15 soldiers taken hostage. Teaching of the Holocaust in Britain suspended so as not to offend Muslim children. Religious sensitivity seminars on Islam to high gov't officials. Disuse of the words Islamic and Terrorism together. Building of the largest mosque in the world.

Face it, England. The only thing left for you to do is stock up on prayer rugs and burqas and learn the Koran inside out. Because you'll never know when your future religious police will beat you for not knowing a particular passage.
And let's keep those ankles from showing, ladies. Wouldn't want to be gang-raped for being undressed meat.

It was a nice empire while it lasted. Tally Ho, Cheerio and Allah Akbar!

TheMadKing, Nashua, NH USA

It is disgraceful that Iran has taken 15 navy personnel hostage and obviously diplomatic negotiations are difficult with people with this kind of mentality. The government should look at sending in a task force to bring out our people. Countries like Iran know they can easily manipulate us. Why is it we can send troops into a war with the USA in Iraq when the motives are questionable but cannot make a stand and show the world we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour when our own people are at risk and are being used as puppets.

Lesley, Witham , United Kingdom

Ron in Middlesborough, Faye Turney "Capitulated" on TV as you put it, as that is now the direct instruction from the Military.

Instead of only giving Name Rank and Number, captured soldiers are told to say anything their captors want, in order to keep them safe. The reason for this is that any sane minded person would know full well that the statements made were made under duress, and thus, useless.

You obviously, and unbelievably, fell for Iranian propaganda. And your an Englishman for god sakes !!

Damian, Manchester, UK

I just think that they should just free the hostages and let them get back to thier familes of back to thier ship, the politicians should do what they are paid to do and play the politics game, the iranians need to know that the un and nato and the british government will not stand for this much longer, we all want to live in peace, but unfortunatly some people do not , but if they do not want to live in peace then they should just sort it out between themselves. There is no way that with gps etc and all the technology that we have these days that those boats were in iranan water, they would not have done that as they knew that a political storm would erupt if they did. The un and nato have put sanctions on iran for a reason, that is all different countrys and not just the british and the u.s.a., The british government must not give any concessions at all, if they do it will be the beginning of the end as iran will pull stunts like this all the time.FREE THE HOSTAGES.

tina price, south wales, united kingdom

after a posting of my own, I spent a great deal of time reading every post -and I cannot believe how some authors actually believe Britian or America can be responsible for this criminal act by the Iranians - its not Pres. Bush's fault that the Iranians are more interested in capturing British marines than patroling for smugglers, & its not Mr. Blair's fault that Iran ambushed & captured the Marines for a second time BUT it is Mr. Blair's fault for not holding the Iranian govt to account with military strikes in 2004, as I am confidant that with them there would have been no seizure in 2007 . You do not placate a bully -even a comically impudent bully such as Iran, with a handful of missiles - you smack him in the mouth, expose his bluster & pay the price for victory . Is this the same British populace of WWII - should have we not landed in Normandy because Hitler had guns there? Isnt this WHEN you go to war-times like this? If not, disband your Army & start speaking French !

mike, New york, New York, USA

As an American who is very proud to call the Brisith our greatest friend and ally, I believe it is time for the British government to demand the immediate release of the hostages, and give the Iranians a few hours to comply - if not, distroy a few oil terminals a la Pres. Reagan did in the 80's - following those strikes, the Iranian government both began back-door negotiations to free hostages in Lebanon, and world-terror sponsored by Iran came to a screaching halt. Much as the British did with the Falklands, it is time to remind everyone Britian is a world power of considerable might - ask yourselves why have the consequences for such outrages been limited to counting on the EU and the UN, rather than the RAF and Royal navy???

mike, New york, New York, USA

If, and only IF, all peaceful and diplomatic options are exhausted then the UK should consider using it's considerable might to soften the Iranian stance. You can all talk about what kind of missiles the Iranians have but don't think for one second that one of the most technologically advanced armies doesn't have the ability to locate and neutralize these threats before they ever become apparent. The RAF is one of the worlds premier strike forces, and with some help from our ever present allies the US the Iranian regime doesn't stand a chance.

The days are gone when the numbers of men and how many swords you have matters most. Combined, strategic air strikes from the RAF and US Air Force will decimate the ground forces involved, just like in the first gulf war.

I pray it does not go that far, but if it does, we should thump em right on the nose, if we don't we will never be taken seriously as a world power.

Luke, ., UK expat in USA

This is an idea !! why you don't just invade Iran like you did in Iraq. You seem appreciate getting advantages from this kind of opportunity to invade and take down sovreign countries !
I just read above that it's the US who is providing security and comfortable rest chairs to european countries and make the "world a safe place". Let's just tell this In any place on this world in which there is a military conflict going US military forces, government or intellegency have an arm on it and this include british forces with a minor degree. JUST leave people live in PEACE.

John Matthwes, Stockholm, Sweden

Sadly we are in a tit for tat peeing competition that will no doubt cost innocent lives i guess we see the configuration of the stars the constellations but not the stars them selves human life is most precious not territory religion or politcs

liamMichael, dublin , eire

If, for the Iranians, this incident would reflect for them the true position of world opinion, that might be against them in their nuclear program - if they press on, it also shows, by the very nature of how fragmented a response we have got from Iran over this crisis, just how absolutely dangerous a nuclear armed Iran would be to the world!

How could a potential future nuclear incident be reconciled with Iran (in the way the Cuban Missile crisis was with Russia), when iran talks with so many different contradicting voices over this crisis!? Surely it must be better to prevent a Nuclear armed Iran from ever existing, until they show themselves responsible enough!? Which, I doubt we will see in our life time!

Geoff, Portsmouth, Britian

I don't support a war. I don't support what this government is doing to it's OWN people in it's OWN country, either. That's why I am not alone on this. This government has taxed us to death..treated us like dirt..removed our civil liberties and is well on it's way to creating a Big Brother society. We are nearly at this stage.

Maybe when this governments starts listening, then the action will be of a reciprical nature. Until then Blair, it's propaganda that is falling on deaf ears. We've seen it and we've heard it before so please..have your war if you must. Leave the sane world out of it.

We have problems in this country and maybe it's time all the cameras pointed the other way. You're not listening.

Will, London, UK

i think it is disgusting that our troops are not armed to the extent, a foreign power would try to arrest our troops thinking we are easy and a political target.
we should take the troops back by force and show we are not an easy power for the next country

jim wright, edinburgh, scotland

I am a member of the Armed Forces of the US. I spent 1 year in the waters of the gulf operating small boats. The members of the Royal Navy and Marines were doing there jobs. If the Iranians thought they were in their waters, they could have told them to leave. This did not happen. This event was what the Iranians were waiting for. They took advantage of an opportunity. They will exploit this to the fullest. The sailors and Marines captured were the victims, not the Iranians. Liberals always blame the victims, but they are never the ones actually doing anything, just armchair quaterbacking. Make no mistake, we the Armed forces of the US will not forget who has stood with us. To the people of the UK, "We shall stand by you as you stood by us". We will be here if you need us,
God Bless the UK

Timothy , Cleveland,, USA/Ohio

dear unapologetic, in washington, dc.

apparently, we in the US do NOT know when to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH --
we are still in IRAQ.

we DID invade a soverign country. we DON'T seem to care that our soldiers are being killed by the thousands. NO ONE in this country has had to make ANY sacrifice for this war, except the families who have lost sons, brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers.

dear UK. some of us in the US are angry and embarrassed and will, i promise, will fight to regain the trust of the rest of the world.

TC, New York, NY

Given this stunning opportunity to put Iran down, I only hope that the UK & the USA take full advantage and finish what we've begun in Iraq, in Iran.

Donald Roppolo, Centennial, co

Everyone seems to think the US likes to invade any country it wants but consider this. Were we in Iraq or Afghanistan before 9/11? No. Did we attack any country while our overseas interests were being continuously attacked throughout the 1990's or even on our own soil in 1992? No. Did we attack Iran after they held our citizens, at gunpoint, hostage for over a year? No. We hate war; do you think we like hearing about our soldiers getting killed? No, its just that we know when to say enough is enough and stand up for ourselves.

Also it sure is popular for you Europeans to tell us Americans how militant and immoral we are as you sit comfortably and safe under a blanket of protection that we provide. Imagine the US removing all security agreements we have with Europe and then wonder why the leaders of your countries never reflect the unrelenting anti-americanism that their citizens so proudly shout. It's because they acutally appreciate and understand what we do for you!

Unapologetic, Washington, DC,

It should be very clear to everyone that Iran is trying to see how much they can get away with. They are like a skinny little punk with a gun that thinks there tough and tries to prove it to everyone by waiving the gun around. The pictures of the women with that rag around her head infuriates me, I highly doubt she would want to where that which suggests she is being forced to wear it. And the statement she made on Iranian television was no doubt forced as well. What outrages me even more is how nice the their government seems to be about it. Those servicemen were out there doing there part in what I would like to think is trying to make this world a better place. For Iran to do what they did unprovoked is their way of spitting in all of our faces, no matter if your british, american, canadian, or from any other free nation, and I would like to see a little more emotion about what has happened. I really hope those hostages make it home unharmed, and the opposite for Iranian Tyranny.

Ryan Turner, Vancouver, Canada

For those of you that keep stating how fiece Iran military is. You need to think long and hard. Do you honoestly believe that because Iran has all those missiles that we would be sitting ducks. The United States and Even British Forces who consider our only true friends and brothers. Are by far technologically more advanced then Iran those missiles that have we made over 30 years ago and have developed many ways to stop them in mid-air. These nations you speak of have weaponary that people have yet to lay eyes on and the few we have been given the right to see are amazing ever hard of Sword? or The crusher? look into what the military already has or has had that you have not yet been given the chance to look at and I promise you will rethink your so called sitting ducks senario. As for the iran conflict i hope it is resolved peacefully. Those british Men and Women come home safe. But if they dont Iran must pay the consequence of its actions. God bless America and Britian

Daniel J Amores, Miami, Florida

Nice one, Britain is in no position to start a military conflict with Iran, not now. I am sure they will negotiate under the table, Britain has to come out of this with whatever pride they might have left and Iran needs to show its people they will not bend under Western pressure; I am sure the soldiers will not be harmed and I am also sure the Iranians are bribing them with release for statements which would back up their claim they were in Iranian waters.

jakub, toronto,

If this happened in 2004, why weren't measures in place (like some attack helicopters with serious fire power overseeing the operation), also with a clear warning to Iran that, whilst they would be allowed to verbally dispute the position of our navy - regards their border, any attempt to seize British service men, or equipment, in the way that happened in 2004, would be met with deadly force - if the same occurred a second time! At least more helicopters might have warned the navy crew of the approaching Iranian boats in time; they might have beaten a hasty retreat in their fast speed boats!
Maybe their first step, get , through the UN, an agreement with iran, about the exact position of the Iran – Iraq border, that would make another seizure harder to justify! Maybe our activities should have involved a country iran and Britain would regard as neutral.
I think comments about the women crew member letting us down are simply unfair! they have her under pressure!

Geoff, Portsmouth, Britian

Whatever GB decides to do, we Americans, as always, will support you in action. Just as you always have supported us whether in agreement or not.

Paul, Orlando, USA

..coming up on ANY US ship would simply be called a " suicide mission " these crazy towell heads wouldnt be takin any of our boys away.

Randy, Chicago, IL, USA

Personally, I think its appauling, the tightness of the budget givent to defence, restraints on services such as the Royal air force, means that as operational commitments increase, the avaliability of the armed services is getting lower. i just cant see how the govt. can be so naieve as to continue to squeeze the already streched armed forces of funding, and expect worldwide miracles.

Futhermore it is quite clear that Iran is lying about the position of the sailors, as it did in 2004. I beleive that international condemnation will make no difference what so ever. Clearly the Iranians have some sort of plan, and diplomacy will never effectivley change these sort of governments.

Best of luck to them

Chris, Leatherhead, SURREY

USA! USA! USA!

Go ..........USS JOHN C. STENNIS

dan, lincs, England UK

Having watched faye turney publicly capitulate in order to get home quick. I suggest we ask the Iranians to keep her there.

ron, middlesbrough,

Absolutely the American approach would have resulted in armed conflict; ergo, the iranians snatched BRITISH sailors, not American ones. Too bad the iranians don't have the same fear of the British military; those sailors would be free right now, and Britain wouldn't have to go with hat in hand to the UN to ask for support.

Sometimes, I think there are more Americans loyal to England than English sometimes.

Yank, Washington, DC

I’m sure the men onboard HMS Cornwall were very aware of the tension between the west and Iran.
Our Sailors and Royal Marines displayed the discipline and professionalism they are renowned for. Their actions not only saved their lives, but potentially many more! The American approach to this situation would have probably resulted in armed conflict, The Sailors and Marines fighting an overwhelming force of Iran’s revolutionary guard, would have been killed, and the potential for more bloodshed would have been increased dramatically.

God bless our Armed forces as they keep up the good work.

Ben, Hereford, UK

I think its sad that our Nation that once ruled the ways ahs to be put down by Iran. I think we should take military action - but how copuld we do not have much of a military under thsi goverment.

The PM requires to look at our defence buget in reality it should be double the size with the commitments we have overseass.

Mr Jones, Sttaford, UK

I know British people more loyal to England then the english (there is a difference).

Lets get our people back safely then we can continue to be moan-e Britain

Nav, coventry, UK

I’m sure the men onboard HMS Cornwall were very aware of the tension between the west and Iran.
Our Sailors and Marines displayed the discipline and professionalism they are renowned for. Their actions not only saved their lives, but potentially many more! The American approach to this situation would have probably resulted in armed conflict, The Sailors and Marines fighting an overwhelming force of Iran’s revolutionary guard, would have been killed, and the potential for more bloodshed would have been increased dramatically.

God bless our Armed forces as they keep up the good work.

Ben, Hereford,

prescott as a good point,but the trouble with being british and speaking your mind,ie the football hooligan stance of wipe the floor with iran,you would probably get locked up,the libs have so many laws against free speech,this event under maggie would have seen the veins bursting out of her neck in rage,and im sure some kind of direct action,blair on tv looks like he,s just stepped into the ladies by mistake,the point being fifteen lifes of british servicemen and women have no real value to this goverment,much more important is pandering to the shocking number of of non british in this crowded isle,or will i wake from my bad dream and find out that blair has at last grown a spine,

H, birmingham, england

Here's an idea. How about leaving them (the 15) locked up until Iran decides to let them go. After all, they've let themselves, the RN, and the Country down. And, put the UK in a very awkward position to boot.

While we're at it, how about a courts-marshall for the commander of HMS Cornwall (for deriliction of duty, or simply being incompetent/incapable/useless). Also, how about performing basic IQ tests on all new recruits (commisioned officers especially).

Really, what are we going to do about this ? Use harsh language ?
There's nothing we can do.

The best armed forces in the world ? My ar*e.

Annoyed, Nottingham, England, UK.

"They don’t realize how repulsive that is to a BBC tainted UK audience."


It's not the support, it's the incessant calls for violence.

We don't mind "I hope they come back safely" but we do mind "nuke them".

Seriously, a lot of the posts on here sound like they come from rednecks.

Starling, Lancaster,

Prescott of Birmingham USA,

You write a damn good post. We definitely need to wake up, pity help us.

One beleaguered Brit.

Linda, Birmingham, England

I hate to beat a dead horse, but many of the posters here that claim they are American, are obviously not. Their sentence structure, grammer and word choices sound quite akward to the American Ear. So I ask you pretenders be intellectually honest. Discuss this issue without having to resort to ugly propaganda. Do you have so little faith in your own position that you must stoop down to this level of dishonesty? I have so much respect for the British Navy and am saddened at what it has devolved into. I blame politicians for tarnishing the once glowing reputation of the Royal Navy. Iran has been shipping sniper rifles to Iraq, Iranian agents have been caught in Iraq trying to contaminate a water supply, they just caught 5 Iranian Agents in Iraq including a General of the Revolutionary Guard. This is just an instance of Iran's escalation of tensions with the West that have been quite evident since 1979. Oh Britannia recall the glory that was yours! Churchill not Chamberlin! Milton cries..

Carlos Miller, Los Angeles, California

Don't British warships have radar? They didn't notice these Iranian gun boats closing in on their rubber dingies??
Don't the Brits carry weapons in a warzone???
If I were a relative of any of these hostages I would be quite furious at both the Iranian dirtbags AND the impidant British Navy. How pathetic!

Erik Johansen, Tacoma, WA

Fair enough, something needs to be done - but would one of the nitwits calling for the SAS to be sent in, ring Hereford and tell them exactly where our personnel are being held, or are they supposed to ask around when they've been dropped off?

Homer, London,

I lack the knowledge to interpret the political ramifications of this incident. My heart goes out for the individuals. The British Marines, that include a woman. They do not deserve this, and certainly their parents don't deserve this. They did no harm Iran or Iranians in any way did they? I feel for them as if they were Spanish Marines. God Bless them.

R.A.Insua, A Coruña, Spain

Iran is a hardline nation with a regime that supports itself through establishing clear external threats, through which it can suppress the moderate voices through propaganda and rhetoric.

My opinion is that incidents such as these are used to reinforce this mentality, and support these fundamentalist elements. Their primary objective is not to antagonise the West, but to draw criticism from external 'enemies' in order to feed the fear of the people that supports their regime.

Drive towards a policy of inclusion and openness with Iran and the hardline elements will topple into obscurity as the moderates find their voice. They still won't be pro-western or democratic, but then we're hardly pro-eastern or muslim.

Mark Temple, Woking, UK

Someone asked “How come there are so many American comments, more than the UK ones?”
The Article was linked by Drudge and it’s a slow news day over here. Most people just wanted to show support. They don’t realize how repulsive that is to a BBC tainted UK audience. “Yanks” posting here should watch BBC news for a couple of weeks and find out who their friends are not. Fact is the UK is no match for Iran unless it uses the nuclear threat and even that won’t be an advantage for very long. Russia and China are in Iran’s camp and the EU is gutless. Not a single nation other than the US would be willing to risk the lives of their finest to support the UK in a time of need. That support won’t be necessary though. I’m sure those watching the BBC over the next couple of weeks will be surprised to learn the US not Iran is somehow responsible for this incident. Grovel at Iran’s feet, blame the US and get your boys and girls back.

Stuart, Chicago,

Yes, whenever the Iranians do something, like defending their rights and territorial integrity, they're called "uncivilized", but when the U.S. kills 650,000 Iraqis on top of God knows how many millions of people they have killed before that, they're the civilized, fighting for "democracy" and "freedom"!
-----------------
Thats a biased and ridiculous comment to make. Especially coming from a nation who does not commit anything or far lesser numbers of resources to the UN as the UK/US does, Quite frankly you dont have any voice in this matter. How many deaths have been caused by the americans in Iraq compared to their own radical suicide bombers? Does the News say, US Marines kill 101 Iraqi civillians? No.

Until I 'see' the UK Sailors 'Say' they were in the waters or the Iranians have video footage, they have nothing to stand on. The issue in 94 showed the Iranians Lied.

Christopher Nicol, Swindon, Wiltshire, U.K

Strange timing for this action by Iran. They seem to be on the cusp of having Iraq handed over to them on a silver platter. Why give a fading coalition the excuse it needs to rekindle it's resolve? Incredibly dumb, or something else?!?

Certainly diplomacy must be given time and opportunity to succeed. All out war in the mideast is unthinkable. High technology missiles (supersonic sea skimming) among other threats pose a realistic threat to our forces which are hemmed in a shallow pond. A nuclear response would be inevitable, and ensuing escalation by other parties just as inevitable. So, in short, unthinkable. However, abandoning uniformed soldiers to the enemy is even more unthinkable. Pride should take a backseat to the safe release of these soldiers/sailors, and if an "I'm sorry" is required then so what! However, should harm or prolonged imprisonment befall these surrendered soldiers then the unthinkable must be pursued.

I pray a speedy release is the outcome.

Tomas, Houston, Texas/U.S

to the minority group of gung-ho americans who are baiting and criticising us for not going in guns blazing, perhaps you have forgotten what happened when you tried to fly in when they seized your embassy back in the day?
Many dead soldiers, several lost aircraft, and a situation made much worse by that bungled show of machismo.
(try "operation eagle claw" on wikipedia)
let the diplomats do their job and perhaps we can get our lads back in one piece instead of in body bags, keep the option of violence as a last resort.

Chris (expat), Brussels, Belgium

Mr Lowbridge should not be so cynical, in Europe we do not shoot our allies and then refuse names and evidence when the case of a murdered soldier comes to court.
Yes we Brits are Europeans and why we are following the most inept and ridiculous president in years into this ludicrous war is beyond me, I am usually proud to stand with the US however you cannot deny that this war is one huge mistake. Blair is a fool to be led around by President Bush.
BLH, you should remember who's looking after the wildest part of Afghanistan, and who turfed a bunch of speculative Argies of a rock in the Atlantic not so long ago.
The SAS will be making their plans now, they dont mess around .

Mike Lancaster, Bridgend, Wales

By what right does the West have to possess nuclear arms? By the right of power. Might makes right. Ever heard of this truism? Simple survival of the fittest, gentle reader, is what gives them the right. Many confuse the concepts of moral right with ability, but power is what gives them the "right." Iran is, understandably, attempting to become more powerful...good for them. The thing that many seem to overlook is that all of this is just one giant chess game to keep or gain power. It is as nature intends. If the powerful nations of the West wish to dominate the world through whatever means, then they may freely do so. They have earned the "right" because they have exploited the gifts they were given in this game; Great Britain formed the greatest empire of all time. Global in its effect, and all from a tiny island! The Western nations are more bountifully blessed than any other. Why would that be so? Are they better chess players? Well...look out, Iran. Or should we say, look up...?

lilgerman, stuttgart,

Why try them if they confessed. Simply sentence them.

Sounds like another 444 day President Jimmy (PeaNut)Carter hostage situation. 20 minutes after Reagan was sworn in the Americans being held hostage in Iran, for 444 days, were released. Thereafter, Jimmy Carter went to work for BCCI; yes BCCI.

Democracy and the free world needs a no-mercy security policy.

Michael, Florida, USA

The outcome looks bleak. If even one British soldier so much as chips a fingernail while in Iranian custody G.B. & America should strike Iran without mercy. This was a kidnapping- the Revolutionary Guards held in Iraq were promoting the insurgency. It is critical the British set a strong precedent for any future incidents. The precedent should be that diplomacy is given given 48 hours to work, afterwhich the Iranians are given a short deadline to release the soldiers. If they fail to comply, then it's time unleash the overwhelming airstrikes only the RAF and US Airforce are capable of. To do otherwise will only embolden them now and in the future. These brave soldiers will be paraded by Iran in the worst way and were taken to serve as a human shield and deter against attacks on their nuclear program. I can't see them ever being released for that reason.

