Bernhard in Germany,

I would love to leave the rest of you spineless wimps in the EU to your own devices... unfortunately, as Germany proved in WWII and France proved in WWII, one of two things would happen... we'd either end up stopping another Hitler or saving your spineless buts from the Islamofacists in Iran and Al - Qaeda. It's in America's interests to not let it get to that point, so unfortunately, we're stuck with you. I'll make one more comment; I will be thrilled when those of you in favor of appeasement and containment realise that that simply doesn't work most times. Most times, threats like Iran, Iraq, and Al Qaeda have to be dealt with directly and with military force. Furthermore, it's obvious to me that your governments willingness to ignore the kidnapping of the Brits has more to do with economics than anything else. It's truly a pitty that Germany and France are willing to betray the Brits for "30 peices of silver".

Jim C, Arvada, Colorado, USA

Iran's action is a test. A test to see whether the West will hang together or hang separately in the breech.

So far, we are failing this test very well.

JKP, Pittsburgh, USA

The Eu is not meant for the British, it will be mainly for France and Germany one whom we beat in the last world war, the other whom we saved the bacon of in the last world war, good enit.
Get out now or it will break us.

Robert Parker, Leamington Spa, England

For those who say the Spineless Democrats are in control of the American Congress now and things will be different internationally there's a couple things you should be made aware of: 1. Congress has very little to do with international affairs, they can declare war and they control the purse strings beyond that it is their job to legislate. The Executive branch (President) is in charge of foreign affairs. Since the Democrats know the American people will turn on them visciously if it is perceived they are not properly funding our troops all they really can do politically is pass useless resolutions kind of like the UN.
2. Last week's gallup poll came out and showed that Congress currently has a lower approval rating than the President! At 28% percent it took them 3 months to accomplish this. The President's rating was 32%.
In other words do not expect significant change from us.

Valerie, Cincinnati, USA

It is time Britain and America should stop telling their public, and realise, when they attack other nation killing thousands of civilian on a useless intelligence report or some made up Government excuse to wage war on foreign soil, flaunt their border and tell the world that a country is being invaded or civilian being killed because world is supportive of their action. Actually those countries support UK or USA is being bribed or bullied in supporting their action. It is time UK and USA realised that world is becoming wise of their games, and now with Iran little Britain has been even deserted by USA because it does not serve the American interest?

It is time Britain, America stop telling the other nation whatever they do is right, and other nation is wrong, even if they are right. Government should do everything to get all the sailors back safely home, and stop playing games.

Munna, London, UK.

To John Chuckman, Toronto

It's really obvious, by your statements that you have never been actually involved in anything like this on a personal level. It's so much easier to sit back, watch it on TV or google it, shut it down and go to the gym, or make a sandwich and then get back into it whenever you feel like it.

Your not dealing with a misunderstanding with someone you work with at the office. I don't expect you to understand, but a "simple apology" will not make Iran go away. You should do a lot more homework on why we are in this position in the middle east. Oil is one reason, but there are many others.

If it was that easy to end this in a peaceful manner, then you would surely have been chosen to be the Secretay of State instead of Connie Rice.

John, Edmonton, Canada

The Times does seem to work very hard at giving the balance to glands rather than brains in this whole affair.

Cutting off all exports is an extreme and needless action in this tempest in a teapot which can be easily and peacefully settled.

It should be obvious Iran has no reason on earth to create a provocation. Can the same be said of British forces illegally occupying Iraq, Iran's next-door neighbor?

Britain was at fault. End of story. A simple apology and reasonable words end the whole affair. Is another blindly stupid war better?

These sailors are pink-cheeked and healthy. Compare their fate with the thousands in America's CIA Torture Gulag. But we can't do that, can we? Because no one even sees America's zombie army of prisoners.

John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada

Is it reasonably that the blairs would have put their own money into going into business with people who dont speak your own languge and dont like you and adhere to a trible system that is europe because that is what happened when he took the UK into the the EU.

c.Beeton, nottingham, nottinghamshire

It's no true the UE refused to back the UK, Angela Merkel tells Iran to free the hostages. Many posts whish to show muscles and remember Falklands, but Iran isn't Argentina, the situaztion is different, many Brits are against Iraq war and the US Senate is Democrat now. UK wishes to export democracy, but western democracies don't like war.

antonia, Rome, Italy

Not quite true that EU EU refuses to back Britain over call to threaten exports freeze.

