted to be out of Iraq in '08 and thus have all our military a call, I must applaud this tactical brilliance.

Randy, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Wish the Brits would re-grow a spine. Wasn't that long ago they would have retaliated immediately. Remember the Falklands?

Ed Miller, Hollywood, California

This is an easy one to figure out. US forces are holding several of their revolutionary guards (diplomats as they call them), and now they have 15 of our guys. This is called TIT for TAT.
I doubt it that they will release them as long as the Iranians are not freed.

Jimmy Jam, London, ..

The captors were most likely CIA and this is all an elaborate excuse to start the inevitable war with Iran.

Get ready for $7.00 gas/petrol...

Mahmoud, Tehran, New Persia

STAND UP Britania, STAND UP. Let not the seeds of pacifism and appeasement be allowed to take hold. Use your righteous indignation and lawful right and take your military personell back. We will stand by you as we always have. Let this be your FINEST HOUR.

Richard, Ozark, USA/Missouri

Americans would not have been kidnapped; Iran and terrorists know which countries tolerate such abuse of its citizens (Europeans).

Jay, ft walton beach, FL/US

So, you're saying that they should go to war over 15 men? Caution seems safer.

Ed Mophead, Boise, USA/ID

Alas, the UK armed forces have their hands tied instead of being free to kick upstart nations like Iran up the backside.

Peter King, Plymouth, UK

This was a mistake by the Iranians. When will they realize that the West just wants to welcome them to the 21st century.

Mike, Boulder, Colorado

I love it! Just like every other situation, the libs immediately find fault with the troops. It must be there fault, huh? Try a premeditated act by Iran to deflect attention from the vote in the General Assembly. Just when an increasing amount of the Iranian public starts to wonder why the rest of the world is sanctioning their nation, they pull a PR stunt to say in response, "See, they are out to get us. Look at what these Brits did today!" Naturally, the public thinks maybe it is a plot by the US and Britain. It is the reaction of an increasingly isolated nation.

John, Va Beach, VA USA

The British lost thier courage. They should give the Iranians a short time frame to release thier sailors or risk armed conflict. If the british dont get out in front of this situation and fast they will be precieved as being weak.

mike, east islip,new york, USA, NY

Yea, How do a couple of small boats get so far away from a big frigate and the Captain is out of communication range and they need a helicopter to see what's up? Don't the British know this is a WAR? These waterways are in dispute; they know the Iranians are cruising around; Is it a set-up by coalition forces? Or, are we that careless? It al seems a bit strange.

Mickey, LA, USA/Ca

I have no sympathy for the British Government. If the British Servicemen had been in the waters surrounding the UK and protecting the people of Great Britain, as is their mandate from the people of this country, instead of waltzing around the globe poking their fingers in everyone else's pies, then this would not have happened.

Would we not have expected our own navy to arrest those of an Iranian ship, that had strayed illegally into British waters?

Iran is certainly behaving more righteously than us.

I can't believe my taxes are being used to fund such complete non-sense.

Peter Snow, Portsmouth, UK / Hampshire

Sam,

They were there to inspect ships. That is what the military does under this UN Charter.

I am sure that someone will find a way to blame this on Bush! LOL!

Christina, Arlington, VA

Looks like a new Gulf of Tonkin incident to me. A reason to stage a war with another country. This is over 15 servicemen that are being held as prisoners for Hostile entry into another countries water. Put yourself in their shoes. They are being bullied and attacked verbally and somewhat forcefully and they are just supposed to let transgression go? I am sure that these soldiers will be held without injuries and the United States and Britain should calm down.

rick, Minneapolis,

Eric,. your nievity is worrying

Paul, London,

Maybe Iran has to threaten the 32 hour workweek and 6 weeks mandatory vacation before europeans are stirred to action.
I just hope this doesnt lead to a new muslim prayer room on the HMS CORNWALL.

SteveH, Smiths, Al

The brits were not caught near the French Riviera, they were caught at the Iranian riviera.
\
Jose Jovel

jose, huntington park, USA

Seems to me that the Iranians,are attempting to blackmail
Britain into trying to stop the U.N. from any sanctions
being carried out.

The Oldfella, Murarrie/Brisbane, QLD Australia

I've been there, seen the environment, seen the ships, etc. To say the Brits were lacking is just wrong. The Iranians were probably in a small attack craft not dis-similar to a US PT boat from WWII. The idea of a Frigate many miles away firing a shot over the bow of a fast moving PT type boat is ridiculous. In addition, any further provocation by the Brits (shots fired) would turn into a shooting war.
That said, the Brits need to move fast to get their people out of there. I hope they team up their SAS with Mossad and show the Iranians that they can't do what they want. let's look at this as an opportunity to stop them now, without the need for UN (meaning non-) involvement.