Ron Peterson, Woodbury, New York

I guess that all of you would be fine with Iranian Revolutionary Guards entering your home and taking your children. That wouldn't be a good reason for an "unjust" war. Or should be let them develop nukes so they could fry Iraq, Jordan, Saudi, and Isreal. Then, next would be USA, Britian, Australia etc. You seem to live in some dream world where you believe all nations act with commen sense and diplomacy. The Iranian president is a self proclaimed "radical" who has opined on numerous occasions that Isreal, the US and the rest of the western world should be "burned from Persian lands and burned in their homes." and, just as Al Quaeda as proclaimed, he believes in treating armed soldiers and civilian men, women and children the same, to slaughter them all. Yes, yes lets "make money" by going to war. Just as all arguments to some private greedy motive for war, no one presents a scenario where anyone "makes money". Rubbish, let's allow Iran to rape us so you can feel "just".

Rick, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

Iran is acting like a dangerously unstable teenager with violent tendencies and a sense of invulnerability. God help us if the thugs running Iran get nuclear weapons. If they're this belligerent with a modest conventional army & navy can you imagine what they'll be doing to destabilize the neighborhood once they can intimidate people with nuclear weapons?

There's no excuse for this action. The only explanation is that it's a convenient way to ratchet up the tension on the outside world, make a play to regain the Iranians taken into custody after being captured as insurgents in Iraq, and distract the Iranian people from their legitimate grievances with the Iranian government.

I very much doubt the British Navy personnel were in Iranian waters. Even if they were, it's illegal to try them for espionage. The Geneva Convention makes it clear that uniformed military personnel in clearly marked military vehicles can't be legally tried as spies. This is an outrage.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

It would seem Iran is testing NATO and the EU even more so than the UK. It is the responsibility of the NATO nations and the EU states to respond when a member is attacked. What will they do? It is a measure of the members and the organizations. Those who ring their hands and shutter certainly do not belong in the organizations. NATO and the EU should come together and then respond to the Iranian attack with as a initial minimum withdrawl of all embassey staffs and deportation of all Iranians directly associated with the Iranian government. Their is a lesson to be learned from the USSR. When their embassy was threatened they sent a message. It was heard loud and clear in Iran. Unfortunately Carter was a weak man who was without principal--typical politician. God I wish there were more like Churchill and Thatcher.

Ray Vaselich, Lorton, Virginia

Problem: Failing despots through out history used such incidents to promote war and unify the people to support his religious or greedy agenda. An act of war has been committed.
Possible solution: Inform the world, “unless our troops or returned without harm within 10 days, we will consider their plight a lost cause and respond to this act of war. There shall be no further dialog”.
Solution: .Make, Iran’s population a prisoner of its borders, i.e. finance, imports/exports (including oil and its products) , and travel.
Final Solution: Use slow random tactical air strikes of the snake heads and its support infrastructure with religious persuasion not being a refuge. Use no ground troops and continue until the good people of Iraq take control of the government.

Norman, Paducah, USA , Kentucky

Both Siginew Breziensky (can never get his name right) and Ron Paul spoke in US congress about their concerns that US would try to provoce or even carry out false flag operations in order to get Iran into war.

The fact is;
1) IRAQ did not have any WMDs and nothing to do with 911 nor buying yellow cake in Africa. This was all fabricated.
2) There is no evidence Iran's intention is to build the bomb.
3) The Shah of Iran commenced the nuclear program already back in the 70s with US help as he knew they would soon run out of oil.
4) Global oil supply has peaked or peak is imminent. This will result in resource wars.
As we can see US is not interested in fighting with North Korea, only with nations that have oil.

Micki, Sydney, Australia

Iran does not have jack to fight with! Do a little research. The west would do the same to iran that happened to iraq. iran would be forced into some terrorist war like iraq. Do not be confused. The only reason iraq is providing any trouble is due to the politicians. Militarily the US and UK are not losing in Iraq. For every UK/US soldier killed we are killing at least 100 Hajis(thank God). iran would be the same way. iran is a pathetic country with an equally pathetic military.

Dirk Gent, FT CAmpbell, USA/KY

Greg, did you care to check who you choose as a your president?, i mean the man that is rated as one of the worse in your country's history. anyway, the leadetship of any country is a reflection of the majority people in the country, are you part of the silienced voice Greg?

hassan, kaduna, nigeria

My thoughts go out to the British sailors and their families. I hope that they will soon be returned safely and feel optimistic that in these circumstances this will be the outcome.

Em Hawthorne, London, UK

In reply to the poster of this comment, "Can these American posters not see how horrifying their posts are? Can they not see why there is such fervent anti-Americanism around the world? "

Did it ever occur to you they might not be Americans? Too many redneck Americans posting to a British Newspaper website for me to believe they are legitimate. .

recherche1978, Atlanta, Georgia

Iran has 1000's of yacont missiles alone! FYI, one yacont missile can blow up an entire U.S. carrier in the Persian Gulf with one shot! In addition, Iran has tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of its own manufactured missiles which it mass produces. Iran also mass produces unmanned drones that can travel up to 700 km without radar detection. In other words, Iran could if it wished trap the entire U.S. fleet in the Persian Gulf, and it could thereby annihilate almost half of the U.S. armed forces who all are occupying territories in the Persian Gulf. It's suicide for the U.S. to try anything with Iran. And if Israel would attack Iran, Iran has declared that it sees any Israeli attack as a U.S. attack, since israel and the U.S. in actuality are one and the same country, USRAEL, and thus Iran will launch a massive attack against U.S. forces. If you were not in the Iran-Iraq war, you do not know what fierce Iranian fighters are! Forget the Vietnamese or anyone else.

Nader, Vasastan, Sweden

Why did UK forces stand idly by while their mates were surrounded and abducted... for the second time? I'm embarrassed for the British Navy.

As for those who fear Iran's military capabillities, I suggest a remedial review of the considerable options available to UK & US forces for dismantling the Iranian military from over the horizon.

Regrettably, appeasement seems once more to be the order of the day, on both sides of the Atlantic. Those who persist on this course will have only themselves to blame when Israel inevitably decides it has no choice but to deal with Tehran's ambitions directly -- or when the West is forced to respond in kind, decisively, to the use of nuclear weapons by madmen who twist religion to justify suicidal dreams of global conquest.

Mike, California,

Shahram , Vasastan, Sweden has a lot of nasty things to say about America. That is to be expected. From what I understand the Swedes can't pass off part of their country (Malmo) to the Jihadi invaders fast enough. So is it any surprise this guy reacts angerly against America. How are America stand up to the forces of Shiite Eschatology.

UK: You either put the Muslims in thier place or they will do it to you.

Vince P, Chicago, IL

When will you people learn? History keeps repeating itself: Empire after empire, and super power after super power came and digged their own grave with their own decadence, arrogance, greed and aggressions! The U.S. is now repeating the same mistake. The evil axis is in reality the U.S., Israel, Britain and those that support their murderous wars for more wealth and more power!

Lilian Wennergren, Stockholm, Sweden

Israel wants the US to eliminate Iran and what Israel wants Israel gets.
If anyone does not believe that the US is run by Israel then they deserve their fate.
It all comes down to who has the more powerful imaginary friend.

Leroy, Las Vegas, USA

Goodbye England! It was nice knowing you. Ever since you let the bed wetting liberal take control over the mindset of your country and indoctrinate your children with defeatism through socialist philosophy and utopian ideals, I hardly recognize you. There is but a faint resemblance of the great country you once were. History will reflect upon the current unarmed British society as pacifist appeasers who gleefully, and with great pride, provided the enemy with the very rope used to choke the life out from within. Not only did you provide the rope, but you helped fast tighten the noose as well. Soon, you will be digging the grave in which you will be buried.

Unleash the rage of your Soccer Hooligan! It is your last resort and the only force which can save you.

Prescott, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

"If Starling in Lancaster had been around in the 1930s"

Starling from Lancaster is a "she" from Holland, with a grandmother who hid 4 Jewish kids during the Occupation, who had one grandfather in a concentration camp, and another grandmother who had to scour the countryside to find food for her starving kid. I can also lecture you on the NSDAP, if you like.

On a more on topic note, I've only seen articles that mentioned proof that the Brits were in Iranian waters, I've not seen any proof that they weren't.

That aside, the Iranian president is obviously nuts, but does that mean we should kill thousands of Iranians?

Starling, Lancaster,

Solving this without turning to violence requires backbone.

War is the idiot's way out.

Diplomacy takes courage, determination, and brains. It shows Iran Britain is bigger than they are.

Starling, Lancaster,

Hey Mark thats a bit harsh huh?

Some of what you say is true but I really wouldn't say all. This situation will be resolved to the U.K's satisfaction. Our government are not fools and if rational diplomacy (which has always been a stalwart of British nature) fails, then we'll "kick their asses" (which would obviously please many here!) One way or the other, rest assured we are in control.

Note: Americans, please do not say you won WWII, it is insulting to millions of British, French, Russian, Chinese, Australaisian, and countless other peoples who struggled and suffered on a much more intimate level that you did.

Nonplussed , London,

Hey! shela nothe, London, UK. Are you serious? If Isreal speaks the language of aggression it's because they are constantly under the theat of terroism. 1948, 1956 Suez war, 1967 six day war, 1972 Olympic games, 1973 yom kippur war. Come on get real. And we did not start this anyway. It predates 9/11/2001. Read up a little on all the attacks the USA was under--> The marine barrack bombing, 1993 World trade center, USS cole etc...you cant talk to them, unless you are ready to sacrifice Isreal. and you obviously are.. another appeaser...

Matt, Salt Lake City, USA

In appreciation of all the goodwill shown by our American friends, I quote one of their great leaders ,Roosevelt,....'Speak softly and carry a big stick".

I think the behaviour of the Royal Marines and the Government has been exemplary thus far. We should be polite and civil (and speak softly) in all our dealings with the Iranian regime. Making threats would be bad form. We should simply ask that our service men are returned asap. If this does not happen within a fortnight the Navy should be mobilised to move all available carriers and destroyers to the Gulf. Not one word of explanation to the World's media or the Iranians should be offered.We should simply allow them to draw their own conclusions. Once insitu, the force could be used to blockade all the Iranian ports.
The one thing the Iranians cannot abide is humiliation by the West and that is what we should offer, until the sailors are returned. Any military strikes by Iran on the force should be reciprocated.

Simon, Carrick, U.K

Who cares? They knew the coup when they put the uniform on. All wars have casualties - and they just another load of names on a list.
Maybe if the US and UK stopped bullyiong other countries, they may be more friendly??!!

david, portsmouth, uk

It is actually quite amusing to read comments from liberal leftist brits who want to blame America for everything. You people have alot of nerve. Your country would cease to exsist if were not for the United States. Hell you almost lost to the Argentinians. So get off your whining and crying and get your navy some navigational tools so they know where they are going. We'll probably have to go in and rescue them.

T.J., DISCOVERY BAY, Ca.

US aids... How many US soldiers are now in Afghanistan and missions, there is a lot of European but not too much US. After the bombing of Serbia who rebuilt the bridges and country, Europe not US. At the moment that US would stop making war the country would get into recession, because US has a too big weapon industry. And you have to either sell or us(or both) the weapons to keep going...
And I totallya agree with Chris that this really a good cause to attack Iran and yes Iran doesn't have a chance against the US forces, Iraq didn't have one either, but did US win the war, no. Attacking Iran would mean a big boost in terrorism, great future for the world. And why can't Iran have nuclear weapon. India and Pakistan has them too. You need a carrier for the nucler heads, which can be shot down, why North-Korea isn't a big threat either. And sorry if I have some spelling mistakes, but I dont' use my English too often. Cheers

Roland, Budapest, Hungary

I have to say Britain has become spineless. Though it is not just the UK, it is most of the western world. Iran is building the infrastructure needed to create nuclear weapons, they are the world's largest supporter of Islamic terrorism against the west, and they are behind the deaths of countless soldiers and civilians in Iraq.

What is the world’s response, stupid talk about meaningless sanctions against a few entities in country of millions of people. Of course they think the west is joke. They get to commit acts of war and we ignore them or play their game of negation that everyone knows is act. God save us when they actually get nukes and use them with in accordance with their radical beliefs. They will of course but you can’t get anyone to admit this obvious truth.

Jonathan Quinn, Springfield , Missouri, U.S.A.

It's obvious that the irannian gov. wnats to humiliate the soldiers and provocate even more the west. Let them do so. Each day more and more peioples are able to see thesse radicals for waht they really are.

Sergio, SA,

I’m 55 years old, born and raised in the southeastern US and I have never met as many warmongering stereotyped Americans as I have seen posting on this single UK web site. Someone having a little fun at our expense?

Kip, Greenville, South Carolina

thank you for your comments this goverment has no backbone at all you wouldt beleive whats going on here the lattest thing is the prisoners have theire own cell key as respect my great country is finished thanks to bliar our sailors were in inriqi waters patroling all bliair is bowing down to all and sundry but the true brit dont get a look inimnot surprised at the way he was slow i doubt if hell demand any thing regarding our boys girl hes only intrested in getting us in to bloody europe we didnt have asay on that lets hope our boys girl are homesoon

percific, portsmouth, england

Can these American posters not see how horrifying their posts are? Can they not see why there is such fervent anti-Americanism around the world?

Colonialism is a bad thing by the way – most reasonable Brits are ashamed of that part of our past. I'd urge the USA to not make the same mistake of thinking unilateral action can spread our 'univeral ideals'.

Don’t assume violence is the only answer to every problem on Earth. It would seem you associate greatness with provoking unnecessary wars and killing innocent people.

And, perhaps you might be taken a little more seriously if you could just learn how to spell (even American spelling) and create proper sentences.

Flabbergasted, Hampshire, Britain

Hi,

Brits claim they were captured in Iraki's water and Iranians claim it was in their territorial water...how could we know?
The Brits could have called for help long before being in sight of the ennemy vessels.
I also have a feeling that such ships are under regular sattelite survey by masny nations, the silence of the witnesses is disturbing.

White Peregrine, Geneva, Switzerland

I agree with Jon from Olympia, US assessment, America's initial involvement in Iraq was with good intentions. I recall it even had world support early on. But now, the anti-American feelings expressed around the world are so high that many Americans wonder aloud why should we become involved at all. There is always a beginning, middle and an end, and in any conflict you may not know the end before the beginning - that is standard that America is held to, it seems. That's a heavy burden to place on anyone people. So next time the world "comes a calling" a less engaging American administration and people might not answer the call. Be careful what you wish for. If it weren't for American involvement, a lot of you would be speaking German, be beholden to dictatorial rulers, or simply dead.

Andy, Woodinville, WA

are you kidding me. The Brits and the US have been provoking Iran for years. Lets not forget about us sending secret agents in their country to disrupt it as well. Seems to me that IRAN is the adult and the Brits and the US are children playing war games. Leave them alone and get all our military out of every country in the world tomorrow. Only then will the world stop hating us.

Mark Gil, rochester, ny, usa

I wish those held in Iran were US force it would look interesting

ke, london, england

for the americans calling for war:

if you attack iran it will be your *last* war.
modern technology has changed war a lot, the iranians can destroy an aircraft carrier with 80 planes and 5000 personel with a single 10 year old 3million dollar russian missile - and they have over a 100 of them

and for the brits - remember what an exocet missile did during the falklands war? well they have over 350 of those too.


iran is not iraq, it's a modern first-world country with weapons systems to match.
it's also about 3 times the size of the u.k.

james town, u.k.,

Wow. "Insurgents?" How are the British sailors insurgents. I didn't realize they were Iranian citizens who wished to revolt. What a bunch of idiots. It's like they gave a bunch of mean, 12 year old, non-unintelligent bullies a country to run. "Oh yeah?! Well we'll capture your military personnel and call them insurgents! Yeah that's it, insurgents. Clever right?!?" Wow.

And Briton won't do anything back as pretty much all of Europe has lost any hint of a backbone as it's been castrated by liberals in search of an unobtainable/unsustainable Utopian state.

Nathan O, New Orleans, USA

This mess is Americas fault. The war in Iraq is Americas war and many many people in the U.K. wish we had never joined them in there fight. How long was britain left to battle on its own again during WW2 before America helped??
If any thing does happen between Iran and the States I and many other people in the U.K. would prefer it if we cut all of our ties with America whos ambition it seems is to invade every country on the planet. And the sooner you get Bush out of office the better. I can assure the rest of the world that many people in the U.K. do not stand shoulder to shoulder with this menacing country. Soon America you will be on your own!

Mark, Birmingham , U.K

Why are the Americans so interested in this business? It really is none of their concern.

Furthermore, I for one am quite digusted at people such as Maksim from Brooklyin libelling the captured sailors whilst in the possession of absolutely no knowledge as to the circumstances surrouding their seizure.

Hopefully our Government will remain acting in a rational way notwithstanding the war-fever that seems to have infected a significant number of people.

Daniel, Belfast,

What's wrong with our Navy, have they forgotton how to fight ?

There's no doubt about it, it's a complete loss of face. Who now is going to be scared of a few blokes in a rubber dingy, carrying
rifles. If it wasn't so serious I'd laugh.

UK armed forces -"float like a Butterfly, sting like rice-pudding".

Embarrassed, Lincoln, England, UK.

Time to send in 22 SAS. "Who Dares Wins."

Kelly Altenhofen, Lewistown, MT/USA

It's good to see our American friends showing considerably more concern for the welfare of British troops than they ever seem to do on the battlefield. Trigger-happy nutters though they may be, they are mostly right in this case. The Iranians should be given a simple ultimatum - hand back our troops or consider yourselves at war.

Meanwhile, our friends over the pond might like to comfort themselves with the thought that we are a long way from Sharia law in the UK. Fortunately, we are equally as far from gung-ho flag-waving bellicose ignorance. We like to ask questions first and shoot later.

Jem, London, UK

Just what are these British pirates doing in foreign waters thousands of miles from home? By what right do they stop Iranian ships? Those who think "might makes right" had better remember HMS Amathist on the Yangtze River in 1948. Every British Ship in the Gulf will be destroyed the moment Bush attacks Iran.

R. Schulz, Jericho , Nassau,N>Y>

In the future, as well as now, when we fight a war we must be able to fight. We must cease worrying how the press will intrepret what our military does. Few of those who report the news have ever been in the military. We have the ability to fight a war and win, but any concern over what wil be reported, or how we will be viewed internationally, only hinders our success. Fight and win ASAP, if we are to fight.

Brenda, Mobile, Al,

well to be honest I think brits did get in iranian territorial waters knowing their past history sticking their nose in others business. Brits are no angel, ok let's get that straight. This is how they used to do it to blame first and then conquer. I am shocked how americans are so uneducated to believe anything that media wants them to believe. whatever happened to those americans who used to do research before coming to any conclusion. It's time for americans to hit back to school and get educated. We have enough problem in U.S. PERIOD

tony, dallas, texas

Hey Vlad - Yes, whenever the Iranians do something, like defending their rights and territorial integrity, they're called "uncivilized", but when the U.S. kills 650,000 Iraqis on top of God knows how many millions of people they have killed before that, they're the civilized, fighting for "democracy" and "freedom"!

Shahram , Vasastan, Sweden

Peter from Windsor ( U.S.) I realize that Californians have to be cut some slack--all that sun and heat--but please do me and millions of your countrymen a favor and get a high-school equivalency diploma before you start posting on threads outside of the local shopping paper. More than enough Europeans think we're intellectually challenged here in the States without your doing your utmost to prove it.

William, New York,

I would wonder as well? Someone needs to cool this hyena's heels, why not the U.K.? You could sink the Iranian navy in 5 minutes. Nelson must be rolling in his grave.

Scott Crest, New York, NY

Why can't we all just get along?
Give Iran a small piece of the UK near London to show good will and expose them to the Sharia law in the UK. The compassionate Hajis there will show their Persian brothers how to get along with the West.
All we need is love.

Bubba Joe Davis, Birdslip, Mississippi

The responders all seem to agree that the Brits hadn't crossed the hard-won centerline. But the Brits were interdicting an Iranian? vessel at anchor in Iraqi waters? That doesn't sound too likely.

The Iranians know well where that border is...they fought a dirty, bloody war for it. And the location of the border is a matter between Iraq and Iran. Britain courts this type of response when it plays this game.

Before anymore back-porch warriors advocate war on Iran, consider the unreliable facts which brought you to your current conflicts.

Peace Now, Edmonton,

Bully Bully! For the Brits. The USA appreciates their blindless devotion! Oh! Did someone in the "free media" neglect to mention that the Merchant ship boarded was an Iranian merchant vessel? That sort of changes things 180 degrees, doesn't it? I wonder how the US would feel if a US merchant vessel in the gulf was boarded by Iranians searching for contraband or attempting to smuggle in insurgents against their regime! Do you think the US would show them leniency? Hypocracy is a one-way street with Bush's adminstration.

warmapril, LA, California

Time to go in and get the British officers and teach the Iranians they are playing in a field they should not have entered. It's time. Their ignorance has walked them right into a worldwide validation of their stupidity, allowing what is about to happen. Finally.

Adrian Kessler, Boston, MA

From the southwestern United States perspective - At least the Iranians know how to enforce their border. Armed persons without immigration visas were "found" and arrested. In the USA, our National Guard actually receives medals of commendation for retreating and giving up US territory under similar circumstances.

It is too late for Britain despite anyone's opinion. You all are so far down the toilet you can't help yourselves. We Yanks are hot on your tails, though.

Pat Kinghorn, Houston, Texas, USA

We should not forget that the media these days are told only what we are meant to think?. It is easy for us to sit back as armchair politicians/soldiers, and criticise. Who is to say we are not drawing are plans against them as we speak. If the USA and UK are allies i sugest we do not give the Iranians, or anyone else come to that, what they would most like' DISAGREEMENTS. As Napolian said '' Lets not have any disagreements, disagreements only lead to disaster''
God bless the British Navy.
Splice the mainbrace

Dan, Coventry, England

Why, oh why are my fellow Americans calling for an invasion of Iran? Think this through. The Iranian leadership may be crazy, disturbed, etc, but they're not stupid. They're not going to kill the sailors. The only thing I believe that would put their lives in danger is an invasion or use of force against Iran. To the Brits, I pray that you get your boys (and girl) back soon. Work diplomatically and Iran will alienate itself from most of the world. Use force and we simply give Iran what it wants - attention and sympathy. Let's not go down that road unless all other options are exhausted.

Reagan, Dallas, TX

Knowing what the Iranian leadership is like, why were a handful of British sailors allowed to be that close to hostile waters without the accompaniment of strong backup and support? Why was it made so easy for the Iranians? Does anybody expect a country like Iran to play by the 'rules' of a civilized society? Look who they chose for their leader.

Greg Kricheff, San Francisco, California, USA

Here we go again... hmmm lets see under what pretext can we invade another nation... hmm no evidence for them being any danger to us. so lets send some of our boys in so that they get captured or possibly killed. .. perhaps the public sentiment will sway in our favour. And we can make a lot of money!
... much like fred in arizona who will support another illegal and unjust war in the middle east?