The title is not only inaccurate but also very misleading.

HILLBLOGGER, Brussels, Belgium

Another case of blatant anti-European manipulation by The Times. European foreign ministers have unconditionally expressed their solidarity, condemned the actions of Iran and reserved to take appropriate further actions. How dare the Times mischievously maintain "EU refuses to back Britain over call to threaten exports" when, according to the BBC "the UK Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, did not explicitly ask for a suspension of EU business ties with Tehran"... contrary to your insinuation, refusal always presupposes being asked sth. Can reader manipulation ever be more obvious?

Andreas, Heidelberg,

John, Vancouver

So Europe and the rest of the world were against it were they?
So what are the troops of South Korea, Poland, Australia, Netherlands, Romania, Denmark, Georgia, El Salvador, Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Mongolia, Albania, Lithuania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Macedonia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia doing there?

Not to mention the troops of Italy, Ukraine, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Nicaragua, Singapore, Norway, Portugal, New Zealand, Philippines, Tonga and Iceland, who have all contributed at one time or another.

You'll may notice that the two noticable absentees from the European contingent. Who would they be then? Wouldn't have anything to do with major arms and construction contracts they had with the former dictator of Iraq would it?

Rob, Stavanger, Norway

It would be good if the British became a bit more Murdoch sceptic and made up their own minds about Europe. This pathetic finding of treason in a situation of overwhelming solidarity is very cheep play.

Andreas, Heidelberg,

Maybe the UK forgot one thing; the EU countries and the rest of the world were against this war to begin with. You joined the US on this one, despite advise from others, including most of the British people, not to do so. Now that you got yourself in trouble you expect the EU to back you up. Phone Washington. It was simple when it started; you are with us or you are with them. You decided to be with the USA.

John , Vancouver, Canada

The question is has Iran perpetrated an ACT OF WAR against Britain?

If so the British government must respond accordingly.

The Iraqi´s did less than this and we attacked Iraq so there is a real question mark over Britains line.

Strength and honour seem lost.

Roy, cartagena, spain

This isn't news - it occured last week! Just another attempt at EU bashing.

This whole case has been mishandled by the government making such open statements in the first place. One should negotiate qietly behind the scenes rather than make statements to make you look good for local elections! Blair left no room to manoeuvre from day one.

Richard, Plymouth,

Normally I dislike the kind of negative EU bashing that is so prevalent in the conservative media, but my opinion of the EU has really been diminished by their response (or lack of) to the abduction of British sailors by Iran.

The EU should be immediately threatening sanctions against Iran. By failing to stand with one of its key members, an even larger number of people in the EU are going to conclude that their overarching governing organization is as truly worthless as the pundits claim. This cannot be the kind of picture the EU wants to paint if they are trying to restart the EU Constitution discussion. What a shame.

The sad irony is that if any of the other EU members were in a similar position, Britain would most likely be the first to stand up for them.

Graham Churchill, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada

Britian and Prime Minister Blair have already lost the conflict with Iran over the 15 marine hostages. How many times has the UN Security Council threatened and implemented sanctions against a fanatical Iranian regime to no avail? Have the Iranians read the barometer that they are quickly becoming the most outcast nation on the international scene? Even in spite of this, they demonstrate time and again that saving face and ego is their ultimate foreign policy objective. Even in light of conclusive evidence of the British forces being in Iraqi waters, they will not back down. This incident could easily become the equivalent of the American Embassy hostage crisis that lasted 444 days. It is important to watch this event closely because it will shed light on how ultimately the Iranian regime will respond to the nuclear issue. Adversity does not make character as much as it reveals character!

Lane, Halibut Cove, Alaska

If the E.U. were a real union, they would have backed Britain in Iraq. "All for one and one for all".

John, Edmonton, Canada

I guess I'm not surprised...but am disappointed...in the cowardice and capitulationism displayed by "P. Anderson". Appeasement in the face of fascist aggression has a long history in Europe and this is just another example of it. The tragedy is that aggessors will continue to press Europe as the will of Europeans to confront aggressors disappears.