B, Leominster, MA

OH! And no one could see this coming after the "DEFFECTOR" incident? Military and Bush - two words which can not be used in the same sentence with INTELLIGENCE

bob graham, las vegas , nevada

Well John Evans maybe you will also recall that shortly after releasing those airman China mysteriously received "Most favored nation" trade status with the US, which prior to the hostage taking they were refused.
Iran is just emulating the policies of its great ally China

Skeptic, Grayslake, USA/IL

President Ahmadinejad, you will not be dealing with Jimmy Carter, you will be dealing with Prime Minister Tony Blair,
and I don't think he likes you to much!!!
P.S. I don't think President George Bush likes you either.

Michael Matthews, Clearfield, Utah

How many times will it take before the British say enough is enough? There is no way they can let Iran get away with this, AGAIN.

Enough Already, NJ,

I have to agree with TheMadKing....I don't mean to be warmongering at all, but a hostile nation abducted 15 of your citizens, of your military in front of your navy and took them away.

Why did the frigate sit around and watch? Why did the helicopter follow, watch, and then what, turn around and go home? *Shrug* "Guess we got punked. Oh well".

If a hostile nation can just start abducting members of a major western power's military without regard and without consequence, I'm very scared for the fate of Western civilization.

GettoPhilosopher, Norwalk, CA, USA

I pray that the British government has better luck negotiating with Iran than Jimmy Carter did in 1979. It took us 444 days to get our diplomats returned.

Janet Fuls, Cottonwood, CA, USA

I too don't understand how this could have happened. It's not like the Iranian Navy popped up in submarines.

Spencer, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

The Iranians were obviously preventing an attack by that small rubber boat rigged with explosives. The lives of many Iranian sailors have been saved from English fanatics!

Craig, Walpole, USA/ Massachusetts

harold - HMS Cornwall was away over the horizon so missed things.

Paul, kelty, fife

No just stupid. HMS Cornwall was miles away.

Paul, kelty, fife

I would assume that Her Majesty's Navy knows exactly where this happened. Why has not the lattitude and longuitude been released? Makes one wondetr if an Iranian ship was boarded in Iranian waters. That would be an act of war, no?

Robert Brady, Croix, VI

This newspaper should receive a cartography prize. They know better than even the Iranians what is and what is not Iranian waters. For instance, when it says that 'The British personnel were then escorted at gunpoint into Iranian territorial waters', the implication is that they were seized outside Iranian waters, isn't it?

Titus, Dresden,

Abducting those Marines and sailor's is a direct act of war. If they are not returned promptly, I would hope that the coalition would act in some way to remedy the situation. Diplomacy with Iran obviously is not working, and they continue to defy the U.N. Their hands are all over the insurgancy in Iraq, because of their weapons, hundreds of American and British personel have been killed. The time for action is now. If President Bush cannot find the courage to act, one can only pray Israel will put an end to Iran's madness.

DJ
Camp Pendleton, California

DJ , Camp Pendleton, CA

Nice to see a Yank being supportive and concerned for our troops. Not.

Ross, Dundee, Scotland

Some interesting reads here; particularly those that offer the conspiracy that Britain and/or the US somehow caused the Iranians to abduct the British Marines. By the way, base ships most of the time are in electronic communication only with their scout patrols. That's why the Marine boarders are in smaller craft, guys, to operate remotely. The Iranians acted on their own and illegally. I stand behind the UK's absolute right to demand their return or have the Iranian military in that area face the consequences of involving itself in an armed conflict. I do hope the US ships, planes and military will be right on that line with the Brits.

Jack McG, West Chester, Pennsylvania

It is alarming, but sadly not surprising, that most Americans posting here on this subject not only display their ignorance and collective misanthropy, but also show a dangerously immature understanding of international politics.

Paul, Vancouver, BC

I hope Brittain issues an ultimatum on the release of the hostages.
If the hostages are not released, let it serve notice to all of Europe as to what they're dealing with and let THEM unite and punish the Iranians accordingly.
This incident was just a matter of time when it happened.
The Europeans need to develop some backbone and handle this matter without delay! Or does brittan plan on giving the Iranians 3 Months to think about it and when that time has expired, maybe Iran will need another Six Months to think it over. I think you know what I'm getting at.
Demand that your Sailors/Marines be relased without condition and if they are not, let the Iranians know that the consequences of their actions witll be swift and severe. If they continue to drag their feet on a release, follow through with your threat(s)!
For God's sake already! Somebody get these Iranians under control!
Or are you expecting the U.S. and Israel to do this?
Stand up and be the Men you claim to be!