Matt, melbourne, australia

Us policy has created perpetuated the climate for terrorists and consequentially the need to control them. Fred from arizona is clearly of the opinion that girls and boys are in control of the process and that is probably correct in terms of the US. This clearly demonstrate that children shouldn't be allowed near dangerous wepons.

Al Fogo, Dublin, Ireland

Before people glibly advocate military action against Iran they should consult a map whilst baring in mind that Iran possesses large numbers of extremely lethal anti-ship missiles, including Russian Sunburns, which could turn the Persian gulf into a no go zone for shipping.The consequences for the world economy would be very serious.
People that suggest using nuclear weapons, apart from being obviously insane, are just confirming Iran's urgent need to develop their own weapon.

Tim, Bristol, UK

kambiz, Edinburgh

"We will defend our country and if you think this is the turn of the last century where you can waltz in and do like you please think again... "

What part of Iran is Edingburgh in?

Homer, London,

"We are in World War IV"

Oh dear, did I sleep through WWIII?

Starling, Lancaster,

Agree, with you Maksim. Why did the officers in those boats move one inchtoward Iranian waters, why weren't they calling for airpower and the frigate nearby to blow these Iranian boats out the water????

Ernest Miller, Cleveland/Ohio, USA

Not everyone is a war monger. I doubt british are eager to run to battle stations considering the failure of the past decade+ of wars. The most peaceful way to resolve this would be to release the 5 prisonors US has of theirs in return for the 15 british- thats a fair trade regardless of the current situation.

Jon, Rockland, New York

All you Iran bashers please answer one question. In the last few decades, how many countries has the U.S. invaded and how many people have been killed as a result of those aggressions versus how many countires Iran has invaded.
Well, let me help you with the answer. Iran has invaded no country and the U.S.? OK you be the judge?

Reza, Tehran, Iran

Ask the US for their New Jersey battleship and park it where these Brits were siezed. Let's see what happens then.

Nathan S., San Antonio, USA

Simply put, this is an outrage.

Seamus, Orange County, CA, USA

One thing is certain: Iran will be invaded before Bush ends its mandate. It would be stupid for them NOT to have the bomb as soon as possible. Any reasonable person who wants to defend its country would do the same.

Do you imagine, UK and US people, your countries surrounded by enemy armies (I don't know how many aircraft carriers), and still calling you 'the agressor'?

America and UK, defend your own countries, don't invade other countries illegally to rob the oil, and you will be backed and appreciated by the rest of the world.

Alberto, Mexico,

Fifteen of your countrymen are being held hostage and are about to be tried for espionage in Iran, and you want to have a "quiet" and "lovely" discussion about it?? mmmm'kay.....................

Diane, Massachusetts, USA

Last Summer (July 06) I remember some Israeli soldiers that were taken hostage. Does anyone remember what happened for two months after their abduction ?
Iran is heading down a VERY slippery slope.

Cheryl, Glendale,

Alas it seems the Brits have lost their backbone. Their sailors have been kidnapped and they sit on their duffs. In the Good Old Days, Tehran would be in ruins by now. But not anymore. They are now the playthings of Muslim terrorists.

Fred, Rochester, NY, USA

It appears that Iran is testing the West since they know our political situation (especially the UK and US). If Iran successfully executes these hostages, then they will most literally be "getting away with murder". We must NOT cowtow to their demands and meekly appease them. Iran is the very definition of a rogue state, anyone who fails to see this is a blind man.

To the one who said "I wish we could trust our government"... you actually trust the IRANIAN president (Holocaust denier, Islamist mystic, former terrorist ties) more than the UK government? You are truly deluded indeed.

William , Baghdad, IQ

The question is, what was on the boat that the Iranians were trying to hide? We all know they were sending in weapons and personnel to stir up trouble in Iraq.

rkelly, Leesdale, maryland

I'm reading all these comments about how the US should get out of Iraq cause we have no right to be there. Fine but take it a step further and let's get all our men and women home. The rest of the world needs to grow up and stop having us save them militarily and financially. who sends out the most aid to the world? who funds more international projects? I'm not saying lets not have anything to do with any country. I'm saying let's fortify our borders, look after our own and unite again as a country.

Jon, Olympia, USA WA

How convenient to place a ship searching detail in disputed waters!
And how convenient a case it would make for going to war!
No 'sexed-up' intelligence is needed;we can all see the humanitarian issue here. First we can liberate the captured soldiers and then we can liberate all of that oil and gas under the Iranian soil.
Seems to me that the politicians and big business are getting better at this game as time goes on.

Chris, Osaka, Japan

All the talk about WW3 is overblown. If the Iranians really think they have the military might to stand up to the UK and the US they are delusioinal. Syria would not be stupid enough to get involved lest they want their military decimated also. The Iranian air force and navy are circa the Vietnam era as far as thier technology goes. If we decide to hit them, they will never see it coming. Thier primative air defenses will be destroyed before they get a fighter jet in the air and the air force will be destroyed on the ground. 1 Trident submarine can wreak havoc on their Navy. It's a joke to think that they will last very long. They like to project power, but they are and always have been all bluster. I hope we do it. Enough is enough.

Matt, Salt Lake City, USA

If Tony Blair doesn't hold Iran to task over piracy and kidnapping of his people doing work for the UN, you can change the name of Great Britain to anything other than Great. He needs to adopt the same intent as Maggie Thatcher did with the Falklands. Otherwise the Arab world will think it is a joke and that they are weak minded.

David, Melbourne, Australia

The point now is not Iran bashing but rather to constructively think of ways to free the sailors without giving in to threats. Secondly, we should all reflect as to why the Iranians feel as if they have no choice but to behave in such a rogue like manner.

Perhaps, the right way forward in a situation like this is to not make matter worse by adding oil to the fire I.E, by making thoughtless comments about a country (Iran) which most of us don't have a real knowledge on. It would only confirm to the fundamentalists out there that they were right on the western world all along and perhaps even makes them feel justified to go on with their acts of terrorism.

My sympathies to the sailors, their families and friends. Its most unfortunate and I hope and pray for their safe release. But, continued Iran bashing is not the way to go.

Grace, Singapore, Singapore

Is it just me or has Britain become spineless lately. The Iranians certainly think so! If churchill was still alive he'd have the entire fleet sitting outside these upstarts' ports letting them know whats what. This is the 2nd time this has happened, and it's ridiculous.
Iran uses dipolmacy as a stall tactic, and they are going to use this to embarrase and humilate those Royal Marines.
My offer would be that our subs and destroyers will take out one military base and airfield at a time untill our sailors and marines are safely returned. The Navy has cruise missiles, the RAF have their shiney new Typhoons, and the Army have their new longbow apachees. Why not put them to use rather than gawking at them!
We dont have to invade, rather, dismantle from afar. The Iranians are training terrorists in iraq to kill British troops, so we have plenty of justification.
No, Im not a war monger but I think its time to put the "Great" back in Great Britan and stand up for ourselves!

john, Newcastle, England

There's also an economic side to this. Iran can't pay Russia for the fuel for its nuclear reactor. How to raise funds? Hike up the oil price by ratcheting up the tension in the Gulf. Military exercises didn't really work, so grab some allied sailors and make a show of it. And laugh all the way to the bank.

I wonder if "give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God's" made it into the Koran? If so, the Iranian government is again blaspheming itself. No Mahdi there.

The solution is to show we can degrade all the Iranian ports under the UN sanctions. I bet this could be done non-kinetically. We'll see.

Chris, Rye, New York, USA

Franky, I'm fed up of all this conpiracy theory nonsense. OUR sailors were doing their job, in Iraqi waters under a U.N mandate and here we are sideing with a country that is aspiring to develop nuclear weapons and has been referred to the security council. Now having illegally captured and detained them , they are claiming they were spying on Iran! Come on people, grow up.

Rowena Snowdon, London,

The responders all seem to agree that the Brits hadn't crossed the hard-won centerline.

The Iranians know well where that border is...they fought a dirty, bloody war for it. And the location of the border is a matter between Iraq and Iran. Britain courts this type of response when it plays this game.

Before anymore back-porch warriors advocate war on Iran, consider the unreliable facts which brought you to your current conflicts.

Peace Now, Edmonton,

The US/UK have violated the territorial waters &sovereignty of dozens of countries. They have kidnapped many people this way. Theyve killed& maimed millions in their large scale terrorism& many illegal wars. Theyve illegally invaded Iraq, which is dangerous to its neighbour Iran., & even the corporate press reported that the US is arming& training terrorist groups inside Iran. The US/UK support dozens of dictators and overthrew democratically elected Mossadegh, installing the Shah What if an Iranian military ship was navegating aroung the US/UK? What if Iran invaded a country next to the US or UK? What if Iran was supporting terrorist groups inside the US? What if Iran demanded that the US gave up its nukes given that it's the only state that has used them against civilians and its record of criminal actions?
The hypocrisy is amazing.The US imposes sanctions on others after committing such lawless criminal actions & the media whitewashes US/UK crimes and vilifies their official enemy

Jonathan Shockley, San Francisco, USA

"The AMERICAN men and women who won WWII. "

A lot of US citizens need to look a tad more closely at who did what, and why, during WWII.

Starling, Lancaster,

Americans talk a language of aggression, like Israel. Thats why they are winning in Iraq......errrrr.....and there's peace in the Middle East......ummm......Yes, Iran can be captured by America and a pro-American government installed there........ooopsss.....and the whole world would be peaceful. Hey Americans, you have nothing worthy to teach and lecture.

shela nothe, London, UK

As a Brit, I'm surprised to see so many insolent remarks about our perceived lack of determination from some of our American so called 'friends'. That aside, there is no doubt that this outrageous incident will be best dealt with in the first place by some firm, but quiet diplomacy. That is happening now, but if it fails, and I would consider it a failure if it took more than ten days to be resolved, I for one would not hesitate to bombard the Iranian nuclear installations with every missile and bomb that we have. I would also seek to have Iran placed under a regime of full sanctions - a total blockade. In my view that is the only way to deal with an aggressive and unreasonable power. I bear no grudge against the Iranian people, but if their leaders do not pull back from this situation, caused in all probability by enthusiastic local forces, it will have persisted in an act of war against us. I see no alternative but to respond with a massive retaliation.

Tony Volpe, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Dear tk, I'm sorry your father died, but Britain was not liberated by America, since it was never occupied.

And if anyone ever uses the "we liberated you" line as an excuse for the States to be able to do anyting and everything again, I shall kick them in the shins.

I'm Dutch by the way. Canada liberated us. Sorry.

Starling, Lancaster,

Nearly all great civilized societies still found today owe an incalculable debt to Great Britain -- directly or indirectly, a sister, mother, or grandmother to us all. In face of the present challenge, the first order of business for all of us is, of course, to defer to the judgment of the British government. The second order of business, in turn, is to help in any manner that the British government requests -- whether it be simply to stay out of the way, or to assist more actively. I personally am doubtful that anything short of steady-eyed coercion will work with these Iranian lunatics, who do not constitute a "state" at all. But as I say, the judgment here is to be made by the UK. (And should the UK decide to proceed with force, please know that I for one, an Anglo-American, am certainly prepared to put my life at risk on your behalves -- which after all amount to my and all of our behalves behalves.)

Maynard, New York, NY USA

Britain and Iran are not in a declared war so the only solution is for Iran to throw a dinner with a slide show on the history of Persia for their guests and have them fly home by a third party airline. I think that would make their point even better as well as put them in a good light and magically kick-start an opening to a great international conversation. I think its time that some people of true good will make an appearance on the world stage and introduce the idea of fun again. If the Iranian leadership is as smart as they say are, then its about time they show some world class "smarts" and if they have it a life embracing positive hand if all they really want is to communicate.

Brian, Los Angeles, California

Have you forgotten the U.S.S. Vincennes incident when it shot down an Iranian passenger plane in the Persian Gulf, killing 290 innocent people? Have you forgotten that the U.S. government tried to cover up the truth that the American war ship had violated Iranian waters when it shot down the Iranian passenger plane? When the truth came out.... Nothing happened! The person who wrote here that Iraqi fishermen had seen that the Brits were in Iraqi waters, you totally "misunderstood" it! The Iraqi general was quoted on CNN today as saying that numerous Iraqi fishermen had witnessed the incident and had said that the British boats had exited Iraqi waters and entered foreign territorial waters. Nobody violates Iranian waters with Iran knowing about it and not doing anything about it! Those who think otherwise do not know what Iran and Iranians are about. It is not without reason that Iran has emerged as an empire numerous times throughout its 5000 years of history.

Cyrus, Stockholm, Sweden

Someone asked “How come there are so many American comments, more than the UK ones?”
The Article was linked by Drudge and it’s a slow news day over here. Most people just wanted to show support. They don’t realize how repulsive that is to a BBC tainted UK audience. “Yanks” posting here should watch BBC news for a couple of weeks and find out who their friends are not. Fact is the UK is no match for Iran unless it uses the nuclear threat and that won’t be an advantage for very long. Russia and China are in Iran’s camp and the EU is gutless. Not a single nation other than the US would be willing to risk the lives of their finest to support the UK in a time of need. That support won’t be necessary though. I’m sure those watching the BBC over the next couple of weeks will be surprised to learn the US not Iran is somehow responsible for this incident. Grovel at Iran’s feet, blame the US and get your boys and girls back.

Stuart, Chicago, USA

Trouble has been in the cards since 1979 hostage taking was left unpunished. Bomb every power generation facility in Iran and prevent any subsequent fixes. Let them try to enrich uranium with no electricity. These people are the source of alot of trouble and we really have no choice here. Its pay the bill now or pay the bill later ( at a higher cost as interest always acrues )

Fred, phoenix Arizona , USA

America invaded Iraq what a disaster for Americans, serviceman, and Iraqis. Israel, with arm twisting from America, invaded Lebanon what a disaster for Israel and Lebanon. Let us not forget the Israeli occupation of all of Palestine and the destruction a nation, a community, and a way of life. The continued denial of human, economic, and political rights supported by every US administration. When will Americans understand that war is not the solution but the problem? When will they respect that the oil resources of the Middle East are for the peoples of the middle east? When will they listen to the countries of the middle east who have asked for a nuclear free middle east? When will they accept the Arab peace proposal for an end to Israeli occupation in exchange for peace with Israel? When will US accept peace overtures from Syria and Iran? When will Americans realize there is another way?
--An American in Dubai----

Bob, Dubai, UAE

The man in charge of hoodwinking the Western powers about Iran's now 18-year-old secret nuclear program believes the apocalypse will happen in his own lifetime. He'll be 50 in October.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Shi'ite creed has convinced him lesser mortals can not only influence but hasten the awaited return of the 12th Imam, known as the Mahdi. Iran's dominant "Twelver" sect holds this will be Muhammad ibn Hasan, the righteous descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He is said to have gone into "occlusion" in the 9th century, at age 5. His return will be preceded by cosmic chaos, war, bloodshed and pestilence. After this cataclysmic confrontation between the forces of good and evil, the Mahdi will lead the world to an era of universal peace.
"The ultimate promise of all Divine religions," says Ahmadinejad, "will be fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect human being [the 12th Imam], who is heir to all prophets. He will lead the world to justice and absolute peace.

Steve, Edmond, OK/USA

Politic is politic Like business is business. dont blame anyone in Iran. This matter will be settled behined the curtains. I point out that Iran is commited to be a 3rd world country & everything in borders, courts, news, etc will follow the same standard. so dont expect Iranian to think & act like western. Wrong or right they'll act for their best interst. lets see the next move by the 1st world & enjoy the game.

mohamad, dubai, uae

What's the Monarchy doing about this? Nothing?. Time to abolish do nothing Royals, or at least stop naming your proud ships, HMS this or that.

Adan, kuwait city, kuwait

What has all the above babble got to do with the serious offense of British service men being kidnapped in so called peace time. If you want to talk about American politics or imperialism why not go to another topic. This is a British problem. By the way the Iranians have one day left to hand our people back,

John Simpson, Luton , UK

Iran should not underestimate Great Britain. If provoced, Tony Blair might go as far as calling them bad people (well, maybe he will not go to this extreme...)

afraid, Toronto, Canada

During the Cold War both East and West took hostages, they were called SPIES. After a lot of belly thumping they did an exchange because there was always a ready supply on both sides. This saved face for all and never involved the use of force.

So the message is, lift some high ranking Iranians and charge them with spying. It worked with the Russians so it should work with a bunch of half wits.

If non of this works then we should ask our governments why we bother having WMD if we wont use them.

Roger, Glasgow, Scotland

I'm impressed by SOME comments of "The brits won't put up with this"..... but sadly they will. This british government realises it cannot afford to threaten any actions of armed conflict as it is totally out of money and resources.

James Brown, Portsmouth , UK

When are the leftist pacifist in the U.S. and Great Britain, along with the fish wraping news dailys going to wake up and understand that if we don't stand up and DESTROY heir Hitler, Im' sorry I was remembering back 71 years, the Muslim fanatics will be using our children as homicide bombers and declaring jiahd on whoever is left to to honor God and Country in a free society, but who will that be because all the Judeo, Christians and God honoring Muslims will have fallen.
Believe in the United Nations, and let France lead and all this horror will happen today not tommorow!

Al Goldstein, St. Augustine, FLorida

Where are those who, a few days ago, were agahst at the thought that the Iranians could do not wrong, nor anything provocative? The naietivity and ignorance shown by those individuals can only remind one of the Britain of the mid-30s which had ignored Sir Winston Churchill's warnings about the Nazi party's rearmament of Germany. Well, we now have a new totalitarian thug who is simply 60 years into the future and one continent removed. Good luck to the 15. May they return safe and soon.

Mario, Miami, FL US

Soldiers in uniform are not considered spies so what are the Iranians talking about? This is an absolute act of war and Iran should be told it is such and the proper steps should be taken ASAP by the western powers. People of the British empire we Americans stand by you. We feel your pain and its time to start acting like true allies and band together against this threat. Iam sure that the British SAS are working this out as we speak and i hope we make an example of Irans aggresive actions so to prevent this kind of thing in the future. I fear we could be on the verge of a world wide conflict that will make the war in A-stan & Iraq look small in comparison. I hope after enough people are killed and lives destroyed the worlds great religions can get back to living in peace. I pray for us all.

mike, east islip,new york, USA, NY

the time is going to come when the muslim countries say what the japanese admiral said during pearl harbor"i am afraid we have awakened a sleeping giant. i am an american and usa comes first but i have britain in my heart also. the only country that i would be afraid of before great britain is the usa.i hope tony blair lays the law down to this iranian president and sends in the british fleet and sends these radicals to hell where they belong. the usa is behind you and always will be.take my word for it.god save the queen and god bless america.

mark wilson, raleigh, usa/north carolina

Iran could care less about the Geneva Convention. FYI, spies do not wear uniforms.

Johnson, USA,

This kidnapping is certainly an act of war. In fact, the war of 1812 was fought over a very similar thing.

James, Orlando, Florida, USA

This thread is astounding and embarrasing. I would like the non-Americans reading this to know that despite what you see here, illiterate, ungrammatical, right-wing morons do not actually make up the overwhelming majority of the American populace. They did clock in at about 50.1% of the electorate during the 2000, 2002 and 2004 elections, but still we boast quite a few residents with an I.Q. over 85, particularly if you avoid Texas and Oklahoma.

Andrew, East Lansing, USA/Michigan

This is it. The Iranian Hitler has been declaring in his speeches that he will intends to destroy Israel, the UK, and the US ..... all it took was time and some extra fuel added to the fire; the kidnapping of these british soldiers is going to add Iran more into World War III much moreso than they already are.

And thank you to Justin in Chicago for setting Grimuls in Jamaica straight

ralph, Miami, Fl, usa

It is just like any fight with the arabs..the British pulled some of their troops from Iraq and the iranians sensed this as a time of weakness..so they took the next step...show the arab populace that they can stand up to the democratic countries...if the British do not respond with power then they can expect even a next step to show the arabs that they are somehow superior...the arab propaganda will run wild with these type of things....the Brits and the worthless U.N. and the European Union had better wake up ..or they are going to be manhandled by these radical arabs...

FRANK, MARLTON, U. S. A. (GOD'S COUNTRY)

The operations of boarding suspected smuggling ships is completely legal. This was done in Iraqi waters and the taking of these soldiers by Iranian Navy should be declared an act of war by Great Britain. Any an all Iranian ships approaching any coalition forces in these waters should now be considered hostile and sunk immediately.

wave walton, gainesville, Georgia/USA

What has this got to do with Churchill or Thatcher? One is dead and the other, well... Its a different world today no?

Why are the responses mainly from Americans?

Nonplussed , London,

Will, If you are "scared" perhaps the subway bombings have had their desired effect. Please look at the cowards in Spain.
It is difficult to fight people who rationalize personal death as a good thing. But leaders of soveriegn states pay respect when a bombing of their few refineries cause ecomomic termoil in their population - that could lead to THEIR deaths, and they care about living in power.

I would gladly help to buy some well placed munitions to help the Brits. It is is far more useful than our wasteful social programs, and I am already forced to pay for them.

Nick, Cincinnati, Ohio

I think it's obvious that this is a ploy to get back the guards detained from Iraq--satellite imagery is a better testament to what is true than the word of Iraqi fishermen--what the hell kind of reporting is that?? "Let's go ask the Iraqi fishermen!"

I'm so tired of Iran trying to start wars. They don't care either--they will fight anyone. The trump card they never saw coming is Russia. Russia has them by the balls now, withholding their precious fuel. Russia smells which way the wind is blowing, and as we know from history, they wait long enough to know which side will win before they choose who to support. So, Iran, play your hand. The world is going to call your bluff.

America and the UK are at the breaking point with warring in the Middle East. The world has had a stomach-full as well. Get a hint, Iranians. At this point, you're just digging your own hole deeper. Iran, you are the new North Korea. Get ready to concede.

Matthew, Levice, Slovakia

This is a very stupid tactic on the part of the Iranians. This maneuver clearly demonstrates what a basket-case regime the Iranian government really is. They do not know how to function in the greater world community. Instead they resort to the age old custom of kidnapping and holding people for ransom, thinking this gives them some sort of leverage, when in reality, it will only unite others against them.

larissan, chicago , USA

Steven Carool - The Iranians can not be trusted with nuclear tools? And the U.S. can? The only country in the world who thus far has used "nuclear tools" is the U.S. - Not Iran. And they have used it twice! As a matter of fact, while Iran has not attacked any other country in the last 300 years, the U.S. has bombarded 24 countries in only AFTER the world war 2!!! Who can be trusted here? Who is in a region where they have no business (Other than to plunder the resources) You bet we Persians are beating our chests - Just like we have been beating our chests for 5000+ years, and we still prevail! Rest assured that our beating is not at all limited to our chests!

Siroos, Stockholm, Sweden

The Iranians have no respect for the west or western values. It is time to teach them a lesson once and for all about playing games with Britain or America.