Shameful...disgraceful...to abandon your own soldiers like this. How obsequious can you get? How low can you sink...cutting loose your own citizens...to theocratic imperialist aggressors?

Bob Puharic, Dallas, USA/Texas

Frankly, after seeing the events in europe the past few years, it is my opinion that the U.S. made a critical error in restraining an agressive Soviet Union who had designs on europe for 40 years. We should have pulled our troops out of places such as Berlin and West Germany, moved them to the U.K. and made our stand there. Forty years of Americans on the front lines, restraining the soviet tank divisions. Feeding the German people with the Berlin airlift. Establishing the Marshal Plan to help rebuild europe. For what? For whom? I think it's time for America to pull up the drawbridge and let europe suffer for their foolishness at the hands of the barbrians.

To my friends in the U.K., I hope for the best but expect the worst. If you show strength your people will be released. If you play the diplomatic game, expect it to go into overtime.

Jim, Los Angeles, CA

,t
The EU did its best to dissuade Blair from entering this crazy miklitary venture.If Britain chooses to follow a foreign policy at odds with that of the majority o EU members it cannot expect the EU to make sacrifices to extricate Britain from a mess of its own making and from which it could easily extricate itself.
Blair should apologise for sending British troops to stop and search (at gunpoint )Iranian vessels in a disputed border area in a (British and US created)war Zone

P.Anderson, Edinburgh, Scotland

To J. Griffiths, Manchester, U.K.

Thanks for your reply to my post. Unfortunately, from my experience in reading the comments section of the Times, BBC, Guardian & Telegraph your opinion of Americans is the exception to the rule. By far the majority of comments posted by Brits on those sites have degraded the U.S. government, military and culture in the most crass way. I was once a big fan of the British since my ancestors are from there, but no more. Since 911 I have received quite an education on how the British feel about their cousins across the pond and lets just say it doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy all over! It is a pity and I wish it wasn't so, but there it is.

R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA

Blaming the French, Germans, or the US is just mindless lashing out.

Would the UK support sanctions if the captives were French or German? Not necessarily. If the tables were turned, would the UK give unqualified support to China and Russia in the UN security council? Not necessarily.

That doesn't mean that the EU or UN are defunct organizations. It also doesn't mean that force - or the threat of force - is the only logical option.

In fact, force is entirely out of the question. Rescuing the captives would hardly be feasible, even with US support. Equally, a "punitive"mission - even if proportional - would simply put the lives of the captives in greater danger and play into the hands of Iranian hardliners.

Diplomacy is the only way to solve the problem. Not easy. But going to the UN and the EU was always going to rebound on Blair. It has revealed the weakness of his hand.

Art, London,

I cannot understand why Britain is being so passive and pathetic about this. This situation would never have arisen under Margaret Thatcher.

Blair should be giving the Iranians a deadline to release these sailors. If they fail to release them then the Royal Navy should destroy the Iranian oil and gas installations with cruise missiles. That will be a more effective way of hurting their economy than any sanctions.

Simon Allen, Melbourne, Australia

talking and dialogue does nothing for these sailors. they signed up to lay their lives on the line and should be commended for their bravery. now as for iran you have two options to choose from(1) release our sailors now. (2) if not you will be attacked and removed from power. iran is not a peaceful nation in the world. i'm not that educated but i try to stay tuned to what goes on in the world and i'm nobodies fool. iran only responds when the anvil is about to fall and those sailors lives are all in limbo as we speak and talk. people in britain don't support millitary intervention? then the whole world watches you sell out your sailors for it. tony blair seems to be one of the few in your nation with any backbone. you should be ashamed of yourselves. maybe canada should rethink our allegience to the monarchy style of governance? i'm sure our coffee shops will be abuzz with talk over these issues. we must defend ourselves against any nation or entity that wills us harm.

john lockwood, windsor, ontario, canada

Iranian Boy, Abadan, Iran,

If Iran is truly "peaceful" as it claims to be and is not a belligerent in the Iraq War, it has no reason to make prisoners of anyone sailing into your waters.