Ernesto Cornejo, Keizer, Oregon

Wow... you've got to be kidding me right? Violence countered by over-whelming violence does not equate into even more violence, it equates into a VICTORY. Have you all forgotten what that word means, or are you all taking advice from the French? And why in EARTH would we as a society be even considering a "negotiation ; give a little" approach? Do you reward bad behavior? You all are the same people that have the SCREAMING children who run YOU instead of the other way around. Time to put the UMPHF back in our strategy.

I would like to remind everyone of exactly how World War II was won. Overwhelming and decisive decision making. Tough choices had to be made. Lives were certainly lost... but imagine how many more lives would have been lost had Britain and the United States not become involved? Why don't you folks remember that the jews were slaughtered by the MILLIONS because we ALL took a blind eye to an obvious evil?

Get a clue folks. We already are in WWIII, and we must win!

Joseph F Priedolin, Las Vegas, USA / Nevada

The Iranian President is a Mental case. Send in the SAS and watch them run . The people in Iran are good , decnt people that are being held captive by a corrupt, extremist group of fundamentalist nuts. Send the SAS into the same waters and watch them run when they have to actually fight. Remember the Falklands. Wish we had Churchill.

JERRY MCCULLOUGH, St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, CANADA

We seem to be forgetting the main point right now and that's to get these servicemen out of Iran before it turns into another "444 days" like in '79-'80. We can yell back and forth across the Atlantic at each other when they're safe.

Morgan, Oregon, USA

I know how you feel but I think they handled it quite well. The Iranian claim that the Brits were in their waters can be easily disproven, if true. The world can see what a crazy world the Iranians are living. They create diversions to rally their people to follow their leadership and hide what is fundamentally wrong with their way of thinking.

jwayne, Va Beach, Va

And what the hell was the Frigate doing the whole time their troops were being abducted...

DJ , Camp Pendleton, CA

These guys or some like them will become Franz Ferdinand. I wonder what the real story is? No admissions in politics, good luck finding out what's actually going on...

eric uhlich, tokyo, japan

In my view Iran is provoking an international incident that may just be their last. Americans deep down have an anger about Iran's taking of our embassy and holding our people hostage for over a year. If this tuens into a hostage crisis for Britin it is high time that Iran is taught a lession it will never forget. We remember 1979. We will not forget 911.
Our resolve is firm Our courage endless

A New Yorker that Survived 911

New Yorker, NYC, USA NY

Looks to me in the USA that the iranian president,thought he was going to be kidnapped in the US so as insurence they grabbed these guys for leverage as they did in 1979 when they (He) grabbed his insurance policy at the US Embassy to insure the US would not invade. this during the revoultion ?

When he's done manipulating the UN when he gets the schedule redone for him. The sailors will be released.
Part and parcel to who this guy has conducted himself in his public life.

Mabey Jimmy Carter can negoiate their release, he is our great peace maker. And an expert on the Middleeast. Oh yeah ! 1979, Nevermind !

DC, Louisville, KY

Why fire a gun and start something which is uncalled for.
I feel kind of angry to what they have done and would of love to see HMS Cornwall fire a few pop shots at the Iranian navy but it wouldnt have been correct to do so.
We wouldnt of got our sailors back nor would we have made things better in an already hostile situation.
They are grasping at straws, and they are rapidly running out of them...

Sonne, London, England

Why in blue blazes would the British Navy allow six Iranian naval vessels to even approach -- let alone surround -- a lightly armed boarding party?

I just don't understand how this could have happened...

Samuel Braff, Los Angeles, California

This Brit will

HMS Cornwall was not looking on, but rather some distance away as they conduct several patrols using the ship as a base. The patrol boats can be anything up to 20-30 miles away from the ship.

With that said the numbers involved here shouldn't have been a problem for the seamen and marines if the British didn't have such insane rules about how and when it was 'legal' to use force.

Sean, wiltshire, uk

This could be the precipitant that brings armed conflict. Hasn't anybody noticed that the Russians "recalled" all their nuclear workers and their families? I call that a Noncombatant Evacuation. The Russians know something is up!

Another warmongering YANK!!!