Larry, Lake Worth, Florida

If an Iranian boat full of armed military personnel were riding up the Thames, with a backup of several thousand say parked in one of the channel islands, what would the UK governement do?

Iran is standing up to a bunch of bucaneers (UK & US) that think this is their right to be there under a "fitted-up" UN mandate.

We will defend our country and if you think this is the turn of the last century where you can waltz in and do like you please think again...

There are consequences to bullying tactics.....

kambiz, Edinburgh,

Well this is just horrible! These Iranians CANNOT be reasoned with. I have had personal experience with the insanity of the Iranians... as well as having been a former member of the U.S. Navy formerly stationed in Scotland with the Royal Navy and Marines. Frankly, this is a bad situation and I have a bad feeling about this Ahmadinijad [sic]. What I want to know are the names of those being held as I still have friends in the Royal Navy and Marines. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan, Newport Beach, CA USA

Both Siginew Breziensky (can never get his name right) and Ron Paul spoke in US congress about their concerns that US would try to provoce or even carry out false flag operations in order to get Iran into war.

The fact is;
1) IRAQ did not have any WMDs and nothing to do with 911 nor buying yellow cake in Africa. This was all fabricated.
2) There is no evidence Iran's intention is to build the bomb.
3) The Shah of Iran commenced the nuclear program already back in the 70s with US help as he knew they would soon run out of oil.
4) Global oil supply has peaked or peak is imminent. This will result in resource wars.
As we can see US is not interested in fighting with North Korea, only with nations that have oil.

Micki, Sydney, Australia

US has created many Frankeinstein monsters everywhere in the world for estabilishing their colonial imperialist hegemony.The likes of Osama,Saddam,Pinochet ....creations of CIA have brought suffering to millions worldwide and now they have turned their guns on their owner.
In this world if millions die to american foreign policies its not an issue but if one american dies then its a world level issue.Its quite an irony that americans have uprooted countless democracies worldwide for their interest now talk of democracy as need of the hour.
Americans have a gr8 belief in their society their values their principles of democracy but they r not a good judge of their own governments.tony blair by toeing to american foreign policy has brought trouble upon uk.

Mantu, Bangalore, India

A well coordinated strike / rescue is tottally possible, is deserved, would work stratigicly, geo-politicaly and is the right way to protect our men. Now is when britain can call on their "american brothers". I say take a week,600 military strikes(pre-emptive defense) a strike battallion into Tehran and grab whats ours and go!

Lee, Vancouver, CA

How naive of the Iranians to think they know where their border is. Surely it was fixed by Lord Palmerston over 150 years ago. I am sure that the UK goverment has the map.

Hamish Leslie, Vancouver, Canada

To the Free World - It is time to awake! We have been down this bumpy road before. History, as they say, if allowed will repeat itself. Oh how you Europeans have a short memory! Yes, our country is not perfect, and yes, we have made our share mistakes throughout history, but which of your countries is perfect? This perverted sect of Islam has declared war on you and you don't even realize it. Stop, look and listen to what their leaders say! Adolf Hitler wrote a book explaining what his plans were yet he was ignored as some kind of crazy man who could be "appeased". How did that strategy work out for you? We must unite as one overwhelming force to deny this brand of evil. We have been studied by our enemy and our weaknesses are being exploited. Humanity and generosity have been determined to be our weakness. So while we build schools and give women their God given rights our enemy uses children in car bombs and decapitates helpless people on the internet! WAKE UP before its too late.

Kevin V., Peabody, USA / MA

The big stuff is yet to come. History is going to repeat itself, We are in World War IV and the sooner we come to this realization the better off the world will be. You cannot negotiate with people who want you DEAD this kill or be killed it is time to fight!

john ingersoll, lapeer, michigan usa

Funny, as I read comments from our friends in France and England. Similar to the leftist movement in the US, it appears Britain should apologize and ask Iran nicely to release it soldiers. For our European allies who have relied on our security umbrella for over 50 years, but always bitch about how we react to international affairs, please send the STRONG French and EU army to the rescue, as I would estimate Iran crushing this awesome military in 12-24 hours. Anyhow, I support the Brits, and I hope they will react with strength, not weakness.

Brian, Cincinnati, US

The more the nations with less to lose, with more erratic leadership crave nuclear weapons, the more the world has to fear. Grimuls is thinking that it is only fair if we have them everyone should. Keep in mind that we don't promote suicide bombers that dive planes into occupied buildings. Fairness is not a good ideal when you are on the side likely to be nuked by some third world country run by a sociopath because of religious reasons. I see the fairness but I also see the risks.

Sam Douthit, Bowdon, USA/ GA

Looks like it is time for the SAS, the SBA and the Royal Marine Commandos to set up a fast reaction raid to get their guys out. If they happen to take out Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ayatollah Khamenei while doing so, no big deal. I think the world would be better off. The only reason I can think of that the British Marines and Sailors did not fight these pirates was they (the British) had to be in international waters when they were approached and they made the mistake of allowing these barbarians to get the drop on them.

Remember that the present government of Iran is an evil dictatorship that hangs 16 year old girls for getting raped when she was 14 and 15, while the adult rapist gets a few lashes in the public square. Do we want to tolerate these barbarians?

Thomas Austin, Newport, , NC, USA

As most remember, the UK was in this same situation a f ew year ago. They had to apologize and after having their military personnel humiliated, the hostages were freed. The same thing, of course, happened to the U.S under President Carter. It's worth noting that the American hostiges were released the moment Ronald Reagan was inaugurated. It's also worth noting that Iran seems to talk a good game, but I wonder how they'd react with targeted cruise missles going after the leadership of Iran? To those in the UK who hate American, I'm sorry for you. Becuase when it hits the fan, you will find very few friends who will be willing to stand with you. But know that American will be one of them.

Jim, Los Angeles, CA

Try them for espionage, what sort of court will that be? No legal precedent and a shoddy Kangaroo court. The hearing would be a mere formality, As Iranian justice is usually meted out before the defendants have had the chance to prove themselves innocent.

Liz, Birmingham, UK

Would you like to know why the US is waging war in the middle east? Simple, to remain the predominant empire in the world. If we fail at this, and allow ourselves to fall victim to Muslim oil powers and China, then within 100 years we will be as the UK is now, a former shell of itself and powerless to effect any significant world change. Remember this, our incursion in the middle east is focused on a 15-20 year timetable, to effect regional paradigm change. We will not be reduced to begging for our sailors whilst a few destroyers and perhaps an aging ramp decked carrier lies offshore with all the effect of a mobile flagpole. Be glad you're keeping your (our) nuke capability, because at about the time you would have given it up, Tehran would have it. Imagine that.

Hold on to your alliance with us, eliminate the eurocentric rhetoric, which sounds ever so French in tone, and create an engligh (little "e")western center of power for the next century, or else we'll all be doomed.

Mike Wilson, New York City, United States

Thats what every one thought about Iraq and Afganistan also, yes we bombed them back to the stone age, but look where we are now 5 years later. With Iran it would be a bigger disaster since there are 65,000,000 people and they armed them selves for the last 10 or more years. The Shi'at in Iraq would also enter the fight along side Iran and we would have a bigger Vietnam all over again. I was in Iraq for a year and I can tell you people there hate us more than ever now.

Major Mo, Lansing/Michigan, USA

Why all the complaints about Americans showing support for our great friend and ally? There seems to be more support for the brave British men and women serving their country on this side of the Atlantic! We should be concerned about the safety of these 15 sailors and do whatever is necessary to gain their freedom. But we cannot afford to appease this maniacal regime. Remember WWII. Most Americans are not war-mongers but we treasure our way of life . We are a nation of many peoples,religions and customs from all over the globe. We don't imprison people here for reading the Koran as some other countries do to Christians. I am tired of the American bashing, except of course when there is a disaster in the world. There is howling for the US to step in to Darfur. But disdain for riding the world of Hussein's genocide. But you know what? I think it is better to be hated by others than to hate myself. God Bless Britain, the country of my ancestors and all Her people.

Reuben, Starr, SC USA

I notice the Iranians pinched a few Brit's. They wouldn't have the guts or the stupidity to try and pinch some Americans.

The Brit's should not have removed troops from Iraq. The Iranians percieved it as weak. Now we have this.

This constant appeasment has got to stop.

J Hansford, Cairns, Aust.

Somehow, someway, the US and its allies are to be blamed for provoking IRAN, is that it? Is that how it works? Who can really blame the rest of the world? The media really views any action to remove such threats as illegal. I seem to recall that the US did not get involved in Rhwanda some years ago. We decided to let UN forces deal with it. The result was genocide.Never again will my country men stand by and let bad things happen to good people. The rest of the world calls US and GB the police of the world, who do they call when they need help.The US and GB give so much and try to promote democracy thoughout the world so it will be a better place for our future children. The problem is simple, no one wants to pay the price. Technically, we did not have to get involved in the war in europe during WWII. We did so because it was the moral thing to do and it would eventually be our problem. Thank goodness we did get involved. I am a veteran of three battles. I volunteered, will you?

jeff, Lawrence, USA/GA

The gullability of the American public never ceases to amaze me. They sit comfortably in front of their TV's with Fox News on, and cheer their government on to reaffirm their god-given right to dictate to the rest of the world (except Israel), what they can and cannot do. And if this involves spilling real blood, the better.
Hey, what is the life of an innocent Iraqi child, if the pride of America and the profits of Halliburton are on the line. The show must go on.
At the same time these American taxpayers are too stupid to see that they are the ones really paying for the whole macabre "snuff show". Being the "baddest" dude in the world really does not buy you love and admiration.
When you visit a country and come in tanks, you can't expect to be welcomed with flowers. Just ask Germany, they tried that 68 years ago.
In this world all nations are equal - except that America is more equal than others

Werner, Newburyport, MA

Why didn't the Royal Navy see the Iranians approaching and forestall any capture of personnel by warning them off or blasting them out of the water?

Ian Young, Whangarei , New Zealand

I am sure in a few months time we will be reading of covert missions conducted by SAS forces into parts of Iraq to reconnoitre military targets. These incursions are illegal but have not as yet been uncovered "officially". Unfortunately for the captured sailors they are probably innocent of incursion but pay the price for others.

John Richard Smith, Coffs Harbour , Australia

Interesting freudian slip there Glenn. presidence instead of precedent.

Chris, London, Uk

I only wish I could trust our beloved government. Sounds to me a close call which side the line the sailors were on. Why take such a gamble in the first place and what were 15 sailors going to be able to do if they found anything anyway?

Chris, Lichfield, UK

Let's see if the British, man up and pull out of this confrontation to. Hahaha. Hopefully the French will support them by word. All the countries apart from the US are a bunch of "girly" cheerleaders that won't confront this type of tyranny until it overtakes them and their kids.

Jamie A Proud American, Fayetteville , NC

I am no expert on how your leaders should deal with this situation, but Brits, where is your OUTRAGE?

How proud I once was of your country in the Falklands, ("ITS NOT RIGHT" said M. Thatcher).

Twenty odd years and not a stitch of pride left. Pitiful.

Charles, NY, USA

Maybe they let them be captured as an excuse for an SAS sortie and we will sort out the problems first hand without loss of innocent life.... Or perhaps they are the SAS?

Chris, London, Uk

GPS will prove the Iranians wrong again just like 2004.
Why is it that so many of you want to believe that the Brits/Americans are the aggressors and not the defenders of freedom and liberty.
For those of you that have never served in the greatest military in the history of the world you will never get it, stay on the couch ,leave it to us to spread freedom to the world.

Bill Biddlecom, Suffield ,Ct, USA,CT.

The British and Americans should issue an ultimatum. Anything short of that will be viewed as abject cowardice by these people and encourage further acts of violence. In fact, they will be correct. The failure to defend our own people ferociously is pure cowardice. We can face these people now, or later when they have nukes.

TQ, Columbia, TN

Let's not blame "the good guys?" And who would that be? The British soldiers who entered into Iranian territory illegally? Sorry, you can't do that.

Funny that Americans on this board are suggesting that Britain should "respond fast", as if American-style intervention is anything to be admired. Anybody notice the mess we're in in Iraq because of premature intervention?

Bob, Dallas, TX

Hey Robert, not a suprising comment coming from you appeasers in France instead of coming out in support of your friends in Great Briton as usual you will point the finger at everyone but the terriost Islamic regime running Iran who is the cause of this situation but dont worry start studying up on shria law because when the domino's fall your the first to go ,just look around it's already happening to your country,and you wonder why the American's have lost respect for your once great country. standing up for ourselves and our friends is what makes us a great country.

jxbong, baltimore, Maryland USA

Grimuls, Manchester/Jamaica, asked/stated this:

"America and all its allies can have Nuclear weapons no prob, but no one else can!
Who gives america the Right to posses such weapons - above any other country?"

The AMERICAN men and women who won WWII. Thats who. There is a large portion on the american populace thats grown extremely tired of liberal Europe and their snobbish anti-american attitude. You guys may get your wish and American Supremacy just might fade. The USA is in for some trouble. What are you europeans going to do when America CAN'T bail you out?

Jason, fairfax, VA

There's a few issues here I would like to comment on. Firstly I would like to thank mostly the Americans comments of support. Britain has become an over liberalised country and the liberals seem to be the most vocal. The average Briton of true British decent would like to see hardline action taken against any nation that kidnaps our troops. The British Army and Navy/Royal marines are not cowards, in fact they are amongst the best fighting units in the world. Once they have been given clearence to fight there are very few who would beat them. The problem is with the rules of engagement, the same rules of engagement that saw 2 Royal signal corp soldiers murdered by the IRA even though there was a British helicopter armed with belt fed machine guns hovering overhead, watching the murdrs take place. Spineless they are not, They are just constantly worried that they may spark an international conflict uneccessarily that otherwise could be resolved by diplomacy.

James, Wales, Great Britain

If Starling in Lancaster had been around in the 1930s, he'd have been for giving that nice Mr. Hitler whatever he desired. Once Adolf has what he needs he'll be satisfied!!! If America becomes isolationist, will the Europeans have the intestinal fortitude to survive. Hard to say.

Kevin, Clifton Park, NY,USA

If the people of the United Staes minded their own business the Brits would be speaking German!

john, harbor city, usa CA

With all due respect Jim, the use of "measured force" is what has escalated the boldness of Iran. They know that the UK (and or US) could decimate them in relatively short order, but they are counting on us being the civilized ones and not destroying everyone of their refineries, pipelines, and airports. This could be done in 24 hours and if the Iranian leaders thought it was a possibility, they wouldn't dare grab innocent sailors off their boats.
It is time for the West ( or at least the part with any backbone) to do what needs to be done with Iran. I'm sure that France, Russia and the majority of the UN will howl and whine, but who's side are they on anyway?

Bob, St. Louis, USA/Missouri

Knowing what the Iranian leadership is like, why were a handful of British sailors allowed to be that close to hostile waters without the accompaniment of strong backup and support? Why was it made so easy for the Iranians? Does anybody expect a country like Iran to play by the 'rules' of a civilized society? Look who they chose for their leader.

Greg, San Francisco, California, USA

The Iranians need to be taught a short, sharp, hard lesson. Appeasement is not the aswer here, but Blair does not have the backbone or the political will to step up to the plate.

PCM, Ipswich, UK

Even if we didn't owe the British, this is a situation in which we should give them 100% support. Knowing one of the American Embassy staffers held hostage, during the Carter years, i believe we have no other choice. The Iranian leadership happens to believe that this Spring the 12th Iman will appear and that the Iranian Muslim branch will see Westerners wiped off the face of the Earth. They want confrontation and we should give it to them. I hope, like another writer, that Tony Blair will be strong and that the gutless Democrats in our Congress will not hinder our government from taking action. I don't condem all Democrats, but it would be great if they would listen to their own Joe Lieberman.

Fred R. Eichelman, Ed.D., Salem, VA USA

Mr. Bennet , I believe there are so many American comments because this article had a link on a popular political blog site, The Drudge Report, which gets fairly wide coverage in the United States. Also, we take what the Brits have to say quite seriously which may also partially explain our high response rate.

Bob Goodrich, Fort Worth, Texas

Tony Blair thinks twice before he drops bombs on innocent heads, JD, unlike ... other people.

This is about 15 soldiers. 15 soldiers are not a reason to kill thousands of people.

Starling, Lancaster,

I pray for the brits safe return. Otherwise a operation preying mantis II may be in order to silence their navy.

john, boston, ma

These Mullah are your ( British popets) people, you help to put them in power.
This is another game played by Britain and Mullahs to show that they are not each other supporter.
With the help by Eu and Ms.Thatcher, in 1979 they replaced Shah of Iran. So since 1979 not only they killed many Iranian, Mid east got worst, rest of the world also got a tast of Mullahs support for terrorist. Hope that one they Peace and democracy be returned to the world.

Mike, ontario, Canada

Why are there so many Americans commenting you ask? Sure looks like we care more about your troops than your own people. Wake up Britain.

Must have forgot about those London metro attacks already... Wake up and secure your country. Time to hold these Muslims accountable inside your borders. Hoping they like you does not look like it's working. Allowing them to preach your destruction, actively work to eradicate your Christian heritage and way of life apparently has consequences. The Muslim youth in your country want a Muslim state and their working towards that end.

Stand up Britain. Or get on your knees and pray the Koran.

You are under invasion.

Will we see the resistance and courage displayed in the Battle of Britian or the neglect and appeasement of Neville...

DJ , Camp Pendleton, CA

It is time to stop playing games and defeat these people once and for all. The British should go and get their sailors, and if any of them have been hurt in any way, they should declare all out war on Iran, and fight like they mean business. Of course, we would join in, and Israel probably would, too. It would only take a matter of weeks, if we were really fighting, and it would probably take a matter of days for the decent Iranian people to stand up and say they will not tolerate leadership in their country that brings this kind of war into their homeland. The whole thing could be over and done - or we could give them a stern talking to, like we probably will, and have the same results as we had when Kim Jong-Il tested his bomb last summer. Why all the games in the name of diplomacy? This I wil probably never understand.

Juli McKenzie, Tallmadge, OH

Pity the RN could not look after after its patrols. Presumably the Iranians had a lot of small, fast boats that could threaten a destroyer, hence the lack of backup. Not quite sure what the RN was doing on this occasion, but it does not look good if our patrols can so easily be captured.

colin, Shrewsbury UK,

Arrest Amedinejad and his little entourage when they arrive for his UN rant . Alternatively we could force them to land as they pass through European Airspace and arrest them there . Trade them for the british soldiers . We are just way too weak with these people , they only understand agression and tough tactics , the more you give the more they take . We need to step up and quickly before its too late .

Scott, London ,

You think the Dems can do a better job of this situation than "the Bushies".....Did you forget what happened to our own citizens during Carter's reign who were kidnapped by the Iranians and were only freed fearing what would happen under the direction & control of a Republican president, Ronald Reagan!! Of course, one must not forget what happened with the diplomacy of this same former President trying to negotiate with the North Koreans not to enhance their nuclear capacity...Wake up!! Nancy Pelosi et al are one big joke !

Mary, USA,

Who's got balls in the U K...Blair Thatcher...Churchill...and the U K TROOPS SERVING OVER THERE...I suggest the rest rest of you slap their face with a limp wrist and a pink glove...You truly are sickly discussing cowards.

William, Rio Rancho, New Mexico...USA.

We continue to placate the Liberals in this country by trying diplomacy and using the UN. The Facist Muslim knows this. Force is all that is understood in their world. The United States must do whatever is needed to keep nations like Iran in check. Lets begin by helping Britain get their soldiers back.

Jim Noble, TAYLORSVILLE, GA

Our brothers in the UK, allies in Iraq and kuwait; allies since 1941. Why then do us brits have to apply for a visa to enter the US. Many of your (our) potential enemies citizens can walk in with no questions asked. Some payback!

Chris, London, Uk

Brits/US/Zionist has no business any place near Iran/Iraq.
They issue threats impose sanctions then dither about Irans borders????

Matt, Mackay, Australia

"Black Jack" Pershing had an idea to take care of this type of skermish, battle, war against these type of peoples!

Google it and read up! and as for the right honorable gentleman from Tokyo and his statement "armchair warmongers ready to go to another war from their sofa."

I've been there.......... funny, don't remember any couch!

RET AF <1>, Pierre, SD

Not True. Blair won't stand for the mistreatment of British, European forces as he shouldn't. Expect major problems for Iran if anything happens to the Bristish navymen. A true regime change in Iran by US and British forces might be managed in under 4 weeks. Managing the peace should be somewhat of lesser importance...as in Iraq. The West is fortunate to have Bush and Blair maintaining the resolve to reduce the totalitarianism of some Middle-eastern governments. Syria should take heed.

CHIP, Miami, US

I am an American and I side with the Iranians. Other nations have been plundering their nation for thousands of years. They must stand tall all be over run. I ran the learning center at Mehrahbad, Tehran, for Bell Helicopter International from 1977 - 1979 and witnessed the Iranian revolution. I saw how the Shah's Savak terrorized the people. A Gestapo trained at the College the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. The revolutionary guard occupied the U.S. Embassy and took our CIA agents hostage because they were a threat to Iran's sovereignty. They must take hostages, for they have learned that a strong offense is a good defense.

Pete Peterson, Windsor, California, U.S.A.

How did the british navy even allow iranian boats so close ?
tom, anaheim,

I don't understand why there was no shooting. What were the UK troops thinking?

To answer with the obvious....the Brits were in Iranian waters!! Sinking iranian ships in their own waters would surely create an "international incident", the Iranians have more than enough firepower to retaliate and the proof of where the Iranians were sunk would be hard to conceal. Letting the marines to be captured without was really the only option, they knew they were in the wrong.

Cam, Winnipeg, Canada

I would never have believed it but after spending over an hour reading all these comments i have to say all the Americans sound brainwashed. The majority of the comments shout one word at you. WAR!!!
We on the other hand seem to be taking this a lot more sensibly. Now it is standard practice for British ships to stay in very close proximity to any crafts they may launch. The only explanation that i can see for the ship not coming to the rescue is that those boats were in fact in Iranie territory. This is bolstered by the fact an Iraqi general states that a number of fishermen reported seeing our ships on Iranian waters. There’s also the question of why haven’t the crew from the ship been interviewed yet? The media would usually be all over them.
Now I want our boys back as much as anyone else but if we were in Iranian territory then Iran is right in holding them captive just as we would be in holding any foreign military personnel who trespassed on our land/sea.

R.Cole, Somerset,

wait a minute...i feel i may have the answer to this crisis...irans guard was quoted as saying they had " the ability to capture a bunch of blue eyed blond haired officers"....a clear case of profiling and prejudice....c'mon leftys lets hear it!!!!!! all we nedd to do is have the u.n. order thes guys to attend "sensitivity training classes", and then a month or so in "prejudice rehab, just like they do in hollywood...
wake up america , these people want all of us dead, they have told us that over and over...wait and see what happens in this country,with terrorism, when we do pull out....i firmly believe the only reason we haven't been attacked is because they don't want to unite us, like we were for a time after 9-11..they see the country protesting and the government split. all of this will "come home" after we pull out ...it will be a huge mistake.......

dennis, ny, ny

The Brits wont put up with this crap. They are very brave people, even if some disagree with being in Iraq. I am sure they will get their sailers back without compromising . I am sure that if we, the USA is asked, we will without question assist in any way possible. Thank you, Great Britain for your support ! We will support you as well.