D. Kane, Savannah, GA

The last real man leading britain was Margaret Thatcher. There is only one way to deal with demagogues and that is not through negotiation. Does Europe never learn from it's own history?

bernard ross, st. anns bay, jamaica

This is all propaganda, propaganda, propaganda. You just wonder who is directing it? The Iranians or in fact the British Government? Bush? Nevertheless, Tony Blair has been depicted as weak, spineless and a mumbleing fool. Its no surprise that there is little support from the EU and it is nice to read messages of support from so many Americans. The answer does not, however, have to be send in some bombs. Diplomacy requires a skill. Sending in bombs would be playing into the hands of evil...

Mark, Dublin, Ireland

R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA - I don't know where your interpretation of this blog comes from, but to my mind the comments here almost completely support the evidence of my own experience as an Englishman, which is that most of us are pro-American and very few of us are pro-european.

Unfortunately, our political class is often the exception to this rule, but please don't let that convince you that the majority of us are pro-european. You must be thinking of the french..

j griffiths, manchester, england

What a disgrace. First the UN Security Council can't be convinced that Tony Blair's version of the events is more accurate than the Iranians', now the EU. Good heavens! And our dear PM is such an honest man too! How can he be doubted? His jugement on Foreign policy and his diplomacy unquestionably beyond reproach. So what is wrong with the rest of the World? Come on all you foreign folk. Remember its not the truth that matters. What is important is that we all recognise that Iranians are bad people and Brits are good. Got that? ok, so now go away and reconsider whether it would be better to force your businesses to discard €14 billion of business to help Iran to realise this.

Jim Oliver, Leicester, England

So what happened to name, rank and number?

It used to be that they had to let you wash off the blood and comb your hair before getting in front of the camera and admitting utter culpability. Now it's less than a week, and the threat of no second helpings?

Fettler, Los Angeles, USA

The thing to be learned from this is - be prepared.
Do not carry out operations in small rubber boats. This is the second time this has happened and the policing of these waters needs to be done in substantial gun boats with back up that can blow the Iranians out of the water if they try to pull this stunt again.
To bring the message home a warning needs to be issued that any interference will be treated as piracy on the high seas and dealt with accordingly.

Frank Osborne, EAst Grinstead, West Sussex

The EU caving into to tyranny, wow, thats news. Is this really a surprise?

Jim, Massapequa, USA

"I REFUSE TO BELIEVE that this is the general opinion in these countries."

I just hope that the horrible ones are the loudest, not that they're in the majority. It's kept me sane. Ish.

(lovely city, Hamburg, my favourite city!)

Starling, Lancaster,

Three points: (1) experience in recent years has shown that one should be sceptical, to say the least, about any factual claims by the UK Government. As outsiders we can surely ony be neutral as to which side of the boundary the boats were (2) most UK people including the political class are probably hostile to a political role for the EU, and certainly to its federalist course, including the idea of a EU foreign minister and military force. They see an ideal EU as no more than an economic entity. Why then should the UK complain when the EU declines a political or military role? (3) Why should the many countries who counselled against the Iraq adventure, albeit pressured in some cases to become token members of the 'coalition of the willing', be expected to help UK out the resulting mess?

Tom, London, UK

Dear britons

I am from Iran,

I hope you UNDERSTAND that here is our territory and here is not iraq or afghanistan or argentina... your army support some terrorist groups in order to kill iranians in Khozestan Province in iran during 2004 to 2006 and we never let you to do it. again. Go home and out iraq.

by the way they are NOT HOSTAGE they entered to our water and it is our right to arrest them.

Iranian Boy, Abadan, Iran

"tens of thousands of football fans reportedly chanted “Death to England,”" and still the US is the "warmonger." Yah.

My heart goes out to you and your soldiers. This, DESPITE the fact that Im sure most Brits blame the US for being part of the war that put your soldiers in that area.

Here are a few facts:
1. France, again, will do nothing to help you. Nor the EU. Nor the UN.
2. For those of you readers that think Blair is Bush's puppet-- if he were, Theran would be in flames right now.

Iran wants the US dead. They are chanting death to England. They want Isreal dead. All this, but go on... blame the US.