Karl Scheib, Valdosta, GA USA

The Mad Kings approach to this incident would equal a likely 15 British dead, and no doubt a similar or greater number of Iranians casualties. What an achievement.
The Commander of HMS Cornwall acted in a cool and rational manner to this situation. Ultimately a diplomatic solution will prevail and the British personnel will return home to their families and Regiments.
The Iranians will ultimately answer for the ridiculous posturing of their President. Premature use of force is the resort of fools. The US will learn by experience.

Philip Parker, Sydney, NSW Australia

I agree, where was their support ship? The Cornwall could have taken a few shots across their bows to make them think twice about interfering. Maybe they had orders to not be that aggressive.

Scott, Montana, USA

Were the Brits unarmed, or did they just not have the guts to fight back? What happened? Something is wrong!

pete, chatsworth, ca.

Refresh my memory, is that not a WAR zone? 15 military personnel with only sidearms. What about a gunship escort? And this morning they said they followed the rules of engagement. Does that mean they were sent into hostile territory, under-armed, and not allow to defend themselves. No wonder there is no respect for coalition forces. We have had the "force" removed from our rules.

Tom, Chattanooga, USA

How about the entire 5th Fleet looking on???????

Doc Z, Shitenectady, NY USA

Insanity...as the american congress dates withdrawal, from Iraq, their Shia brethren in Iran demonstrate their clear intention once again. Boarders? Nah, religion is stronger than politics. Who is listening?

Jacovo, Lyons,

why did the british warship take no action?seems a american commander that watched his boarding party captured would be flooged.wake up brits this is war.

david, pine, usa colorado

Most likely becayuse they WERE in Iranian territorial waters and the commander of HMS Conrwall feared that they are legitimate targets if they resisted.

The last thing Iran wants is another diplomatic crisis that puts it at odds with Europe - particularly as Europe shuns US urgings to cut trade relatrions with Iran.

I am more inclined to think that it is Prime Minister Blair, ever the obliging lapdog, is up to his games again! Time will show, but I havn't been proven wrong often with this chatracter!

Nicolaus, San Francisco, California, USA

Any Englishman that thinks his country can just start moving around and inspecting other powers' possessions in disputed waters without having to answer for and suffer the conseuences is naive.

If Iran started poking around off the coast of england, the English would have a fit. Just like ignorant Americans, you want it both ways.

Shawn, Pittsburgh, PA

Britain and the United States are doing everything in their power to provoke Iran into an armed conflict. Iran, however, has a right to defend it's terrotorial waters, and I suspect that Britain fully understands this, and sent the boat into harms way. Iran will keep the sailors for a few days, lodge a few protests, and then release them. Britain and the US will then try something else to help start a war, I'm sure.

Eric, San Diego, CA

The madKing makes a good point...the only reason I can think of is dubious water locatons?

Questionable, Maidenhead, UK

why dont they threaten to blow up the other ship

Diablo, owlswick, england

If the once mighty British navy is afraid to fight you should get them out of the war zone!

Jay Z., Philadelphia, PA

Agreed. Obviously the USA would not have stood by an let this happen. What Iran doesn't seem to accept is that the United Kingdom, USA, and other coalition partners are under UN authorization in Iraq and to patrol the Gulf. Iran is clearly violating international law and has committed an Act of War. Let the Iranian's know that Dick Cheney has been put in charge of the rescue operation. Within a New York minute the Brit's will be freed.

Mike Corcoran, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Horatio Nelson: "England expects that every man will do his duty."
Nick Lambert: [We surrendered in an] "extremely professional way, in line with the rules of engagement."

John West, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Well MadKing, I think the British Commander made a very prudent decision not to charge in and create an even worse situation. Glad you weren't there, as this could easily have escalated into a much more serious conflict further de-stabilizing the region.

Dan, Waltham, MA

This reminds me of a couple years ago when the US had 15 or so airmen taken hostage by the Chinese over a similar incident. We got our troops back without having to fire a shot. . .

John Evans III, Florida, USA

If they were Americans our goverment would act the same as British officials, like they are, not Iranians are scared. That what should happened: Brithish goverment give Iranians 12 or 24 hours ultimatum, release or sailors or we will sink all your entire fleet, and if they not realese sink it, trust me no more sailors will be captured by any country. You win peace by winning the war, it have been like that for centures.

Jacob, USA

Jacob , Atlanta, USA

Sounds like a Gulf of Tonkin event in the making. The Iranians should NOT have done this. They are totally wrong. However where was the UKs helicopter coverage. The Iranians should have been notified with warning shot(s) not to proceed. Something does not add up here.