Redneck, Lufkin, Texas

It seems some from my state of California feel that governments "have the right to investigate espionage". Surely they do - to one who is hopelessly academic and naive about the intentions of the Iranians. Do you think the arrestees will have a 'fair' trial too? I have a message for those who would never, ever fight against thugs and madmen. You were standing on the sidelines against the Nazis and against Stalin and against Mao. You will likely do the same in today's fight for humanity. The rest of us will do the work.

Damon, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA

Could someone please tell me what purpose USA/UK forces have in the middle east/Iraq. Does the local population want them? Do they provide security for all sections of the community? are they welcomed as a neutral policeman by all countries in the region? What on earth are they there for? They pose a direct threat to Iran, the language and actions of the US/UK towards Iran is overtly aggressive, do they expect the Iranians to roll over and ask them to tickle its belly? Is it not time for the US/UK to get real, get out, and give peace a chance?

Kevin Sullivan, London, UK

Personally, I am at my wits end. The U.S. has always been there for her allies whether it be militarily or monitarily. We readh deep into our pockets to take care of our own and those around the world. Yet, the world bad mouths, derides, and slams the U.S. at every opportunity. Although it isn't an option, I wish we could withdraw all military personel and all monetary funds and let everyone fend for themselves. I doub't it would take long for the citizenry of various countries to beg and plead for our help again.

Robert, Lexington, KY

I have had enough of Iran. I understand this is quite a game they are playing...attempting to create an exchange of these Brits for the Iranians we caught in Iraq. Not quite the same but they really don't care about facts. When is enough enough?
They are like children, seeing how far they can push us. And as children they need to be shown the consequences of their actions. But of course, we will be diplomatic and lose face while they gain face.

trish, annapolis , USA-Maryland

Re-inspect those merchant ships , there is something fishy on them . CAR BOMBS? Stuff in the Trunk?

They play with our oil markets,when are we going to play with the Iranian FOOD and Water markets?

What do they like to eat? Where do they get it? How would they like the street price to triple?

Do armies really travel on their stomachs?

Wont be Fooled Again, chicago, Illinois USa

This could possibly contribute to global warming and we had heard that Blair said the UK was heading it up. Trust me,,,,the French and the liberal, tree, hugg'n hippies, could never trade the environment for the souls of good men who fight for their freedom, Just imagine what that would do to the environment.

Jamie A Proud American, Fayetteville , NC

The British public, and for that matter 70% of the American people have no stomache for war. We have become weak and vulnerable peoples, who have convinced ourselves that there is nothing worth fighting for. Expect there to be long negotiations to return the sailors, the harsh rhetoric will stay off the table, and I dont expect Blair to be as bold as Jimmy Carter and send in the Marines to rescue them (which they failed miserably at during the Embassy hostage crisis).

These sailors very well could be executed; in response the British government will file a grievance with the United Nations, and then Tehran will laugh.

Joe, Norwalk, Iowa, USA

The Persians are quite clever. They know Britain is weak will never do anything beyond a few diplomatic complaints. Blair is hated at home and the populace is against him and the Iraq incursion. The Iranians know all this and are leveraging it.
The upshot is that this will result in an enormous coup for the Iranians. Britain will apologize, publicly or through back channels to get its soldiers back. Iran will crow. And the Brits will go home from Iraq with their tails between their legs. Blair's incursion into Iraq will be noted in history as the very last gasp of Britain's dead empire and its global influence. I feel sad for Britain, but it and western europe are nearly finished on the world stage as demographics prove. They had 400 good years, though.

Scott, Tulsa, USA

I do belive that could easly be a trap in order to provoke a serious conflict with the british army and other coalition forces.
I really hope than diplomacy and reason will prevail over an armed combat, many tensions going on with iran lately but I am sure then at the end we all like to live in peace and we are agree that war only bring dead and destruction and unfortunately also dirty incomes for wicked individuls the usually manipulate the situation being hidden in the rear.
Come on British I know you are too smart for fall in this dirty old trick !
Ciao

daniele balzarotti, Rome, italy

In other times.
In a fight...I fight to kill or maim you...I care not about your rehabiltation. I will not warn you if I am about to strike..I will just do it. I will not stop to survey the damage or to see if you are still breathing. I will pound on until I can no longer lift my arms.

That being said....We can live in peace..let me live my life and I'll let you live yours...THREATEN MINE or my familys and your days will be considerably shorter.

Todays world is beholden to their checking account, mortgage and Playstation......Easy picking.

Ron, Edmond, Ok

Appear to me that most of your comments today are from ill informed Americans. Strange how they feel entitled to kidnap diplomats and start wars and murder untold numbers of innocent women and children yet seem so upset at Iran defending its borders against armed agressors.

Would appear to me that they know nothing about Iran at all.

Iran has every right to arrest and detain anyone who invades thier territorial waters in an armed aggresive fashion.

Let us wait for the facts to come out first and resolve this matter peacefully.

The individuals concerned are in no immediate danger and are well trained for such eventualities.

AJ, melbourne, Victoria

Some of you are proposing really childish and irrational responses to this. I honestly don't think Iran has the sac to kill any British soldiers, that would be a death sentence to them. Most likely they will be released after some amount of time.

Honestly, proposing tactical nuclear strikes for the capture of 15 soldiers? You Drudgereport trolls are absolute idiots and are giving the USA a very bad image on a public forum.

Joe, Fairfax, VA, USA

Let's suppose the situation were reversed and Iranian Revolutionary Guards were apprehended in waters off the coast of the United States. Would we just release them? Far from it, we would probably use it as an excuse to bomb their cities! We have no more right to have troops stationed in and around Arab/Iranian lands than they have to send destroyers to patrol the coasts of Florida. As far as the nuclear issue, Middle Eastern nations have repeatedly called for a nuclear free Middle East, meaning No weapons of mass destruction in the region, meaning Israel would be required to eliminate its massive nuclear arsenal. The double standards in both cases are so glaring it is hard not to see them.

john, Minneapolis, usa/minnesota

Steve, Austin, USA,

Regan cut and ran from Lebanon. He said that he would not and then he let Casper Weinberger "Cut and Run".

So, if he were still in chage, he would very likely deal with Iran such as a la Arms for Hostages.

America needs to back BUSH and not castrate his ability to govern. The lilly livered democrats and bleeding heart ant-war crusaders will once again hamstring the US until they are themselves butchered by events a la Pearl Harbor. 9-11 was the harbinger to the attack, not the attack itself.

You will see....

Derek, Vancouver, Canada

I'm getting sick to the back teeth of having to deploy to the middle east as part of the coelition forces only to come hame and find the media and general public (all of whom have a degree in political and military history) knocking our actions and our very presence in this region.

We heard you four years ago but we are in too deep now so get on with it and back our troops. I don't care if we broke the rules or not. WESTERN SERVICE PERSONEL ARE BEING HELD BY AN ISLAMIC DICTATORSHIP! We don't leave our colleagues to rot! Diplomacy will ony hamper things. Send in a SF task force.

Gibbo, Bath,

"In Response: Will, most of us Americans see Britain as part of our family. and in America, NO ONE messes with our family. "

*has image of Auntie US squishing and trying to kiss ickle Britain cos he's grown soooo much (and ickle Britain squirming to try and get away)*

Starling, Lancaster,

To our dear, cooperative, friends in Iran. Remember the Falklands. The U.S. still has a liitle sore spot when it comes to your country taking hostages. Let's sit down and work this out. How does next Tuesday sound?

Robin E Moss, Grafton , Ohio

I am an American soldier that has already served in combat operations in Iraq. And I pray for the safety and quick release of my British bothers (and sister) being held captive by the evil Iranian regime.

Chris, Irving, TX

"Why are all the comments here by Americans? And why are they all so aggresive? I'm scared."


Well, who else is going to do anything about it?

Gary, Dayton, Ohio

I am very interested in the response England has for Iran. I hope it is a lot better than the pathetic America hating President Jimmy Carter had for our embassy. If England allows them to be placed on trial for espianage, then it will certanly set a dangerous presidence.

Glenn, San Marcos, California

The world is hopeless. I quit

Steve, Austin, USA

I wonder if Iraniens would dare to take such an action if Mr.Reagan and Mrs. Thatcher would be still in their offices.

Vasek, St.Paul, USA

Advise for Iran... Duck and Cover.

Tony, Wilmington, NC USA

Iraninan Navy? Isn't that 2 canoes and motorboat with a hole in it?

Come on England. Let's take them out!! It's about time we quit talking to these jokers and make an example out of them!

Joe, Cincinnati, USA

If the people in the US would mind only their own business, this thread would be so lovely and quiet ...

Starling, Lancaster,

"Tony Blair was of the few real brits left. "

Says the person in the US. Are you equating being British with enjoying shooting at people?

Starling, Lancaster,

The Iranians had better be careful how far they push the British. Once the Limeys are convinced of the moral correctness of their position,they tend not to hesitate or falter. As large portions of the world have witnessed at one time or another, they are ruthless and thorough in conquest. We should take a lesson.

Kevin, Seattle, Wa,USA

Hey Tony you could not be more right.

Mr Bush is president of only the U.S,A and yes, Britain and the rest of the world would be so grateful if he would only keep his business within the U.S of A.

Nonplussed , London,

If I were the British I would be angry that the UK had not already invaded Iran. I challenge Iran to take US solders. I can assure you we would already have Delta Force thier doing alittle payback.

D W, Atlanta, Indiana

There seems to be two types of UK defenders: Ones who want to get this over and done with, with no bloodshed, and ones who seem to be leaning towards force. I'm with the no bloodshed.

Frank Tan, London, UK

What's that thumping noise in St. Paul's Cathedral?
Its Nelson rolling in his grave.

As an American whose direct descendant was an officer aboard HMS Belleisle at Trafalgar, I'm simply ashamed, and somewhat humiliated.

England & the UK: Do something. Good God, start respecting yourselves, and stop being so damned French in your political views.

Peter, Orient Point, New York

I can't believe the airstrikes haven't started yet.

What is Tony Blair waiting for? The UN to write a letter to Iran?

Read what Jimmy Carter did during our hostage crisis and do the exact opposite.

JD, Chicago, IL

The British need to take care of their soldiers. It is not the job of Americans to work this out, but we should support Britian in whatever they decide. We should side with a democratic nation over a tyranny. It is irrelevant whether they were spying or not. The fact is, one of the worst regimes in the world is holding sailors of one of our allies. The British are our brothers, and blood is thicker than water. We should support them.

Patrick, Orlando,

We Americans can remember our own hostage crisis with Iran from 1979-1981. We wish you well and hope for a speedy outcome. Our own ordeal lasted far too long but it did end without war. Best wishes. Let's all hope that this will end well.

Amy, Pennsylvania, USA

I am an American citizen, and as the majority of Americans voted in our November elections, we are against an unnecessary and unsanctioned war as Bush maneuvered us into in Iraq. We are peace loving people, who are highly distraught with the worldview of us as being aggressors. However, there are causes for which the American people would rally and high on that list would be aggression towards our mother country of England. Should the Iranian seizure be unjustified, as we suspect it is, you will have our full support, both militarily and personally. God Bless the UK and the USA.

Joie McDonald, Cincinnati, OH, USA

What would John Kerry do, he was in Vietnam you know?

Lee, Tallahassee. Fl, USA/FL

so what are 15 brits doing boating near iran? i can imagine the hullabalou that would be raised if 15 iranians were motorboating near southhampton. hey blair, trade the brits for all interned iranians. isn't that what's this is all about. IRAN 1, BRITS 0...

bill martin, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

A civilized country's navy would, upon finding an intruding ship, escort that ship back across the line out of it's territorial waters with a warning. What the Iranian's have done is uncivilized and unsurprising.

Vlad, Alabama, USA

Hey, I think this is an excellent opportunity for the US to NOT get involved. It gets a little old bailing the world out of everything.

Dave, Plattsburgh, USA/NY

To our greatest friend, the Brits, we are with you! I pray for the BEST.
-An American

Doug, Dallas, TX USA

Iran is confident because they know they can call the worlds bluff. No one will lay a finger on Iran and they know it.

John, Las Vegas, USA

More chest pounding by the Persians. This will pass. However, this is more proof that the Iranians cannot be trusted with nuclear tools.

Stephen Carroll, Sarasota, FL

How come there are so many American comments, more than the UK ones? Is it to do with a tacit feeling of guilt on our part ? You all may not have noticed, but the ship being boarded was at anchor, and is an Iranian vessel, and presumably was anchored on her side of the river? Please let me have your comments now!

john bennett, worthing, w sussex uk

Now Bush has his reason... This is exactly what he wanted! A reason to go to war (by backing our british brothers)...I mean, he has too right? Doesn't he? That's why this is making such big news....I for one don't feel sorry for captured soldiers from other country's...I feel sorry for my brothers and sisters who need help here in Amercica...Take care of them first Mr. President!

Euegene Van Patten, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Well, to be very honest with you I think Brits did get inside iranian territorial waters, knowing their past history sticking their nose in somebody's business. I am really shocked that West, especially americans are so blind that they go by what the media tells them to believe. Hey, get some high quality education and get yourself educated before it's too late. We should stay out of their business, whatever happens to brits, let them take care of themselves. We have enough problem and troubles in U.S. Bush is the president of U.S., not the U.K or the world. PERIOD

tony, dallas, texas

More chest pounding by the Persians. This will pass. However, this is more proof that the Iranians cannot be trusted with nuclear tools.

Stephen Carroll, Sarasota, FL

The British non-reaction, as well as America's being harsher on its own soldiers than on the enemy, is part of the feminization of the West that will lead to its demise.

Len, Roslyn, NY

Justin in Chicago
For your info, we are the only country in the world that has used nuclear weapons against another country, and are still using them today. (Google depleted uranium)

George, Rossville , Georgia

Who do they think they're dealing with here? Jimmy Carter?

Rufus King, Sacramento, CA USA

All this is reminiscent of the USS Pueblo incident in 1968... The US spy ship made 17 incursions into N Korean waters and was captured by the N Korean navy. The US initially denied that the ship was spying ( surprise, surprise..) but eventually admitted so, the N Koreans insisting that the US wrote a letter of admission and apology.

My point is, all this may not be as it seems... How can anyone really believe what Blair's administration tells you ? Never mind Bush..

Mike, Singapore,

For Evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing...

Mick, Saint Clair, Michigan

Alan and alike thinkers, while you keep smoking whatever it is that has led you to a state of self-loathing paranoia, the Islamic movement will knock on your door, or the door of your children and grandchildren one day, and you wouldn't even remember you once had something called Great Britain.

J. Alejandro, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Kim from London,
It's YOUR prevelant British attitude of the day that led the Iranians to do this act because they knew they could get away with it without repercutions. You have not respect from the Muslim world, but rather disdain and a belief that you are fools that can be walked on, as Iran is trying to prove now.
The UK needs to get their stiff upper lip back and tell Iran if the sailors are not released in 24 hours, then Iran loses its navy.

Jason, Dallas, USA

From what I read; it seems as though not much has changed from the days of the Barbary Pirates or the Nazi aggression........many are willing to negotiate with people that are thugs or killers in order to avoid dealing with the dirty job that someone will have to do someday. How do you strike a compromise with people that want you dead?

Paul, McKean, USA

It's time for nancy Pellosi and harry reid to go give that amaddinejad a good talking to! I hope THEY aren't held hostage. They should show the bushies how it's done with diplomacy. Lead by example.

Dennis, Loveland, Colorado, USA

Strange situation. I don't understand an unofficial ultimatum.They had to held US citizenry.But they are well informed about american's mentality. It's good that GB goverment shows their intellect. Another war will bear losses for all its participants.

Khamidullin Radik, Kazan(Moscow), Russia

Remember when Saddam took Brits hostage? And remember what happened to him and his country? 'Nuff said.

ianr, London, UK

How much are the Iranians going to do before the world wakes up....Back in the old days-this would be war...I think it is time for the rest of the world to deal with a few countries who are causing problems....If Iran is truly interested in joining the rest of the world in peace-they need to act like it. Capturing soldiers is not peaceful.

mjones, alexandria, va/USA

If the British want to be taken seriously give Iran 72 hours to free the Marines or tell them war will be declared.

rod, palm beach, united states

Scare tactics by the Iranians should not deter the West, but the actions by the Democrats in Congress show this country as weak and ready to succomb to force, legal or illegal.

R. Kisch, Rock Island, Illinois

What would the Soviets have done?

Sasha, Upstate New York, USA

Why are all the comments here by Americans? And why are they all so aggresive? I'm scared.

Will, London,

In Response: Will, most of us Americans see Britain as part of our family. and in America, NO ONE messes with our family.

John, Cedar Rapids, Iowa/USA

wow... one would almost forget that...oh wait... this is a message board about Iranians illegally abducting British soldiers. For once, America has nothing to do with it. Its pretty rediculous how off topic some of these are. What does this have to do with oil? As near as I can tell, Iran violated Iraqi territorial waters and commited an act of war. This seems to be between England and Iran. I mean, yes, its prett disgusting how the only people who care about British soldiers seem to be Americans, but what are you going to do? If England wants us to bomb something, they know where to find us.

Robert, San Francisco, USA

I see plenty of Americans responding, but few Brits. British opinion is also against us in Iraq. Tony Blair was of the few real brits left.
So, let britain deal with their own problems. Maybe they'll find some backbone amongst their general public with this event. But, I doubt it.

S, Hazleton, USA

Ok ok the Americans and the Brits are holding 30 million Iraqui hostages in an illegal invation . Ok they have been responsible for lets say oh about 1 million deaths and 3 million displaced people and this is next door to yes Iran .so if the Iranians get just a bit nervous about their border , they should be vilified as some sort of maniacs by all you justice seeking humane , logical ,propagandized sheep. War is peace ,peace is war .Question from theUSA how did our oil get under their sand?

Tongberg, bahamas,

It appears that the hostage taking occured because of a tactical failure by the Navy. The boarding parties should have been protected by a guard vessel between Iranian waters and the ship under investigation. HMS Cornwall should also have launched its helicopter, as a matter of routine, to protect the vulnerable sailors and marines.
As we saw in Lebanon, when military personnel are kidnapped, that is an act of war. The appropriate message from the UK government would be a private ultimatum to Iran to return the hostages within 12 hours or face the consequences. This means military action - presumably there is a contingency plan. This is a crisis but it is also an opportunity.

Brit, Vienna,

It's time our representatives in this spineless congress,come to the realization that radical Islam will bury us if we continue down the path of appeasement. Wherever this goes,we need to get it done with full and unconditional support for our British brothers.

kent, sand springs, ok

What would PM Thatcher have done??? I hope PM Blair looks back at history and acts as she did.
God be with the British troops being held by Iran and I pray for their safe return.

Ken Babbitt, Orland, NORTHERN California USA!

Diplomacy got you into this mess. Talking like women when you should be acting like men. Diplomacy doesn't work when one side is cowardly and the other side is evil.

Martin, Idaho, USA

Rattle those sabres. It won't be your sons and daughters dying. So few Americans have family members in uniform but are ready to send others to die at the drop of a hat. Even the conservative portion of the American media describe the American military as in serious trouble, having been abused and overstretched by this band of neo-con fascists in Washington. Try reading history and some economics. This is all about Oil and the international corporations that control it. This is a serious incident but it is tied to the bigger mess the UK and the US are in. Yes, this could be the the Archduke Ferdinand event if we respond as insanely as the world did in 1914.

Tim, Terre Haute,

For all of you accusing all Americans of being war mongers. Get a life and get a clue. Even if our government made a monumental mistake in entering Iraq, that does not bear a reasonable excuse for Iran's behavior. They are not interested in diplomacy. By now that track record ought to be evident. The world (UN) keeps shaking its finger and scolding Iran, but nothing changes. It's like threatening a child with punishment and not following up, it only serves to make them more defiant. They are about to make examples of 15 British soldiers. Whats wrong with Americans saying that we support the British and that we're willing back them up? Iran is a rouge state that is acting like one and deserves to be treated as one. Who really WANTS war? Still, Iran has operated in defiance of the world with no consequences and they keep showing a willingness to escalate. You cannot bury your head in the sand on this one. Avoiding war would be the ideal. Still, it's time to apply some stern pressure.

Jeff, McPherson, USA

dont worry brits. we stand by you, despite the crybaby left leaning liberals in our country.there is a silent majority that knows we have to stand up and confront this clown in iran. problem is the news media would sell there own mother down the river if they had to. pressure on iran is the only way! they need to be chopped down to size.its like a cancer. nip it in the bud or it will spread!

jkay, nyc, ny

I find it disgusting that some American people could side with the Iranians. They (Iran) are masters of subterfuge and are using this for their own evil purposes. They have done this before - 2004 - and were lying then just as they are now. I think a portion of the American population hates Bush so bad that they would rather sympathize with terrorist nations than to support their own country. I think if these servicemen are charged, western powers should engage in decisive military action, something that will ultimately have to be done anyway.

Ryan Rumpf, Perrysburg, Ohio

Maybe now Brits will forget about cutting and running and think about getting it on in Iran....now or later it is inevitable that we go to war with these fanatics.

Bowman, Madeira Beach, FL

It would be best to simply say "good-bye" to all these soldiers. Britain will never get them back, because it will take either war or a hostage-return deal with the 5 Iranian spies held by America.

steve miller, seattle, usa

It's a shame how the mighty British Navy has withered down to barely more than a Coast Guard. The plan to mothball 1/3 of the fleet and depend on the EU will have serious negative consequences and it is already starting. The thought of the once powerful Navy reduced to asking for their sailors back is so sad and degrading. The British Navy has been defeated from within and is going down without a fight or even a shot being fired.

A.G., New York, USA

I don't think the Brits have much to worry about until of unless the Iranians say that the marines are really 'enemy combatants', that they are being flown by 'extraordinary rendition' to another country for better 'in-depth interrogation', and that the Iranian President, following the norms of his US counterpart, has his Justice Department reviewing whether the 'Geneva Accord applies' in this particular case.

Alan MacDonald, Sanford, Maine, US

Why do so many express surprise? The Iranians probably believe that thier Guards were taken unfairly. Now the British are concerned that their personnel were taken unfairly. As is often the case...there will be a trade of prisoners of some sort, after negotiations. I actually blame the senior British officers for putting their men in harm's way and allowing them to be used as pawns. Wise up...there is a war going on!