Brad, USA,

Our so-called allies in Europe are once again putting their mouth where their money is. They won't even honour their commitments in Afghanistan, so why would they step up when action is once again called for? No surprise here then, but it's still a bitter pill to swallow and yet more proof that a European Army would be purely ornamental. The sooner we distance ourselves from these cowards, the better.

Dan Smith, Sheffield, UK

How sadly predictable. Baker writes a column that's critical of US politics vis a vis Israel and the Brits are out in force with anti-Jewish and anti-American comments that quite frankly would not be out of place on a White Supremacist blog. EU refuses to back the UK and the Americans are out in force with respectful and sympathetic comments--and even offers of assistance.

Inna, Sacramento,

Here's an idea REFUSE TO GIVE BRUSSELS ANY MORE MONEY FROM THIS COUNTRY , and we go it alone. The EU is spinless and useless, full of greedy prima donnas. They take weeks, months, years to come up with anything and it's usually not worth waiting for.

Understand this ,they don't give a dam about Britain..

jan, Norwich,

The EU is supposed to demonstrate a solidarity of purpose amongst its member nations, right? Isn't it a Union of security as well as Euros? UK, my friends, you've just been sold out and backstabbed by your so-called allies. This should tell you when the chips are down just who your friends are. I wonder if the EU would be so cathartic if France or Italy had their toes to the fire? France is Iran's second-biggest trading partner and the Dutch can't control their own Muslim population. The EU is as big a joke as the United Nations. Our nations, however, are tied by language, culture, history and the ideals of liberty. We, England, will NOT sell you out... regardless of our differences which are pretty darn petty in the face of the rising Muslim challenge to world order.

So, when the meat meets the metal, "Who you gonna' call?" Hint: it ain't Ghost Busters, France, Germany or italy...

Jim P, Sacramento, California

Iran is playing the EU. Iran knows the EU is spineless and will not back its words with action. When will Europe learn that Iran will never respond to words alone. Action must be certain and swift!

Bret, Chicago, USA

The Time is wrong. EU has not refused anything. Actually, it is not even clear if the UK has asked the EU to freeze anything at this stage. The objective is not to increase so much the pressure that diplomacy would be impossible. The title of The Guardian is "EU threatens sanctions over sailors".
So wait and see before blaming th EU.

Charles, Brussels, Belgium

The only countries in this world to stand up for honesty, liberty and freedom and who have a proven track record of fighting for their principles are the Anglo Saxon ones, the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, why we even consider the opinions of the rest of the world and especially the Europeans sometimes baffles me.

Brad, Boston, USA

It shows who your allies are, and Europe aint one of them, they are all spineless, money grabbing and corrupt nobodies who are not fit to wipe UK's butt.
The sooner we get out of the EU, the better UK will be financially and securely, no more allowing any old immigrant in because the EU says, no more human rights because the EU says, no more PC correct because the EU says.
Come on Britain!!! where's the bulldog spirit, we are better than them, all put together!!!

PB, Bridgend, UK

Once again into breach, the Brits and the Yanks find themselves standing together against the face of tyranny and injustice. And God willing the outcome will be the same as in the past.

John Agazim, Wheeling, IL

I'm an interpatriot : I bless all nations and advovate a planetary morlaity .

morgan-lynn lamberth, augusta, aus, ga.

To R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA

If you think the British prefer Europeans to Americans you are totally mistaken, sure we do think you act the part of a gorilla sometimes but we still prefer your monkey antics to that bunch of spineless flatworms across the English channel.

Ajer, Basingstoke, UK

As expected other EU states are failing to support Britain in this crisis. The list of reasons why Britain should negotiate its withdrawal from the EU, maintaining only a relationship framework based on a lighter version of the old Common Market, grows.

Mark Sciberras, Ta L-Ibrag, Malta

Most UK / US bloggers on this blog are full of hate and prejudice towards the rest of the world and seemingly cannot wait bombing the world to pieces.

I REFUSE TO BELIEVE that this is the general opinion in these countries. These countries have so many great artists, authors, songwriters and novelist I adore...