Was it the Kinks, who penned the song about England and Churchill. Were is the UK's Churchill. We have Quisling(s) here in the states.

Too bad Balfour and T.E. Lawrence did not stay home.

Robert, Orlando, USA/FL

It would be interesting to know how close or far FRIGATE HMS CORNWALL actually was.

Paul, Tenerfie,

I believe the inflatables are around 6 miles away. They don't necessarily operate in the immediate vicinity of the Frigate.

Greg G, Ft Leavenworth, KS

Maybe now its time for the British people to realize the stakes in this Iraq war... If not now, then when?

I am thankful for the troops that the British have in Iraq... however... it does appear that the British have been content to let the Americans bare the weight of the majority of the responsibility. The Americans have over 100,000 troops and the British have how many? Even when the British supposedly believed in the war effort their numbers were paltry.

Iran is playing to the perceived weakness of the British government. This area of the world will only grow in wickedness and hatred toward anything that does not claim to be an Islamic state. I pray that the British as well as the American officials will see the severity of the threat and will respond wisely and with bravery.

If men cower in the face of evil then evil will continue to gain in strength. There are some things worth dying for. Fighting against this evil is one of them.

Eric, Charlotte, USA/NC

Oh my god! How many times have we learned violence against violence does not work! It leads to more violence. Better to let them take them, let tempers cool, then work it out at the negotiating table. Give them a little, get them back, everyone is happy.

Darin T, Chicago, IL USA

So, it looks like tit-for-tat. We seize and detail their diplomats in Northern Iraq, and they seize and detain British sailors in their coastal waters.

It's all gamesmanship and foolishness. What needs to happen is for everyone in the region to sit down and ante up for everything thy've done. Pay up for the assassinations, the invasion, the bombings, the murders, the economic hardships, the religious insanity.

Of course, neither the Americans nor the Israelis would admit they have anything to pay for, so this will never end.

seaweb, grimmar, NA

I'm sure Ms Polessi and her minions will jump quickly to rallye support for the the Iranians and of course it's President Bush's fault. Expect more political theater to come from Ms. Polessi and dingy Harry. They must support their buddies huh?

Plotz plotz fizz fizz, Lewisville, USA/TX

Indeed... with a helicopter in support, and the Cornwall monitoring the scene with its radar, it would be very interesting to know how SIX Iranian vessels managed to sneak up on the boarding party undetected.

Richard North, Bradford, UK

In a world where intentions are intentionally hidden, a clearer message could not have been given; an even clearer reply is required. This is an act of war and needs to be treated as such. Stand up and fight, our British friends; we will stand with you, always!

Cody, Texas, USA

OK...where are the satellite photos?
Are you kidding me!? The chicken livered pols won't allow the Brit military the option of self defence (sic).
When are our leaders going to get the guts to communicate the true threat and start to defend us as opposed to shrinking in the face of the enemy.
Blair had it for a while but he wilted in the face of the commie-pinko demonstrations and liberal-lead appeasement hopes and demands.
Did the tube boings mean anything to him? Did he think if he ran away the thugs wouldn't follow?

MikeyD, Warwick Neck, RI, USA

MadKing:

I am a short tempered Yank myself--but consider this: the sailors were surrounded and may have been killed if the Frigate responded. If you want to talk about cowardice, look up the Pueblo incident. Our US government allowed the No. Koreans to murder one sailor, take our ship and over 80 captives, keep them for 11 months, beat them nearly to death and did nothing about it. I hope the Brits have more backbone than we.

M.D.Moore, Newport Beach, USA/CA

You have written "The incident occurred mid-morning when a boarding party left HMS Cornwall, the flagship of the multinational task force in the northern Gulf...."
May I know which gulf do you mean?
If you mean the waterway between Iran and Arabia it's called the Persian Gulf.

Pejman, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Dear Sir,

It is very simple, the Europeans have lost the will to defend themselves.

The police in France watch while the citied burn, the military of all European countries combined would not last a week against a real threat.

The Roman Empire fell from within, and Europe is not longer able to hold off the barbarians, having a weapon does you no good if you are not willing to use it.

My friends in Europe all want to move to the United States, even though they do not agree with our policies they want the protections that come from them

God Bless You

mark thompson, Rancho Santa Margarita, USA/CA

Good point. We know the world isn't an action movie but this is something that could have been 'taken care of locally". You don't let your guys get taken by the Iranians. They don't play nice. They only understand one thing but no one is brave enough to explain to them. Step up England. Don't let them get away with this or are you going to wait for America to step in? My history may be a bit rusty but didn't something like this kick off the whole Viet Nam thing....