Joe Scaccia, Pasadena, USA, California

I think Iran is being pretty stupid if they think that we are going to hand over their 'people'. We have a long history of dealing with terrorists demanding the release of 'their people' and we never give in. I would not be happy if the government did that, it would just give rise to other terrorists kidnapping 'our people' and demanding all sorts.

The only solution to this situation, I feel, is for our toughest negotiators to go there and try and get some kind of dialogue going whilst making it clear that we will not give into their demands. Failing that, I can't see what else we can do other than do what the Iranians want, which is to go and get them by force which would start a war.

Kim, London, England

This is outrageous and shows just how bankrupt the Iranian regime is. Abducting uniformed servicemen and trying them for espionage is tantamount to an act of war. Bush will not release the Rev Guard guys to increase the tensions in the situation. Iran has no cover, and no one will support it in the end.

pk, charles town, wv/usa

The Navy were searching for Iranian Secret Arms shippments for the Irqai opposition; which if found could have led to their kidnapping.

Dawn, Palm Beach, USA/FL

Soldiers in proper uniform, no matter where arrested, are not "spies" under the Geneva convention.

But that is of no moment to madmen.

This is an act of war.

Iran's leaders clearly want a fight.

The West's only choice may be when.

Steve, Dalton, US

The Americans attitude on this board is not surprising. They are an aggressive nation which has won them, not respect or fear, but immense and murderous hatred from so many other nations.

'Go'America' and make even more enemies than you already have. Soon you will not be the superpower of the world (China is set to take that crown) and then where will you be?

Kim, London, England

You're right Piggy Kruger. We learned from dealing with the NAZIs that is best not to disturb them......

"I smell a whiff of appeasement."
--Margaret Thatcher

M. Fernandez, San Francisco,

I am amazed at the number of reactions from America and the paucity of reactions from the UK.

Did you lose too many of your best in l940?

People in the streets of my small rural southern town want our troops to come home and defend our borders. We have hispanic gangs in our rural community and lock our doors in the daytime for the first time in our history.

Time the US stopped paying the price in debt and lives and let Europeans pay the cost of their defence. Of course, you may have to give up the nanny state and go to work instead of to welfare. Families may even have to pay out of pocket for milk and babies. Or maybe not. Just learn Arabic so you can read the Koran without a translation.

joyce wilson, Douglas, Ga US

I think the sailors and marines showed remarkable restraint, demonstrating their professionalism. Opening fire would have turned this into god knows what. The British know this and will do all they can before resorting to pulling a trigger.
Iran are doing this as a response to the UN sanction decision. They act like a spoilt child, but it does them no good in the international arena. They are playing to their own internal audience.

Brit Expat, Houston, Tx, USA

HMS Cornwall who these people came from should have been monitoring the situation and never allowed them to be captured. It has more weaponry & fire power than a few Iranian gunboats. I would have also thought that the 15 marines & sailors would have put up some sort of evasion manoevre and perhaps use their weapons in their own defence. Why else have they got their weapons. Between their own endeavours backed up by HMS Cornwall I'm sure they could have seen off a few dozen Iranians. Anyway, now that they have been taken prisoner, what are we & our allies going to do about it - something needs to be done quickly. Go in after them using whatever force it takes. We've got our forces there after all. Oh yes & sort out the nuclear outrage too. The longer the Iranians are alowed to get away with their nuclear warmongery programme the harder things will be to get sorted out. Saddam Hussain was left too long & look what a mess that has turned out to be. We should stop pussyfooting around

michael pickles, bournemouth, England

It's very encouraging to read the vast majority of comment from the USA being supportive of the UK. We know who our friends are, and in spite of the fall-out from Iraq, it is time we stopped letting these lunatic Islamicists tweak our tail. It would be so easy to level Tehran to a ball-park - which is ultimately what Iran hopes covert terrorists will effect eventually in London - but we are held back by civilised values. It is not the Iranian bomb that matters - it is the opening of a route to international terrorism to do their work for them, at the same time presenting no target. That is the chilling reality. Thank you USA.

Bill Hosking, London , UK

The postings from Americans ('they need to be made to fear us once again" etc) sound eerily similar to the fundamentalist nonsense coming out of Iran. Our American friends have never got over the Carter period and the hostage-taking then. I suspect that none of the American posters here have ever been remotely near a battlefield, nor have anything beyond a minimal education. They do a dis-service to the majority of Americans, my friends and neighbours, who are appalled at how the current Bush administration has got us into this embarrassing mess. On 9/11 we had the whole world on our side; thanks to Bush and his cronies (and the sort of Americans who posted above) we've lost it all.

Pete, Seattle, WA, USA

Where is the outrage! This is a direct act of defiance towards the international community. What are we waiting for a public executiI on of our British friends? Perhaps we should rethink the concept of creating a middle eastern glass parking lot!

A R White, Lancaster, US

How is it even conceivable that British troops would even allow themselves to be ARRESTED while perfoming their mission?!! This is preposterous. Why even give your soldiers weapons if they will allow themslves to be just taken hostage by some Third World upstarts, without shot being fired. Nevermind the fact that the British fregate did not lift a finger to help them...
There should be a full inquiry into cowardly behaviour of these men before we can even talk about any sort of response.

Maksim , Brooklyn, USA

As an American I am sorry you don't like us, but as my father fought and died to liberate your Island, and I grew up without him, I can only say good-by. Leave us along and quit coming here.

tk, Scottsdale, USA

My question is; Why were these men so far away from their ship that this could happen in the first place? It appears to have been known they would possible be in danger from Iranian forces that were known to be in the area, so why weren't they given covering protection? If the HMS Cornwall wasn't close enough to have intercepted the Iranian ships, aircraft could certainly have been launched. Our troops must be protected at all costs, to include the sinking of Iranian ships in Iranian waters, if necessary.

Dick Smith, Indianapolis, IN USA

End this evil regime now, please. US and UK can eliminate it in about 6 weeks. It is pure foolishness to tolerate such blantant aggression. Do It Now.

lonnie, terrell, Texas

They were not "arrested" as the Iranians say, they were kidnapped just like the Israeli soldiers were.

KENT, Rock Creek, Canada

All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men (and women) to do nothing. The people of the UK must support their armed forces, or they, the people of the UK, will be forever under seige.

KP, Miami, FL, USA

The Americans or the British people are afraid of Tehran and have been so for 34 years. This wouldn't have happened in the old days.

Melvin Leigh Leppla, Jacksonville, NC

Once these prisoners are released there should be serious attention paid to rules of engagement with these merchants. Bargains such as will have to be struck here cannot be much longer tolerated. Oops, sorry, I keeep forgetting that the Brits are Europeans now. OK, just make nice.

John Lowbridge, Madisonville, KY, USA

Britain should demand the immediate release of their service personnel. If Iran refuses, Great Britain should sink every Iranian ship in the Gulf. They have the ability, but I doubt they have the fortitude.

BLH, Chino Hills , California

What happen to the days when a country does something like this that the British would act. The west is being bullied and are scared to confront the east. It seems the east can do what ever they want and if the west responds our own people say we are wrong. No wonder they laugh at the west and call us weak...they are right.. might as well buy a prayer blanket your gonna need it.

john doe, fort worth, texas

If Prime Minister Tony Blair has any stones at all, he will inform Tehran that if the UK sailors and marines being held hostage are not released immediately, that it shall be considered an act of war, and the UK should commence to sinking the Iranian Navy for starters. If Mr. Blair is unable to rise to the occasion, perhaps he should step aside and let former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher lead the way, after all - she responded to the Argentine aggression against the Falklands in the proper way, recaptured the Islands, and restored the honor of the U.K. Iran is 10 times the menace that Argentina was, how can less of a response be justified? If it is war Iran wants, give it to them! Would Sir Winston Churchill stand idly by and let those sailors and marines rot in Tehran? I should think not!!!

Marc McIntosh, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada

It is time for the BRITISH to have the resolve that MARGARET THATCHER exhibited in the 'FALKLANDS CONFLICT'!!! IRAN should be told in no uncertain way that BRITAIN will not tolerate this provocation and will react with force if their personnel are not released immediately!!! Where is the character/bravery that made BRITAIN agreat world powere??? Or did it pass away with the demise of WINSTON CHURCHILL???

Zyskandar A Jaimot, Orlando, U.S.A.

Perhaps it's time to quit playing pussyfoot with Iran.

dlbarber, Crisfield, Maryland, USA

It kind of makes one wonder who's in charge at the highest levels in Iran. If the more rationally inclined have abandoned reason or have kowtowed to the military, then all hope is lost and Iran will indeed have to be dealt with militarily. A militaristic Iran which possesses nuclear weapons is a situation which, from a western perspective, is untenable regardless of Iranian assurances of peaceful intent. The fact that British sailors have been seized indicates that Iran is not acting rationally nor in the interest of regional stability. The fact that the sailors have not been immediately returned indicates that the current government is a willing accomplice or is incapable of governing its own military. Such a situation is at the least, dangerous, at \worst, provocative. Iran cannot save face in this situation, nor should it try. Iran's irrational behavior only serves to bolster the U.N.'s decisions to sanction it. Maybe more sanctions are in order before the bombing begins.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

OK Dems, what should we do? Redeploy home and wish for the best?

Adrian , Santa Cruz, CA

The same guys who humiliated Jimmy Carter think the world has gone into a slumber since 1979, and they can get away with this again. Blair should announce British forces will blow up Iran's only gas refinery if his guys are not released within 72 hours. Bush should say he supports Blair. That's what Maggie Thatcher did with the Argentines.

John Day, Fort Lauderdale, Fl

I am confident that Iran will try these sailors for espionage, and out of that will trigger the next third world war. Iran has made its decision, and makes its decisions. Now it is time for us to unite together once more and show the Iranian people that we will not be terrorized or blackmailed. Release our allies, or face destructive concequences.

P. Childs, Barrie, CANADA

Were the 15 British sailors on their own when taken captives by the Iranians? Were there no other British Boats in the vicinity? If theirs was not the only boat, why did not the British stop the Iranians or even took control of the Iranians and brought them back to Iraq? I am unable to understand what is going on with our Forces there? Can someone explain?????!!!!

S Shariff, London,

I see from the anger and vitriol that the plan is working perfectly. It seems that soon the American people will be accepting of another war which further erodes their armed forces and economy.

The three largest threats to the US are the Federal Reserve, The Neocons and the housing bubble. Iran is nothing next to those.

Stephen Coulson, Vancouver, Canada/BC

The desperation and sweat of the Persians is starting to show. They do not deserve to have nukes as far as I see it. They are a reactionary, hyper-emotional people, with a knee-jerk view of the world and the people in it. The racism they espouse is unmatched by any government in the world.

Time to take them out.

christopher, palm beach , Florida

But for Gerald Ford, Ahmadinijad could be history. The majority of Iranians would like to see him gone but the executive order signed by Ford prevents our CIA from having any role in the assassination of a foreign head of state. Too bad. Some people just need o be killed. Jimmy Carter pulled the carpet from under the Shah with no consideration of the consequences then failed to react quickly and positively when our embassy was seized. Militant Islamists then had their way with us until 9-11. This is a war against infidels folks and if you are not a Muslim you are an infidel. Don't expect any assistance from the US as long as our Congress is controlled by the incumbents. They have no stomach for conflict under any circumstances and without support from Congress, our president's hands are pretty much tied.

Ben Harding, Warner Robins, GA/USA

The blame for the outcome of this situation lays with the Royal Navy. This was a dangerous mission that the sailors and marines were given and their backs should have been protected. A true disappointment of a very powerful nation, sorry to say!

lenny, Queens, USA

One of Iran's purposes may be to drive a wedge between the U.S., holding Iranian terrorists and genuine spies, and the U.K., seeking return of her personnel. Of course, no deal should be entertained and the demand for return should remain non-negotiable. Once again, the wildly and dangerously unpredictable Iranians have proved why at all costs they must be denied nuclear weapons.
Gregory Baxter-Smith, Springfield, MO, USA

Gregory Baxter-Smith, Springfield, , MO, USA

Well they should not have entered Iranian waters. This is such a huge problem and it cause me to wonder if the Brits/Americans did this on purpose to engage Iran in a war. As sad as it is for the captured soldiers- if the shoes were on the other foot and we captured Iranians in American or British waters they would most likely be tortured- sent to Guantanamo or worse. Why should the world expect anything less. Arrogance costs the lives of innocent men.

Darrell, Beverly Hills, USA/California

I think PM Blair is handling this well, giving diplomacy a chance to work.

If the Iranian government kidnapped the British sailors in hope of exhanging them for the terrorist they funded I hope that the British government will not allow that plan to succeed.

The Iranian regeime has a history of kidnapping people as the US learned in 1980

Bob daniel, Huntington Beach, Ca

One has to wonder if the Iranians don't have their own Bush in power, and whether they realise just how inadvisable it is to kidnap the soldier of other nations because your own operatives were captured in another country. It's the perfect excuse for Western powers to engage in decisive military action against the Iranians.

Rob Francis, Amsterdam,

How far the Great Brittish have fallen, to have allowed this unprecidented act of aggresion to occur and still have Tehran standing proud. The rogues within Iran that have captured and humiliated those proud English servicemen are laughing at you and your nations inaction!

An act of aggresaion such as this must be met in kind, with unyielding force to retrieve your countrymen, and teach a lesson of temperance to Iran. Lest they do this again!

Christian, Zurich, CH

....time to stand up and fight !.....i fear that it will reach our shoures this time, a much needed wake up call for many..........i for one enjoy the fact that we have a pres with a backbone for a change !

jeff, el reno, OK.

It's too bad that our military resources are exhausted in a sham war against a country that never posed a threat close to the Iranian one.

All of you calling for WAR might have gotten your way if you didn't make the same cries 4-5 years ago. Anybody slightly informed will tell you we don't have the resources to go toe to toe with Iran on their turf while holding down Iraq.

Josh, Austin, TX

Up with this we shall not put!
A recasting of the order of things is in order..

Leo Mallard, Chesapeake Beach, MD/USA

My, aren't we all testosterone-driven.

So, who's going to join the army then?

Didn't think so.

Is no-one wondering wheter Iran is this confident because they can actually shoot back? Maybe they're a teensy bit further on the nuclear front than we think?

Starling, Lancaster,

Rule Britannia! Britannia rules the waves?

Earl Dille, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

"America and all its allies can have Nuclear weapons no prob, but no one else can!
Who gives america the Right to posses such weapons - above any other country?"
Grimuls, Manchester/Jamaica,

Umm...think a little more before you comment. Read your nuclear nonproliferation treaties. there is a consensus that if you don't have nukes now you dont get to have them. the nuclear powers have also been steadily decreasing their arsenals since the Cold War. america isn't the only country with them. also: we don't use ours. nutso little iranian napolean will.
odds are they were not in Iranian waters. Iran is pissed off because of the sanctions and are acting like an animal backed into a corner. Even russia and china went along with these rounds of sanctions.

Justin, Chicago, IL

This incident should not have happened - this way. These sailors should have been protected by a warship in range, especially when operating near a bunch of nutcase outlaws like the Iranians, and not having one nearby was strategic stupidity. Now the barbarians have innocent hostages to trade, instead of being blown out of the water.. Where, oh where, is the Iron Lady?!

Wes , San Diego, USA

Good Luck on your own UK, I am betting the new liberal congress wont let us do much to help, the cowardly hippies. Better hope the President is willing to do something on his own, because Iran wont budge without the US military flexing its muscle behind you.

JAJ, Cartersville, USA

DJ, in the late '70s the Iranians kept the US Embassy staff in Teheran hostage. The embassy staff was covered by dimplomatic immunity but it didn't help. Maybe learning some history will help not go out there as cowboys.

ms, london,

Back in 1980 the SAS sorted out the Iranians (Embassy Siege) so lets do it again before they develop their Nuclear bomb or else it will be to late. I think one of out trident submarines should move into the gulf and realy see if they fancy the nuclear option...

Andy, Feltham, England

Why are all the comments here by Americans? And why are they all so aggresive? I'm scared.

Will, London,

Alan Hoare's implication that the capture of the UK troops
was a conspiracy hatched by Bush and Blair defies rationality. This is typical European pablum. He should be
more concerned about England's future. I read that more
UK babies are named Mohammed that George, Charles,
etc.

Wayne , Plano, USA

Its obvious this is an attempt to test the West to see what happens, and to try and divide an alliance. There is a reason they kidnapped Royal Marines, its to trade for Iranians WE arrested. knowing out policy not to negotiate with terrorists, this is a sure fire attempt to divide the UK and the US, when in reality, it will unite them even more. We stand ready to do what is necessary for you, as you have done for us. No more smoke and mirrors, its time for action.

Mike, Laurence Harbor, NJ

Yes, where was HMS Cornwall? A great warship.

What about force protection? How could they abandon thier shipmates.

Britain rules the waves?

Pray for the sailors & Royal Marines.

Your American cousin, to the "mother" country, grow some b...., we stand beside you, shoulder to shoulder.

- Steve from CT, USA

Steve , Branford, CT, USA

When, post 9-11, the US blindfolded captured terrorists (whose m.o. includes in-air hijackings) during transportation flights most of Europe howled in outrage. When Iran blindfolds kidnapped UK soldiers and threatens them with execution, a substantial portion of the UK posters excuse the real rogue state and, of course, blame the USA or the UK. A self-loathing society cannot survive if it will not defend itself.

Pete, St. Marys, Georgia USA

Well, the real question is how much does Nelson need to roll in his grave before action is taken? If Britain lets this stand, she will loose her soul.

Joseph, Washington, USA

hey tom you were there doing what britain has done for hundreds of years, protect their interests around the globe. ifthe british navy was operating in accordance with international law iran had no rith to capture the 15 servicemen. you seem to have lost your backbone at a time when it is most needed. certainly not in line with a courageous history of your nation.

jerry, kingsland, usa, ga

Does anyone know what time it is? It's time for a regime change... this time I'm all for it.
I say we "wander" right over the Iranian border, "capture" about 2 dozen of their solders, and march them right back into Iraq - of course then we can be reasonable and suggest a trade. Oh and once those 15 British soldiers are back in relative safety, send in a few tactical nukes.

Mike, Massachusetts, USA

Let's not do anything hasty. Let's conduct an inquiry and get the facts. Were the Brits or were they not in Iranian waters. Then our politicians, who always seek to protect us, can discuss just what lavish concessions and apologies Iran can be offered. Of course by then, Iran will probably have executed the Brits but that's a small price to pay really in maintaining the fragile peace in the region.

If this boneheaded approach is taken, it guarantees it will happen again and again and again.

And isn't that what most of us expect?

K. Rafferty, Santa Ynez, USA

This is a clear warning to all of us in the free world especially the US and Europe. If Iran feels that it can act this way without nuclear weapons, just imagine the Revolutionary Guard with them. Remember, they don't always answer to Tehran but will be emboldenend as the west continues to act soft. Iran will have such weapons in somewhere between a year and 6 years.

PAUL CHARLES, Charleston, charleston/sc

Iran needs to be dealt with now. Please, nations of the world, do not walk away from dealing with Iran. Do not just leave it to the US.

Steven Newman, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

How did the british navy even allow iranian boats so close ?

tom, anaheim,

Another example of the mad men running Iran. This is not a Bush thing or a Blair thing , it comes down to right and wrong. Punish Iran now. We are behind you UK.

Mark White, Pittsburgh, Pa. , USA

I don't understand why there was no shooting. What were the UK troops thinking? "Well gee, maybe it's OK for Iranians to take our guns and hold us prisoner?" And if they had no chance to protect themselves, if surrender was the only way for them to stay alive, then someone should lose his job for putting them in that position.

Ross, USA,

Please also remember everyone, these are the people who made "satirical cartoons" about the Holocaust. The equivalent to that would be cartoons about Bosnia.

They're not the only Moslems to do that - the same attitude is found in the UK and across Europe.

But what it does is give a more expanded context to what we are facing, in ideological and moral terms, whether its in civil, diplomatic or possibly military action. Whatever action it is, these people are profoundly and pathologically unpleasant.

Joe, Manchester,

Maybe, just maybe, the British were in Iranian waters. It wouldn't be the first time the Ministry of Defence has lied. Besides, good luck to Ahmadinejad in standing up to the UN. It is only a tool of the belligerent west, anyway. He knows that if Saddam had aquired the bomb, the coalition would never have invaded Iraq and caused untold misery for millions (raping Iraqi schoolgirls, murdering and torturing civillians, etc.). He is a necesssary regional counterweight to imperiallist aggression.

Steve, London, UK

I'm very confused. Why haven't the liberals found a way to blame Bush and the US for this yet? It will, of course, come down to that. And the US will be cast as the villain if it does not grab its ankles and agree to a swap for the Iranian revolutionary guards. Rather than do that, I agree with those who call for coordinated decisive action by the UK and US.

Tom Jacobs, Derby, KS, USA

Does anyone commenting on this actually KNOW where the ship was? What if it WAS in Iranian waters - what would you have done if you found an Iranian boat illegally in our waters?

Chris, Dorset, England

I'm sure many people have considered that this situation could escalate very quickly. It is time to put the lives of these servicemen first, rather than to save face if a mistake has been made.

Dave, Gosport, UK

Lets be seriours here.. this isnt a "British soldiers are weak" thing. Its an "Iran is crazy" thing. Lets not blame the good guys.

Matt, Akron, Ohio, US

If you read between the line, this is a well planned aggression by Iran. They themselves are saying that the Brits made an "illegal entry" and they "confessed their mistakes". So if the Iranian acknowledged that the Brits made "mistakes" why would they untangle the technical issues and release them? They won't.
This is the same tactics that works for them. Remember the capture of Israeli soldiers by Hisbolla? Brits, get your act together and respond fast. They will be paraded soon in the streets of Tehran.

Ric, McAllen/TX,

OK, now let's review this.

1. Iranians nabbed Brits in Iraqi waters, and forced them into Iranian waters.

2. Now they are being held captive and charged with spying on Iran.

3. Isn't that considered an act of war? I'm pretty sure it used to be considered an act of war, but no doubt there is just some simple misunderstanding here.

4. Ain't no misunderstanding here. So what are you Brits gonna do?

Cowgirl, Texas, USA

I wonder what Margaret Thatcher would do? Oh yes, she would DO SOMETHING rather than "jaw jaw" Remember the Falklands.

Richard, Milwaukee,

This generation of public and leaders is beginning to stink of the cowardice and naivety we have learned to associate with Chamberlain and his pre WW2 appeasement.

As much as people want the world to live quiet, non aggressive lives, we have to be bold enough to know where to draw the line. Yes, we may not have been 100% correct on Iraq, but that's no reason to shy away from our responsibilities. We do have to be bold enough to realize that Iran is a genuine threat. Kidnapping British sailors, threatening neighboring countries with annihilation is cause enough for concern to do more than just talk. We are the generation that have knows war, but not war with the moral significance that our grandparents knew. We should have our eyes wide open to the knowledge that an Iranian Hitler, could slip in through the back door because we were too busy wishing for a quite life and pinning blame on Mr Blair for the Iraq episode.