As for those warmonging bloggers here: Please leave the EU. Leave the UN. Leave NATO. And leave the rest of the British and Americans were they belong: with the EU, with the UN, within NATO.

Bernhard, Hamburg, Germany

Now there's a surprise, the EU refuses to support us. Do we need any more indication as to their views on us? It is a disgrace for any nation not to support us in attempting to rescue our servicemen and women - who were enforcing a UN resolution after all - but the Europeans pretend to be on our side, all friendly, but only when it suits them (like the UK is bankrolling the EU to the tune of £12bln per year)

The Bicycling Chameleon, Kent, England,

The EU has once again bowed to their masters; Iran. They can't even impose any type of sanction to force Iran to turn over their hostages. You have proven what Iran has always thought of Europe, a spineless, bunch of whimps that believe being nice will make the bad guys go away. Wake up. You will being facing more and larger problems with them in the future as they continue to observe your incompetence. Within the next fifteen years, you all will be speaking Arabic and be governed by Islamic law. You have lost you identity and will. Never again should the US help anyone in Europe except the British.

John A., Brooklyn, New York, USA

Well the comments on this post demonstrate one thing admirably - although it should already have been obvious to anyone with any intelligence.

It's this. We Brits have far more in common with our American allies than we will ever have with the cheese-eating surrender monkeys on our doorstep.

Our "european partners" hate us, so let's get out of the so called european union and stop subsidising them. And when they are overrun by islam, one by one, let's not bother saving them again.

j griffiths, manchester, england

Yes Jim Barry from Idaho Falls, USA. Remember when the French helped you out with a war of independence? The EU is the major trading partner of Iran - hence logically, a statement of unity, followed by a period of reflection, then if there is no result the 'possibility' of sanctions. Alternatively, if we follow your example we could rush in guns blazing and alienate another couple of billion people.

Jon Kingsbury, Southampton, UK

As a Texan, I lend my sympathies, my support, and my heart to the Iranian people as they struggle against the hegemonic, fifteen trillion-dollar, Anglo-American regime.

Iran is just another terror victim in no position to resist the imperial ambitions of the militarist, oil-hungry Bush and Blair fiefdoms: Iran is simply a toy to be used and discarded in the defunct war on Islam.

Blair and Bush will not stop bombing the Middle East until the entire region is laid to waste. It IS a prize for World Bank lenders and putative philanthropic financiers, a boon for indolent, subsidy-swollen, meth-crazed Bubba Frank whom resides in Iowa, Des Moines to be precise, and a bane for the millions of dead Arabs, the war for profits and imperial hegemony will go on without a stint until the entire region is laid to waste.

Brad, Austin, USA

To all my fellow Americans: do not waste your breath proclaiming your friendship and solidarity with the British. It makes them squirm with discomfort. You see, to them we are the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. We are the friends they wish they didn't have. What really pains our British cousins is that in their heart-of-hearts they know it is the uncouth Americans who are their true friends when they would prefer the Europeans whom they respect and admire more. So instead of embracing those that truly care for them they instead beg for the approval of those that are indifferent as this article so eloquently demonstrates.

R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA

OK. Who's sniggering in the class?

Own up! WHO IS SNIGGERING? It's not big and it's not clever!

Israel !!

And I CAN see that NUKE in your pocket.

Ha, it's only a 20 mg tonne.

Collect it after detention tonight.

Steve, Chester, UK

How pathetic and how typical. If a Muslim in Denmark is offended, Muslims in Jakarta riot like stampeding cattle. Compare to the West: A major Western nation is attacked (yes, an unprovoked kidnapping IS an attack!) and the rest of the West ducks for cover. Verbal "condemnation" unbuttressed by any leverage is nothing but useless hot air. No wonder the Evil Empire thinks the West can be had. It's right. I used to worry about the European continent falling under Shar'ia law. I don't anymore. It's fully deserved. I just pray the US doesn't join this latest in a long line of spineless European wimp-a-thons.
As for the Useless Nations, they should pack up their unpaid bills and move to Paris or Brussels or some other European Capital of Self-Importance. Any would be perfect match.