Watching and waiting, Stafford, VA

I agree with Mad King.

James Davis, Portland, ME USA

James Davis, Portland, ME

I second TheMadKing's question. This article should be about Cornwall sinking five large Iranian vessels, and sent the sixth home to tell the story.

Jay Hawker, Olathe, KS

The Brits, like the rest of Europe, have no spine and the Iranians know it! They will use these solders as a trade-off for their general that disappeared. Be sure and downsize your blue water navy some more Britannia! Pretty soon the Somalis will threaten invasion of your island and you won’t be able to do a thing about it.

Make no mistake! This was NO mistake. The Iranian government can play the proxy game with their Revolutionary Guards and keep some measure of deniability if they miscalculate. I don't think that the Brits have the nerve to confront them anymore. I would hate to be serving under the "leadership" of the captain of HMS Cornwall right now....

JonR, Las Vegas, USA

Thank you, Britain, for doing the right thing ......... we're pulling for your boys, and trust they'll be safe home soon .. how ironic that together we've removed the Iranian's greatest enemy, (for who has killed and maimed more Iranians than Saddam?? ......... if he was still in power and unfettered by sanctions, which was clearly in the cards, given oil for food corruption, Iran would have had an actual need for a nuclear weapon), and yet the Mullahs blame the UK & US ............. I have to believe that someday the great Iranian people will rise up and then the truth will be told! God bless the UK!

Brien D., Hackettstown, USA / NJ

I don't think the Cornwall was in the immediate area. If it was, the British were probably trying to avoid an international incident that would result from opening fire on the Iranians.
I hope for the safe return of your soldiers, Britain.

Rob Hruska, Sacramento, CA, USA

The cowardly Democratic Congress has emboldened the Iranians to engage in this act of kidnapping--which they promised to do only a week ago!

Why the Cornwall just stood by and did nothing as their sailors and marines were captured by the Iranians should be making everyone in the UK really angry right about now.

Wayne Martin, Palo Alto, US

I don't understand how this could have happened. It seems contrived. Given that the entire area is blanketed in sonar there is no way the Iranian ships could have gotton to the Brits without them knowing. Why didn't they call in reenforcements? Something stinks here...

fred, NYC, USA

You are probably right, obviously you have not learned anything from you Iraq adventure. I do no know how it happened, may be the British Naval officers realised that the Marines were in the Iranian water and did not want to escalate the situation. After all it was against the wishes of the British people and military that Blair participated in this illegal american war under the pretext of WMD.

Taz, Crewe, uk

What advice would you moral paragons give if Israel were in Britain's situation?

R Stevens, Boulder, US

Bad, bad PR by the Iranians. If there's one thing "The West" still has a sore spot about, it's hostage games.

Then again, "to inspect an Iranian merchant ship" is dodgy-sounding, too. UK undoubtedly overstepped their bounds...what do you know, everyone is in the wrong as usual.

Newt, Cincinnati, USA

what has happened to the once mighty british naval forces!!
How sad....What a sorry state the brits have become!!

john, sister, or

Iranians are hoping to provoke a confrontation. Their government is dangerous and for us in the West to be blinded by the "Chamberlains" in the EU and the U.S. do so at our own peril.

arthur, fairport, NY

For the same reason we allowed a couple of young soldiers to be murdered by an IRA screaming mob in Belfast some years ago , and with a gunship looking on !

pete, Rochdale, UK

This is indeed worrying. Wars are started over something like this. Lets hope common sense prevails, however I fear for the worse. Hereford will be on standby and for everyones best intrests lets hope our boys are returned soon before we are forced to flex our muscles. Madness..........

Ben J, Manly , Australia

Ever hear of The Gulf Of Tonkin incident????

silenthunder, Houston, Texas

The Brits are reaping the reward for their government's public statement (was it Jack Straw?) that war with Iran is "unimaginable". If you preemptively emasculate yourself, don't be surprised when others push you around like a little girl.

harold, pei, Canada

Maybe I'm just another bloodthirsty warmongering Yank, but could some Brit out there PLEASE explain to me how fifteen British sailors and Marines were taken captive by Iranians with FRIGATE HMS CORNWALL just looking on, and not stopping and boarding the Iranian ship to get their men back! Ox, where is thy yoke?

TheMadKing, Nashua, NH USA