H. Piggeldy, Reading, England

All politics aside, thats our closest allies being detained in Iran. I hope that we (usa) are doing everything possible to get our friends back. I personaly dont care if it sparks a war....bound to happen eventualy anyway. I bet even our liberal democrats are privately stretching thier trigger fingers as I post this.

chad, denver, co

Let's try the nation of Iran for sending "Insurgents" into Iraq. A constant stream of Insurgents.

Bandido, Tomball, Texas

Europe better wake up to the fact that islamist terror regimes and their followers consider themselves to be at war with the west. And THIS is an act of war that should be met with more than a "strongly worded letter" from some bureaucrat.

Tony Conigliaro, Boston, Mass, USA

The technical point is mute. None of the parties (UK or Iran) can prove beyond any doubt the past position of a vessel at sea. The GPS data can be forged by both sides. The only thing we can be sure of is that they were close, may be too close. This can be interpreted, especially in the current situation, as provocation or even worse espionnage. The possibility of a swap of 5 Iranian diplomats for 15 British sailors does not seem moraly valid because the two incidents are distinct and the present situation would not have a solution if no Iranians had been previously captured. The British government should offer an apology to the Iranian government unless the Iranians have irrefutable proofs that espionage took place (in which case they should be tried).

Eric Ferre, Carbondale, USA, Illinois

This is Iran's way of blackmailing the British and Americans to get back the Iranians taken hostage in December as well as exhibiting their fury at the new sanctions the UN has just voted on against them.

Carolyn Widmer, Jefferson, Georgia, USofA

Give Peace a chance!

Hopefully Britain and the US will jointly issue a peace offering giving the leaders of Iran 12 hours to release the 15 hostages unharmed.

Also advise the citizens of Tehran to vacate the capital city as soon as possible, just in case Ahmad-did-a-job, Ayatolah Follow-the-money, and all radical clerics become bombing targets exactly 12 hours and one second later if the offer for peace is ignored.

Dave Olejnik, Hamilton, ON. Canada

This is 1979 all over again.Will Britain (and the U.S. fold?) Or will they show some nerve?Iran is a rogue nation(see above article where they say they will "capture a bunch of blue-eyed blond haired officers and feed them to our fighting cocks".Wouldn't this be classified as a racist statement?They'll get a p.c. pass by both Britain and the U.S. I'm afraid.We need a Roosevelt and a Churchill to stand up for what is right.

Ed Nickels, Mayking,Ky,, USA-Kentucky

Hm.. it seems like this might be misstep for Iran. England was getting ready to pullout of Iraq and that area.
Will this be enough to put them back in the game?

Rhys, Reston, VA/USA

I wonder if the Israeli response to captured troops is appropriate in this case as well. The Iranians supposedly remarked that if they had known Israel would attack so ferociously that they would not have kidnapped the soldier.

C. Van Milligen, Uitca, USA/ Kentucky

For the reader the problem is who to believe. In the Middle East USA & UK has an unenviable record of giving information that with time was proved to be just lies. Iran for us, is an enemy nation and our natural reaction is not to believe them.
UK goverment should try to approach Iran respectfully and try to get these unfortunate misguided pawns is big chessgame released. They should not be left there to suffer to save the pride of our self centered politicians,

Suresh Kumar, London, uk

This is Iran's way of bolstering their standing in the Middle East by challenging the West. Same is true of thier Nuclear Program. Britain may need to directly confront the Iranians... with measured force if necessary.

Jim, Los Angeles, CA

Why on earth do you people feel the need to establish relations with a country that time and again proves it has utterly no regard for international norms. That regime has previously taken troops prisoner and threatened to try and execute them - and at the time the UK was trying to be friends with them! Friendship accomplishes a lot doesn't it. Your very foolish leadership will cost you dearly as many of you realize now.

James Callahan, Los Angeles, California

When will Europe finally realize there are madmen afoot? After these poor Brits are executed on Al Jazeera?

Kyle Coppola, NEW YORK, New York

Just an American offering my two cents. Britain shouldn't stand for this. By kidnapping these sailors, Iran is displaying the roguish deeply irresponsible behavior that the international community has routinely had to sanction it for.

Britain needs to stand up for its sovereignty and enforce the rule of international law.

Robert, Manchester, NH

Sadly the UK did not respond immediately when they saw UK Navy boats coming under attack. An attack on the boats was the same legally as an attack on England. The Iranians will never learn if the world continues to allow them to attack soverign nations as they did when they attacked the US embassey. Interestingly it was the same group which attacked our embassey that is responsible for the attack on the UK forces.

Ray Vaselich, Lorton, Virginia

This is what happens when you try to appease a totalitarian eschatological regime. Let’s remember what Churchill said in 1940: "Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, that the crocodile will eat him last"

Mladen Andrijasevic , Beer Sheva , Israel

Since the British were operating under a UN Mandate, this is an act of agression against the UN, not just Britian. Therefore, the UN as a body must inform the Iran government that enough is enough. Return the soldiers immediately or be put into total isolation with no trade of any kind, no travel, no embassy officials in any country, and certainly no nuclear facilities. Allow them 24 hours to return the soldiers or these sanctions go into effect immediately. Let´s see what happens when the Iranian people have no food to eat, cannot travel, have no access to other countries including Iraq. It is time for the entire world to stand up and be counted as behind the stopping of rogue nations.

Gene, Gebüg, Germany

To those who’d set Rambo loose to do his thing – cave man stuff isn’t the answer at times like these. Aren’t there enough ill considerer actions underway at the moment.
The Brits will do it their way.

John, Dublin, Ireland

The U.S. media is very forgiving of this. Just as when our female pows were tortured and raped in the Gulf War. Not a word about those atrocities and soon forgotten.

Roger L. Cox, New Port Richey, U.S.A./Florida

Funny how all this saber-rattling is coming from American armchair generals, safely away from the battleground, whereas the captured soldiers are British.

Robert Marchenoir, Paris,

It is the Iranians that should be worried. The U.S., Iraq, the U.N., and now the U.K. among a long list of countries that can do Iran some serious damage.
.. Not to mention the Israeli's who have a itchy finger, and can cause Iran some considerable damage conventionally and more options.
Iran have a death wish?

Terry Mathis, Goulburn, Australia NSW

there is a war coming. we can sit and wait if we'd like. we can delay the fighting for some time. but fight it we will. this, more than then ever before, will require our greatest generation...

Kian, New Brunswick, New Jersey

I certainly hope that on this occasion we have a plan of action and are not just going to sit back and be sorry, Mr Blair has now got to show us what he is made of and quickly to secure the safe return of our sailors & marines .

Donna, Yorkshire, England

If the english had any courage, they'd give the iranians 24 hours to release the fifteen or england would declare war. However, its been many years since england had that kind of courage.

larry rivetz, los angeles, ca.usa

How in the world could this have happened again? Especially with all the warning signs about a kidnapping being openly discussed by Iran. Why would these men be found so far from their ship when this only happend 2 years ago. Frankly inexcusable.

PAUL CHARLES, Charleston, charleston/sc

Think Israel might handle this differently?

PAUL CHARLES, Charleston, charleston/sc

There are many "fisherman" who say that the britons were in Iraqi territory! Who knows, more importantly, who cares??! These heroic Britons are just Pawns for the iranians. They will see the light of day tomorrow... and, by the way, WHY can't you british people see this as a declaration of War??? You know that one day you will all be forced to speak arabic and pray whenever those Morons say you must, don't you???? Where is your backbone? Where are your principles??? Don't you have any?? You DESERVE whatever comes your way if you don't stand up for yourselves!!

Marie, st. louis, missouri

I watched a frightening and disturbing interview with an Russian soldier a little while ago. He stated that all terrorists/enemies must be killed, that adult females should also be killed because they bred terrorists, and that the children should be killed, because they grow up to be terrorists or breeders of terrorists. This haunted me, it's seldom that one is challenged by a truth which is so ugly, and the answer so plain. This is what Iran may reap if any of the servicemen die.

Thommo, Adelaide, Australia

Nice photo. This has got to be one of the greatest months to be a journalist in decades.

Mike, Chicago,

If the British troops were in Iraqi waters why did they not put up a fight? Does anybody know? If they were in Iranian waters then the powers that be should stand up and admit it.

Roger Sykes, Christchurch, New Zealand

I hope the Brits stand up for themselves. If Iran tried this with US troops Tehran would become rubble.

Rich, South, Florida

Shouldn't any country have the right to investigate espionage?

shane, los angeles, usa

good luck to them

Peter.Cai, Taizhou, China

Lets go Brits!! What would Churchill and Thatcher do? You must end the socialist experiment, rebuild Brittania, and submit an ultimatum to the Persians. Release in 48 hours or pay the consequences. God save the Queen.

charles sutter, hillsborough, nj

It kind of makes one wonder who's in charge at the highest levels in Iran. If the more rationally inclined have abandoned reason or have kowtowed to the military, then all hope is lost and Iran will indeed have to be dealt with militarily. A militaristic Iran which possesses nuclear weapons is a situation which, from a western perspective, is untenable regardless of Iranian assurances of peaceful intent. The fact that British sailors have been seized indicates that Iran is not acting rationally nor in the interest of regional stability. The fact that the sailors have not been immediately returned indicates that the current government is a willing accomplice or is incapable of governing its own military. Such a situation is at the least, dangerous, at \worst, provocative. Iran cannot save face in this situation, nor should it even try. Iran's irrational behavior only serves to bolster the U.N.'s decisions to sanction it. Maybe more sanctions are in order before the bombing begins.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

The best way to resolve this is to proceed with a swap, discreetly, and avoid escalation of rhetoric. The US and Britain have to decide whether they want Iran's help in stabilising Iraq or not, and if they do they should avoid provocations like arresting Iranian diplomats within Iraq (a sop to the neocons and a face-saving gesture for President Bush before he changed course and sought contacts with Iran). Iran does not want war, but the regime feels it has to respond to provocations.

Owl, Toronto, Canada

May God be with all the solders who was captured by
the Iranans. Do whatever is necessary to return them
home. God bless the troops

Rhonda Mahoney, Hampton, Va.

Yes Raplh, that's an excellent idea - one worthy of your leader, in fact. Honestly.

Andrew, London,

Wake up and send in the SAS. This President of Iran is a Madman . He wil not listen to reason and or negoiate in good faith. The only response he wil understand is brutal force and only if it effects him personally. Only with force will he listen and act resonable. Send in the SAS and Para's and watch them pay attention.

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

Keep the yanks away from our boys,they invented friendly fire!
My dad said that when he was in Sicily,in WW2,the saying was,"When the English bomb,The Germans duck,When the Germans bomb,the English duck,But when the yanks bomb,everybody ducks!"
Why our klads are out there,trying to preserve oil supplies,for the most selfish nation on earth,is beyond me,bob

bob , surrey, england

This is an act of war against a NATO power...
now let's see who in NATO is willing to step-up and
come to the aid of the British. As time passes it becomes
increasingly clear that most of NATO only pays lip service
to the alliance. The sad reality is that most members expect
the U.S. and England to commit fully to their defense, but
will not even provide political support to the U.S. and/or
England when either of our nations need a hand. There is
nobody left on the European continent with the brains to see evil, and the spine and the character to respond to it. Europe was
clearly not worth saving in 1918, nor in the 1940's.

Tim Quick, san marcos, CA, USA

+Next to the USA or more likely equal to the USA, the UK has the fortitude to not bargain with the Iranians. It is becoming increasingly apparent that they will have to be dealt with and harsly or this type of thing will become common place. I have every confidence in the people of the Uk,after all, the people who endured Dunkirk,the bombing of London and the people who crowded the subways the day after a terrorist bombing , are a people to be reckoned with. Please do not resurrect Chamberlain. Let him rest in peace. Instead revive Churchill whose intelligence and fearlessness in the midst of tough decisions have always been the trademark of your people. I pray for your soldiers and their families. Figt the good fight. And if it comes to military action I hope we can be as steadfast beside you as you have been with us.

Steve, Athens, USA

Does anyone really believe this has anything to do with 15 solders? The idiot leader in Iran cancels his trip to the UN and then all of a sudden he has 15 British service people, which were supposedly in Iran territorial waters. There are easier ways to get intel about Iran, then to send solders to probe Iran's water. This is all for show, they will be either used as hostages to get rid of the sanctions, or human shields in the atomic bomb project. I doubt Mahmoud Ahmadinejad understands the actions, and what the possible reactions are. He is probably counting on how many democratic nations seem to be following appeasement doctrine rather then standing up to bullies of the world.

sean, Cincinnati, Ohio

Good Grief,
Now they want to orchestrate a show trial............. It's about time that we stopped playing nice with these morons and show them what happens when they mess with the Marines.
Where's the Iron Lady when you need her..................

Tony, Carlisle, USA / Ohio

To all the Americans out there calling the British wimps for not fighting the Iranians, what happened to you people 27 years ago why did you not "Grow some" then?????
Get a life, diplomacy is the best bet after all your aggression in the middle east has caused nothing but death!!!!

ali, larnaka, cyprus

The Nation needs to know EXACTLY where our ship was in geographical terms, and if we were in Iranian waters, WHY.
If we were not in Iranian waters then WHY did we not react to this Kidnapping of our people in a forceful and resolute manner AT THE TIME?
The Nation wants quick answers on this issue!

James, Chateauroux, France

The Iranians will offer to exchange the sailors for 5 revolutionary guards captured by the US.

Bless President Bush. It shows how much he is feared in Iran. They wouldn't dare kidnap American sailors. But the British are getting rid of Tony Blair and are on the way to becoming French. They can expect more abuse. So can the US if a democrat is elected in 08.

Mongo Aurelio, Brooklyn, NY

Where were the UK support vessels? Shame on the British Navy.

Bill, Brookline,

It's just another test to see what the free world is going to do. Iran should have been dealt with a long time ago. I miss Ronald Reagan.

mike fields, kingsport , tennessee

I say this was a VERY well-executed terrorist plot. Let the baby birds just get far enough away from mama, and SWOOP! In like a hawk. Credit where credit is due. They said last week they were going to do something like this with our "blue-eyed officers and blonds," and boy did they!These Revolutionary Guard guys pulled off a HEIST! PS Dear Britain: please do not let this situation languish as ours did under Carter for 444 days. Shows weakness. It's not like I'm asking you to start a war. I'm telling you it's already on. You saw it happen. What are you going to do about it?

TheMadKing, Nashua, NH USA

Who would want to be part of a military that just hands you over to your worst enemies, unarmed apparently?

Reality Check, USA,

I don't think there was any appetite in the UK for an Iranian war.
Until this.
Now there seems a sense of the inevitable.

Mike, Northampton, UK

Haven't we all been saying for years that Iran should not be above the law? In that case the same should go for the British and indeed the US. If you break a law in a country you are tried by that countries laws, so lets not start polishing our weapons just yet. There is evidence to support both sides, and war over this would be foolish. The British will do what is necessary, but that doesn't mean high tailing it in to war - i say thank god it wasn't US marines, as then there would be no regard for the rule of law.

Med, London, UK

That is the end of Anglo-American neo-colonialism. Thank very much to Iranian heroic president Ahmadinejad.

Hiroshima, Hirichima, JAPAN

Has anyone considered that the ship the Brits were boarding might have had incriminating cargo and an Iranian intervention was nessessary to keep them from being discovered.

Hoppy, Indy, USA

Our US chums seem very keen to "kick ass" judging by their comments on this story. What happens when the Iranian butt gets kicked by Uncle Sam, and the angry zealots in charge there decide to vent their fury on a small-fry within their reach, eg, Israel or any other pro-western Gulf state?. Could it be we are talking ourselves into a "war of annihilation" throughout the Middle East, comparable in scale and ferocity to the Nazi onslaught on the USSR?. We may light the fire which tyrns and incinerates us too in turn.

Piggy Kruger, bridgwater, UK

It makes one wonder who's in charge at the highest levels in Iran. If Iran's more rationally inclined have abandoned reason or have kowtowed to the military, then all hope is lost and Iran will indeed have to be dealt with militarily. A militaristic Iran which possesses nuclear weapons is a situation which, from a western perspective, is untenable regardless of Iranian assurances of peaceful intent. The fact that British sailors have been seized indicates that Iran is not acting rationally nor in the interest of regional stability. The fact that the sailors have not been immediately returned indicates that the current government is a willing accomplice or is incapable of governing its own military. Such a situation is at the least, provocative, at worst, an act of war. Iran cannot save face in this situation, nor should it try. Iran's irrational behavior only serves to support the U.N.'s decisions to sanction it. Maybe a few more sanctions are in order before the bombing begins?

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

It's funny how most of the reactions here come from the US and basically say "let's smoke them...", armchair warmongers ready to go to another war from their sofa. It seems they forgot the job half done on the other side of that border...
And unlike some say here I don't quite recall that the UK and US military in Iraq are there with a UN mandate, and unfortunately for these sailors, I don't think that a UK spy chief showing the world satelite maps à la Colin Powell will be quite convincing either...
Best thing to do is to trade these guys against the 5 Iranians guards and from now on be a little bit better armed whenever an operation occurs near the Iranian border...

Jon Vand, Tokyo, Japan

To expect reasonable diplomatic discourse from a primitive society such as Iran is futile. They only understand one language... force, as evidenced by 10,000 years if intra-cultural warfare. Having served alongside the Brits, they do not have much patience for renegades grabbing their own. When will the West have the stones to take off the gloves?

John, Denver, CO

You can look back on this event as being when it all started. This will mean war. The U.K. will not allow their soldiers to go on trial. Because you know they will be convicted and put to death. U.K. will go in and get them and the U.S. will be right beside them (as we should).
If we allow this to happen the next time it will be U.S. navy who is being held by Iran.

Chad, Cornelia, Georgia

Curious how many Americans (and Canadians) commented and how few Brits.

I don;t think it is as simple as sending in the SAS. The hostages are in Tehran, hundreds of miles from the Iraq border.

To the gentleman from Dundee - I think the UK government is saying that the sailors were within Iraq's territorial waters - so the question of what they were doing there does not arise. What the Iranians thought they were doing there was - but that much is clear; they were following tradition. When in doubt - take a bunch of hostages.

Of course there is no doubt at all who is to blame - Bush. Bush forever and always is to blame for everything!

Don S, London, UK

It seemed obvious to everyone who reads a paper that something like this might happen...... so how could HMS Cornwall not protect its own men & women ?
Careless or another reason to attack Iran, I fear the former.

David, Staffordshire,

According to the international law of the sea, there is a right for innocent passage in territorial water. In times of peace it is customery international law that a belligerent vessel can even use a canal.

It is amazing how some of you are trying to justify an act of war. Haven't Eurpe learned anything from appeasement of crazed dictators?

Amazed, New York,

England is going to have to figure this out...there are more American's posting here, than Brits. I just hope Iran releases them, since they claim the penalty is death! To me, diplomacy is just another form of blackmail, by the Mid-Eastern people.
The whole World is blackmailing each other!
I say, every Country mind their own business, and we'd all be better off.
As for American, I'd like to see our troops come home and guard our borders!

BobC, USA, USA

Where is Mrs Thacher? It's about Tony Blair show himself a leader; not just some clever talker. Let's see Britain show some balls; or have they lost them? Where are the Americans when you need them? Aren't the Bristish out there doing jobs for the Yanks? Weren't they around when the Iranians were ferrying the Brits to Iran? Why didn't the Yanks do something? Don't they know?; with all their boasts of having the greatest spying technologies? Trust the Yanks to come help you when you need them? Like Mrs Clarke of NZ said recently, the Yanks are your friends only when they need you. Not vice versa!

L H , Perth, Australia

What no one here seems to realize is that we will never know if the Brits were in Iranian waters or Iraqi waters. This part of the waterway has been disputed by both countries for centuries. There is no clearly defined "line in the sand".

Bill Chrzanowski, Levittown, PA

We as an established nation must never negotiate the release of real insurgents with the release of our men trying to fight terror. If the Iranians fail to release our troops that must be viewed as an act of aggrsission towards us and our allies and sure consequences will follow. I am not saying we should not use use diplomacy but if that fails we need to do all in our power to get our heros back safely. The best defense is a good offense so the Iranian goverment better listen to reason.

Mitch, Rock Valley ,

Neither the British nor the Americans had any business over there in the first place. Both are simply serving at the behest of Israel. It's time to put Israel in its place.

Robert, Kansas City, USA

This continues to show that Iran is not willing to abide by any international laws and is trying to play for keeps. I say the British play up the stakes and jail all Iranian diplomats until the release of their sailors. Iran is full of lies, if they are going to lie about the British sailors being in Iranian waters, imagine the lies they will make on their so called "energy based" nuclear program. Wake up America, wake up Britain, Iran is all evil and can't be trusted.

Chris, Tampa, USA/Florida

Given the actual content of the article is rather limited, and little more than a "he says, she says" argument - maybe the people posting comments should try to wait until all the *facts* are out, *before* jumping to conclusions and assuming that the Iraqi's were in the wrong and taking a "nuke 'em all" attitude.

Incidentally, I notice that most of the comments here appear to be from the US...

M. Olocat, UK,

I believe we and the Brits. shoild inform the UN it is time to do their job. They have 48 hrs. to get thoes people released. Or it means WAR.

pinocch, rancho corcova, ca USA

Well, this spells it out for the West doesn't it? This is a blatent act of war that just dares Britian or the US to attack. So be it.

JonR, Las Vegas, USA

It's time the World woke up!!!! Let's come together and put an end to this madness, minus the cowdly democratics.

Mike Renfro, Dallas, Texas

Are you sure this incident was not provoked deliberately by the Bush/Blair special relationship so they can use their military might against Iran.

Blair has to find an excuse to change his proffessed anti-war statements.

Alan Hoare, Haltwhistle, UK

I wish my government with keep and remember some of these comments they are made about the US and our friends ( British etc. ).

Then the next time some madman rounds up those in his country who don't fall into step with him or invades some neighbor that has turned a blind eye to what does not directly affect them...then we should say YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!

How there can be anyone so shortsided in Europe to blast the US for helping the Iraqi people is beyond me. Can you remember WWI & WWII.

The odd thing is when trouble comes to these complainer's house they will cry the loudest for help.

Bob USA

Bob Kiesinger, Mexico, New York, USA

Does not suprise me ... may wisdom of the intn'l comunity preveil.... these folks are looking for an excuse to start a conflict......

Galut, Selah Washington, USA

Is it just me, or does anyone see any similarity between this act and the '79 hostage taking, the recent abductions of Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah and Hamas, and any number of swift kidnappings or hijackings carried out by terrorist groups from Black September to Al Qaeda? UK, you just got jacked. What are ya gonna do about it? Sit back for the next 442 days like Carter did, or kick some terrorist asses? Chamberlaine or Churchill? I and the world await your response with baited breath. PS Personally, and I hate to say this, my money's on Carter. Tally Ho!