Virginia, Tulsa, USA

To you people sarcasticly asking why the US has not got involved yet, you should go back and read the articles from earlier in the week. The British government asked us not to as of yet so they can work their diplomacy first. I personally hope we do get involved since the rest of Europe won't lift a finger. To me its comical, for people posting in here from Spain, and France say they same thing. Your comments almost are translated as being happy this happened to Great Britain and that they deserve this. This is why here in the US your countries seem weak and pathetic in the general public. You're supposed to stick with your allies through thick and thin and not hold grudes. Regardless of their opinion of the Iraq war,EU should demand the release and step up more. You all have left the UK to fend for themselves and I hope America will step up. Unfortunately we have cowards in the Democratic party in power that will play politcs and do nothing.Shame on you all who"call"yourselves allies

Chris, Tampa, USA/Florida

It is interesting how we all had to be there to assist the USA after 9/11 because it was on their soil but now that their friends have problems they are nowhere to be found. This is called friendship? European soldiers died in Iraq due to the USA government's initiated war. Again a clear indication of one-sided policies from Washington and another lesson to the world to ignore the USA in everything they do. We don't need a self-centered country like that in our daily lives.

John , Vancouver, Canada

"The Iranian Embassy in London"

Do you mean to say that we still have diplomatic relations with Iran ??

They take armed British sailors prisoner, and we have diplomatic relations with them....

This must be some sort of hoax - a pantomime.

For mercy's sake deliver some Heineken to Parliament - we need something in there with a head on it.

Paul Medhurst, vienna, Austria

The US and the UK are there in Iraq helping the Iraqi people, and that includes mostly the SHIAS, which the Iranians for the most part are. We are there to help the groups abused under Saddam Hussein get some dignity and freedom and stop the filling of Saddam sanctioned mass graves with hundreds of thousands of Shias. Did the Iranians ever have the stomach to help their so-called Shia brothers in Iraq while this Saddam slaughter of the Shia was going on, unabated for years and years? No.

The Iranians should be kissing our (US and Uk) backsides in gratefulness that we helped out their Shia brethren so much, and did the work that they were unable to do. Instead we get a kick in our behinds. But what else is new. I really think the rest of the world needs to grow up. Enough already. Can scientists develop some rationality pills for the rest of mankind maybe?

sc, Atlanta, USA

"It's interesting how almost all postings on this site come from Americans. "

And your point? But ,at 12:53 US time, I count around 70 non-US posts to 30 US posts.

A hostage exchange? Iranians have no right to be in Iraq. The Iraqi government has not invited Iran to participate in resolving its affairs. On the other hand, Iraqi leaders HAVE spectifically requested that coalition forces remain in Iraq for the present.

'The war in Iraq wasn't EU making"

16 out of 27 EU member states (including Italy) are listed as members of the "coalition of the willing" which supplied troops and other support for the invasion of Iraq.

tournefort, richmond, USA

I wonder if France is going to offer collaboration to Iran again. They offered it to Hitler (Do you remember the obnoxious Marechal and little Pierre Laval?) It cannot be a surprise that they are siding with the bad guys one more time.

John Tanner MIRC, Halifax, Virginia USA

"EU refuses to back Britain" and you are surprised at this because????????????

Deborah, Sault Ste Marie, MI, USA

Help me to understand. UK government went to war following the 'special relationship' with US, and against the will of the rest of Europe, and against the UN, and even against a lot of people in UK. Do you remember?
Well, you got your prize, the iraqui oil is yours.
What do you want now? And why don't you ask the help of the US? I'm sure the combined power of both you can bomb Iran and leave only ashes. Don't you? And in the end, is not just what you want?

Jesus, Basque Country, Spain

Oh, incidentally, if a significant majority of American descendents are of German, Irish and Italian origin - explain how we have more in common with the US "Europeans" than the EU "Europeans"?

Jon Kingsbury, Southampton, UK
****

It's real easy there, Jon. Most all European immigrants bought into the idea that England is our mother country when they embraced the American dream. They came here because their home countries had failed them. Contrary to others, we assimilate people into one like-minded country whose English roots run deep. It's how we define ourselves. It's what we teach our children.