TheMadKing, Nashua, NH USA

I suspect that there is just as much disarray among the positions of various factions within Iran about this incident as there are among respondents to this article.

Give it a litte bit more time, and we will see which factions within Iran become dominant. Once this is more clear, then it will be time to formulate a definitive response, if still necessary.

Rob, Westfield, NJ / USA

Too funny. Every Yank is behind the Brits 100% regardless, no questions, no second guessing. Almost everybody else is blaming the Brits to include the British themselves! Luckily it wasn't French Marines because France would have already surrendered by now. That aside there are 15 of England's Finest as well as 15 Families going through a very bad time right now and politics aside everyone should say a prayer for their safe and speedy release.

Scott, Strasburg, PA

The Iranians say that the British were in Iranian waters. The Iraqis say that the British were not in Iraqi waters. As far as I have seen, nobody has accused the Iranians of violating Iraqi terriitorial waters, and it seems most unlikely that a British frigate would allow the Iranian boats to enter Iraqi waters and arrest their own personnel. It seems that the evidence suggests that it is most likely that in this case the British are the offenders. Is the British government too weak to stand up to American jingosim and admit that they were in the wrong. How hard can it be to say "sorry, we made a mistake"? It might save the lives of these servicemen. At the end of the day it will not matter whether the incident took place in Iranian territory or Iraqi territory if neither Iran nor Britain will admit being wrong.

Jim Oliver, Leicester, England

Of course Parliament, being all-powerful, could pass a law having all Iranians in the UK interned until the sailors are returned. They will not do so, however, since they fear offending Muslims. If only the UK respected British Catholics as much...

Peter, Rome, IT

Iran has a long tradition of hostage takings, going back to the late 1970's and the 444 days they held America's embassy personnel during the Carter Administration.

This most recent event involving the kidnapping of the British Sailors and Marines is only the latest of their hostile acts against innocent people simply doing their duty under UN auspices.

Their Supreme Leader recently stated Iran would pursue illegal acts against other nations. it appears he now is carrying out those threats. Iran is now using these Servicemen as hostages, as it seeks to gain leverage in regard to UN sanctions against their illegal nuclear program.

Jeffery B. West, El Paso, Texas, USA

Was the frigate captain acting under instructions not to protect his crew?

Roger Dewhurst

Roger Dewhurst, Auckland, New Zealand

Tom - They were enforcing a UNSCR and supporting the Iraqi Govt's efforts to increase their taxation revenue by stopping smuggling. Both admirable and legitimate aims. The Royal Navy conducts these types of routine operation dozens of times every day in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

Praetorian, Oxford, UK

It's time to authorize UK Naval forces to open fire as the next time Iranian ships approach. This won't happen again.

Guy, San Diego, CA

Tom in Dundee,

What do you mean, "jaw jaw is better than war war"? 900,000 Rwandas would like to have their say, but sadly they are now dead. All because the worthless UN stood by and "jaw jawed." And how about Darfur? Jaw jaw has certainly helped there.

Here is a little factoid all liberals should try to understand - negotiations only work when both sides are willing! "Jaw jaw" is NOT an effective policy on which to hang your hat.

Dave C, Winchester, Virginia

There should be a naval blockade of Iran.

Jacck, New York,

Great Britain, we support you. Do what you have to do to get those guys out!

Tim, Washington, DC, USA

I think it is time to utilize a tactical nuclear response in dealing with Iran. I am not suggesting a strategic reponse, but a limited response at non civilian targets, in order to avoid human collateral damage.

Raplh, New York, USA

I agree with Richard Cooper - where was HMS Cornwall? Add to that the mystification of a commander not recognising there would always be a threat of this kind. Probably the foreign office or the war office failed to issue a special alert of the threat, knowing how they are always on the ball. But, harsh as it may seem to say so, why on earth send out boarding parties in those waters without them being under the guns of the mother ship?

Mike Sargent, Sale, Greater Manchester

Even if they were in Iranian waters it was a mistake and was done openly. This is not the same as clandestine Iranians in Iraq as part of the insurgency. In fact the Iranians may have been in Iraqi waters to capture these troops! The Iranians never had a problem when they entered the US embassy and snatched civilians on American soil. Those victims were not even mlitary.

Anthony Sakal, Palm Beach Gardens, USA/FL

If, as reported, a British helicopter was overhead and saw this ignominious surrender by a unit of the British Navy to a few Iranian patrol boats, why didn't it attack them? Was it unarmed? If so, buy a few Cobras and Apaches from the USA and man them with individuals who are willing to fight back.

Boris , Brooklyn, NY USA

Letting the Iranians take them hostage was a huge error. Next time, dont be so afraid of causing an "incident",shoot to protect your men , then let the politicians sort out the mess.

Aaron , portland, usa

The only thing the British government should have said was "release them immediately, or we'll be there next week with the Americans to get them".

Bravolima, Ocala, FL

The timing of this, along with the unanimous UN sanctions, is just amazing.
We really need to ride more bikes.
oil, oil, oil.

Justin, Eugene, Oregon

Maybe this is the wakeup that the West needs. Diplomacy should always come first, as it has. The last resort is war. Prepare great Britons. Prepare.

It will NEVER stop until they are MADE to stop. We stand with you!

JJ, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

If we had no liberals, none of this wold be happening. We can thank Nancy and Murtha for this. We need to be strong with this evil.

den myers, Miller Place, ny usa

The Iranian Mullahs have lost there minds.

Andre, Nyc,

I have to agree with M. Chandler,if the Britons were members of the frigates crew,why didn't they cover them.
It should have ended there and then!

Albert J. Williams, Summit Hill, PA

Iran be warned! It's time your "Iranian Students" learn a lesson in accounting. You are way overdrawn on your account. You still haven't paid for taking the American hostages in 1979 or the 8 British lads in 2004. Payback will be expensive. Suggest Iran return it's recent catch before payment is due.

John, Houston, Tx

Times of London or is it Times of Tehran? the saliors were wearing uniforms something that the Iranians were loath to do. It is so easy to were civilian cloths and claim Jihad then when you are confronted you can claim to be passive. What we have here is a child getting mad at the world for slapping its hand.

Arnie , Realman, USA

Ask yourselves, "What would James Bond do?" He wouldn't be on a message board. He'd kick some ass. Time we did the same. Jaw Jaw and War War? Give me a break. This war was already afoot. Want to wait until there's another nuclear threat holding us hostage? Someone needs to take out "monkey boy" Ahmadinejad and his cast of puppets. These guys are in over their heads and are only seeking to hold the rest of the world hostage. It's time to wake up, quit the jaw-jaw and do what is right.

kp, Waynesboro, VA

What happened to "England expects that every man will do his duty"? How does an enemy vessel capture 15 British sailors and marines without a shot being fired?

DCM, Troy, USA

Blame Carter for this mess.. albeit it almost 30 years..

gil nicholas, bakersfield, ca

We needed a reason to unseat the Iranian Government.
Now we they have given us one.
The longer we wait, the more intractable this problem becomes. The sooner the better to act.

Mike Villano, Aliso Viejo, CA./USA

They believe the nation of England and the United States are a bunch of wussies and will capitulate to their illegal aggression. As evidence by the amount of people in both countries that actively undermine their own war efforts i would tend to agree with the iranians. Britian will back down, just as the Congress here in America recently voted to back down from insurgents and terrorists in iraq that blow up women, children, and churches. Western Democracies have no stomach for any fight at this time.

chris, centreville, U.S.A.

The claim was backed by other sources in Tehran. “As soon as the corps’s five members are released, the Britons can go home,” said one source close to the Guards.

He said the tactic had been approved by Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, who warned last week that Tehran would take “illegal actions” if necessary to maintain its right to develop a nuclear programme.


What does kidnapped Guards have to do with Iran wanting nukes?

Mark Allen, Havelock, nc

Sounds like an act of war to me. Time to put the Iranians in their place.

Ron Wagner, Mt. Auburn, USA

I think Briton should offer to help Iran mark the channel with buoys so there is no confusion in the future. Iran must feel isolated and on edge, so the offer should come from Briton. If women we in power in both nations, this issue would have ended yesterday.

Em Hawthorne, London, UK

IF, & only IF the British were in what is recognised as International waters then Iran has commited an act of piracy and should be treated accordingly. If the Royal Navy can show the world the indisputable proof that they claim to have and the Iranians refuse to return the 'hostages' then the British Govt must use military force to show the world that we do not negotiate with terrorists or pirates & lets hope the Americans, NATO & Europe are prepared to back us up because if we give in to this then it will be 'open season' on British forces throughout the world

David Harrison, Grantham, Lincs, UK

Indeed, Mike. Maybe they -were- in Iranian waters, and they shouldn't have been there, period.

But it probably doesn't matter. If it turns out they weren't, they'll get attacked for taking the soldiers hostage, if they were, they'll get attacked for, um, taking the soldiers hostage.

Starling, Lancaster,

Wow, guess this is their reply for The 300. Don't worry, the Democrats will "talk" with them.

chrisvanwagenen, Lubbock , Texas

I certainly hope the American's or British do not swap people or this will just encourage more kidnapping. The only language Iran understands is strength. I believe this is both a test or our resolve and an attempt to make us leave Iraq earlier so Iran can take over or have a much larger role in Iraq.

Roger, New Hill, USA/NC

I think almost all the Westerners who already have made their comments above are either too ignorant or too racist that they consider the capture of British soldiers found in disputed waters by Iranians provocative whereas it seemed to them alright for the U.S. military to kidnap five legitimate Iranian diplomats doing official business in Iraq, who have not been released till now. Where is the justice here? At the very last, this is a case of double standards or sheer hypocrisy.

akasi mendel, Quezon City, Philippines

The Iranians are playing a very dangerous game. Israel is comitted to stopping Irans nuclear ambition if the majors powers can not. Israel has its time table. Bush and Blair are well aware of this time table ( Bush still In office). Israel can only do this through the use of nuclear weapons. This will not set well with the Muslim nations. Maybe its time for a show down. Maybe it time Israel say "WE WILL EXIST" period.

JIM, Sacramento,

Well, all I can say is, The ball is in your court, take your best shot!

Bruce Parr, Tennessee, USA

I will forever ask WHY!?

America and all its allies can have Nuclear weapons no prob, but no one else can!
Who gives america the Right to posses such weapons - above any other country?

Grimuls, Manchester/Jamaica,

The British authority that must have ordered the RM,s to surrender over their radio should hang his head in everlasting shame,You simply cannot afford weakness in dealing with Islam,this craven surrender by the British Government and Naval bigwigs will make things extremely dangerous for those who follow.Twice Iran has captured RM,s ,they know now for sure the RM,s will not fight back

Tony, perth, WA

What kind of a warship commander would put some of his crew into rubber boats, to conduct ship inspections - and then not come to their aid when the Iranians made their move?

Charles May, Astoria, OR, USA

What was the lattitude and longitude of the vessel that the British Marines were inspecting. What are two points of lattitude and longitude on the border between Iraqi and Iranian waters.

Wallace Edward Brand, Alexandria, Virginia

Where was the sailors' ship, HMS Cornwall, when this happened and what did she do to prevent the kidnapping of her crew? Did the "rules of engagement" prevent her from intervening? How very unlike the Royal Navy to take this passively.

Richard Cooper, Dunstable, UK

If Iran wants a war then give it to them, they are picking a fight with the wrong folks, why are they so stupid as to believe that they really need to develop their own nuclear energy and make a stable situation volatile.. why are they stupid enough to believe the rest of the world will stand by and watch them wipe out Israel ... I hope and pray we will do what is right...

Richard , Hilton Head, SC. U.S.A.

If the British were in Iraqi territorial waters, then so were the Iranians. If that was the case, why didn't the British arrest the Iranians or warn them off? I would challenge the British to publish the satellite images of the incident. These surely exist, and if they do not do so (undoctored) a very large question-mark will hang over them.

Ronald E. Watts, Nicosia, Cyprus

The United States stands with the Brits - if GPS was present on at least one those quick boats - then that info is trump card. These were patrols looking for smugglers that are running weapons and support to the insurgency in Iraq. I believe a Naval Blockade is in order to stop Iran in their tracks - prevent all export and import until such time as those 15 soldiers are returned UNHARMED. If Iran feels like they would like to challenge the British and American Navy, then let them try. Iran, under the rule of radicals only wants conflict anyway.. give it to 'em they way they will be embarrased.

John P., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

I hope Iran interrogates them using the most modern, most civilized interrogation techniques. A la Guantanamoan I mean.

Zlatnoy, &#305;stanbul,

The actions of Iran regarding the detention of British sailors shows once again why they cannot be trusted by the world body with nuclear technology or anything else for that matter. Iran has been given ample opportunity to show itself to be a responsible nation to the rest of the world. Instead it has repeatedly acted with extreme self delusional behavior, caused regional instability by proxy, and continues to deny the holocaust despite volumes upon volumes of irrefutable evidence. There was another ruler who acted in similar fashion. Saddam Hussein. Eventually patience was exhausted and his time ran out. Iran may soon realize too that the patience of the world is not unlimited.

bob villa, westpoint,

"Never give up... Never never give up."
It is too bad the Persian people are being led down a path that will destroy their country.
The British must not give in to blackmail. They must be patient. In the past the Iraniains have acted in ways that went against the rule of law but in the end they were usually humane enough to let their captives go free. I hope this is the case here and the young men and women who were taken will be returned. If the Iranians murder them the British and their allies should send an appropriate message that targets only the Iranian military. I suspect the morally challenged President of Iran is doing this to shore up his crumbling regime. He is probably hoping for a military response before anyone else defects.

Kevin Dorsey, Tazlina, Alaska

The whole operation is clearly and obviously planned by the Tehran clerics. British and US soldiers should expect further similar operations whilst the nuclear issue remains unresolved. As long as the British and US governments openly display their lack of will to tackle Iran militarily, the fanatical regime will be emboldened even further until there is no way to confront them once they are equipped with their nuclear weapons and their agents hold Western cities hostage.
The time has never been more relevant to confront the Iranian regime with brute force not diplomacy. Diplomacy has never worked and never will.
With Israel lurking as part of the equation, conflict is inevitable. The longer we wait in tacking on Iran the more horrific the outcome.
S. Adams

S. Adams, Sydney, Australia

OK, who still believes that Iran has every right to posses nuclear weapons?
The world will be a safer place once we get rid of their nuclear and military capability, and since even the UN by diplomacy and talks over the past few years has failed, this leaves only one option. I would rather a war with them now than one when they have the nuclear material to blackmail us with, and to supply terrorists in the future.
Appeasement of Hitler did not prevent the war, and yes Hitler was also elected into power just as Ahmadinejad has been, so we should learn from history.

George, London,

what's the difference? The coalition forces attacked civilians in the Iranian embassy inside Iraq and took themas hostage! If the waters are disputed, the fact that the Iranians captured inside iraq can not be disputed. And these people were no sailors and they were inside iraq with the permission of theIraqi government

Sam, Tehran,

It seems fair enough that they should be tried. The UK governments' squeals of outrage can hardly be believed consider this country's recent history of agression and deceit in the Middle East. If British troops illegally entered Iran, then they shouldn't receive and special treatment or protection. Being British doesn't give us a divine right to invade whoever we choose, or break whatever pesky rules we like.

Mike, London,

Aren't we all getting rather paranoid? None of us as yet know the truth, maybe the Marines were actually in Iranian waters ? Isn't it a bit too early to start shouting off about military action ?
Do you people ever learn ?

Mike, Singapore, Singapore

Hostile detention by a foreign government isn't covered under the Geneva conventions. Given the difference in the justice system in Iran, I don't believe that they have a chance of being found innocent. However my thoughts and prayers are with the 15 servicemembers.

anw, las vegas, USA

Let's see them try that on U.S. Marines, The IRANIANS Don't have the Guts! Maybe y'all should grow a pair and learn how to get your boys back

D.J., Ozarks, USA

This cowerdly behavior, allowing themselves to be captured. They deserve to me tried for spying. They should have refused to be apprended. Now the british will be humiliated by the iranians. Giving the iranians more courage to cause turmoil. Freaking cowerdly soldiers, should have fought.

bob brueske, modesto, ca

I'm guessing a visit by the British Special Forces is in order here.

MR, SLC, Ut

The Iranians had best thank their lucky stars that Margaret Thatcher is not P.M. now. She would have given them 24 hours to return them. By now, she would have already have launched several missiles in the direction of the supreme ruler "Ayatolley."

Of course, if she'd been P.M., the Iranians would not have tried this in the first place!

Darrell, L.A., CA

if iran dosent want lots of tnt dropped on there heads . if iran is smart they will release the britons. iran is the gas power fpr terrior

capt, kitchener, canada

I am sure Nancy Polessi and Dingy Harry will support their buddy Ahmadinejad and place all the blame on President Bush. Their anti Bush rhetoric which parallels their buddy is to be expected. Maybe we can get H. Ross Perot to go fetch the Brits.

Plas Jaramillo, Lewisville, USA/TX

this is very sad. I only hope they will be returned unharmed asap. I do have a feeling that this will end in war. I do hope I am wrong. I am torn between the war in Iraq. I want to live in peace with my neighbor,but I just wished they felt the same way.

Tim, west palm beach, Florida,USA

let them go, or pay the consequenses. Iran is treading in deep water. Peace is the ultimate goal, don't do anything stupid. we can still be diplomatic, as people.

Michael Botta, Phoenix, Arizon

This is a highly provocative action by the Iranians,and i am highly disappionted that the British government's reaction has been limited to mere rhetorics as had happened before.Iran should be told in no uncertain terms what the consequnces would be if the soldiers were not released witha definite deadline.The Iranians would not dare do that to the American Marines when they know what the mood in washington is.

Obinna, London, England

Iran is conditioning the West to expect this kind of behavior from it and to essentially ignore it, just like Hitler, until its too late. The sorry state of the British military, especially of the Royal Navy, under the Labor government, does not help matters.

Edward Unger, Alpharetta, USA

Go in and get these UK personell by force as nessary.

Roy Johnson, Cleveland, GA USA

This is just thing that Iran is looking for, to start chaos and start a war..

Child of the Most High God, Air, USA

The UK should make sure that its soldiers are brought back safely to the civilized world. They should threaten the Iranians with dire consequences unless the hostages are return. This isan act of terrorism by the govt of Iran.

Abhishek, Baltimore, US

This is an act of War on the part of Iran.

Bulldog23a, Bethesda, USA

We might just as well write the 15 off. They are as good as dead.

Kenneth, Columbus, USA

To be like Chamberlain or to be like Churchill, that is the question.

Ted, Baltimore , Maryland

Iran really DOES want to start the Last World War, don't they?

Christopher Calandro, Atlanta, United States

The test is now upon our great friends and allies in the UK? Are you going to let this rouge government take your troops without a reaction. If you do, count on it; it won't be the last. They will continue until you either stand your ground or tuck your tales like the Spanish and the French.

I am an American of English / Irish / Scottish decent. I trust that we still share many of the same genes.

Herschel Kilgore, Cooper City, Florida, USA

Where was the frigate? Asking Mother, may I ? - while her hands were captured?

M. Chandler, Rochester, MI/US

To the Iranians
Stock up on water and canned food.

Robert, Haskell, NJ

Will some country please squash this BUG!!!!

linda barnett, whittier, california

So let's get it on!!!...

Richard, Dayton / Ohio,

If the Crown decides to declare war on Iran, thier Yankee brothers will stand firmly with our brothers across the "Big Lake". I think it is high time to teach the Iranian thugs a lesson they will never forget!

Shawn, Colton, Washington, USA

I want to know the name of the merchant ship, and l want to
know why the media has not interviewed the crew.

ron, Delta, Canada

Iran for too long has been a irritant to say the least. At some point the fanatics who run Iran will bring utter destruction to there country, just like the Nazis did to Germany. People of Iran wake up and get rid of these Islamic facists before your country is destroyed. Iranian have an intelligent and beautiful culture, where are all the great statesman to lead it?

Tony, Austin, USA Texas

Thank you, Brits, for supporting us in Iraq. I would hope that you leaders will act upon this offense and that we'd be right behind you.

Tim, FRIDAY HARBOR , wa

This will only add fire to an already bad situation. Iran is on its way to destruction.

mike, east islip,new york, USA, NY

Least said the better; though one can question the wisdom of placing our servicemen and women in such a dangerous situation for the second time.
Let's hope and pray they all are very quickly returned unharmed.

Brian Charles Seals, Scarborough,

If it's a war they want, give them war. Give them a few days to think good and hard, then to release them. Failing that, start breaking things from the air. Iran has gotten a free ride for decades now, with no repercussions for abominable behavior.

They need to be made to fear us once again.

Jacksonian, Austin, TX

If the sailors are harmed, it's time for the UK to take immediate, unilateral, and devastating action.

jdan, tri-city, USA,

Its nice to know that Iranian fishing boats are the first line of defence for their coastal area. If the Brits were indeed with in the Iranian territorial waters, surely there must be radar evidence to back this up.

Ron Smith, Kingston, Canada

I hope the Britts send in the SAS and retrieve them ASAP.

jason, huntington beach, USA/ CA

Do the Iranians really want to push their luck at this point? They're losing out in the UN, the Russians are backing away from support on nuclear plants, and the US isn't backing down in Iraq. This seems stupid and provocative.

Brian, Houston, USA

you think hed be put on notice after Saddam....lets get him

steve, cape cod, ma

Maybe the UK should take a lesson from former PM Thatcher and kick some butts like they did in the Falklands.

Mark Evdemon, Irwin, PA. USA

Is this another gulf of tonkin incident?

simon , warrington, united kingdom

Is this the Archduke Ferdinand event!!! If the Brits actually get tried. I think so!

Steve, Edmond, OK/USA

How can England put up with this? Where's Jimmy Carter when you need him? He'd put a stop to this. Oh wait, he'd put up with it too. Nevermind.

Ron, Orlando,

Without diplomacy this could escalate into a very dangerous situation but the trouble is i don't think we are in a good position to negotiate we probably need some outside help which we should not be afraid to ask for as the saying goes jaw jaw is better than war war.But the question begs what the hell were we doing there in the first place.

TOM, DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

I believe that the coalition should do everthing they can to get these brave men and women home. However, I do not think that we should be "swaping" with a country such as Iran. Free countries do not bargain with terrorist and that is what the individuals governing Iran are.

Mick, St. Louis, USA/MO

Iran wants war. They are seeing how much they can push the West before we react.

Philip, Broken Arrow, OK, USA

No surprise. What do you think they will be like if we are stupid enough to let them get a nuclear weapon?

Rachelle Young, Los Angeles, California

I just can't understand how these troops, or at least those charged with providing their cover, allowed the capture to take place. Surely the Iranians were outgunned by our naval vessels? Why weren't there any support helicopters/gunships? If the troops were not in Iranian waters then their arrest was an act of war and should have merited an appropriate response

John Foster, Monmouth,

Will the UK man up and take the fight to IRAN for this?

Eric, Las Vegas, USA