Michael J, Greenville, SC, USA

how interesting to read the french opinions. the country has no backbone, no dignity, no shame, no humility, and certainly has learned nothing from history. their endless carping against the u.s. and u.k. is boring and trite and reflective of their meaningless role in the world. is it a wonder nobody can stand them, except for the corrupt and repressive regimes of the middle east?

Gus Consultore, Milan, Italy

The EU is pathetic. It is quite clear that making euros takes precedence over the rule of international law. What is law, but an inconvenient truth. The europeans should abandond any thought of a united Europe, a constitution, etc. They have shown again that they have no stomach for any confrontation. The Iranians understand strength. The EU has shown none.

Steve S., Hershey, PA, USA

I've talked to American marines in the Area of Operation about their reactions. They would have tried to evade using trained small boat tactics and if fired upon would have returned fire, with full expectation that their mother ship would have supported them with fire support. The American rules of engagement leave it to the soldier, sailor, marine, or airmen to determine if they are under hostile threat or not. It is poor military doctrine to second guess your combatants.

The seizure of Iranian Revolutionary Guard hundreds of miles inside Iraq was at the request of the Iraqi government. The Iranians claimed diplomatic immunity but were found with weapons and large sums of cash in illegal amounts, nor where they anywhere near a diplomatic faculity such as a consolute or embassy. And the defections were legitmate not us seizing people.
If the Iranians were truly concerned about violations they should have matched patrols with the UK and then filed a diplomatic protest.

Wes, PA, United States of America

After years of bashing the US and in particular bashing US Republicans the Brits get what they wanted, a Democratic led US Congress. A congressional leadership that won’t even make a statement of support before taking their spring vacation. The UN won’t help, the EU won’t help and now it appears a Democratic led US Congress won’t be helping. Were you so wrapped up in bashing Bush that you lost sight of what is best for Britton in a time of need?

Stuart, Chicago, USA

It is time the UK and US forced a bit of sanity upon this squalid regime. When cretinous lunatic theocrats take our citizens hostage, the thing to do is not to bluster or to importune for their return, or to implore the morally decayed EU to consider curtailing profitable trade with them. This does nothing but assist these ludicrous baboons in their effort to conscript us into the circus act that they are putting on. The thing to do is to deliver a very clear and unmistakable ultimatum: Return our citizens at once, or suffer massive bombing within 24 hours. Then follow through. Less talk, more rock. Bomb them.

Maynard, Oxford & New York, UK & USA

To luc in France: Britain will NEVER again have to stand alone in the face of aggressors. Unlike you the Americans understand the term "ally." If there is one thing we learned on this side of the Atlantic from WWII it was that while the Brits can do it; they shouldn't have to. They are the only nation in Western Europe whose hides are worth supporting and saving as this EU decision is just further evidence.

And is anyone surprised that the Italian's solution is to just give them what they want?

This is why Americans do not take Western Europe seriously. I agree with everyone whose says Britain should get out of these international organizations (the US should too). The UN, EU NATO they're all a joke that cost us insane amounts of money. It would be interesting to see how long Europe could go without major conflict if the US no longer saw it in our interest to defend you.

Marianne, Cincinnati, USA

I am saddened by the fact that so many comments from people in the EU and further afield don't seem to know or care that the Royal Navy ws patrolling this area under a mandate from the UN.
Its presence there has absolutely nothing to do with the war in Irak.

It is therefore even more worrying to see the lukewarm response by the UN Security Council, when in fact Iran took soldiers who were on an UN mission.

As to the EU - frankly, I think its time to get out.

Oh - and to all those who think US agression justifies Iran's capture of British soldiers on an UN mandate: I hope you will never have to come running to the UN asking them for protection. Why should any country let their military take up these mandates, when they are not protected by the UN?

Vivian Evans, Cardiff, Wales, Great Britain

It's time for Britian and the U.S. to clean house in Iran and Iraq - Enough is enough.

George Bush, Washington, United States of America

The usual load of biased bleeding hearts crap coming out of the mouths of the blind and deaf (especially Frenchies). Just because you cowards in Eurabia are afraid of upsetting some dimwit despot and his mullah masters in Iran because you might actually have to do something worthwhile, like stick together and show solidarity with a member country.
The lesson here is not to put all your eggs in one basket, especially if that basket happens to be the EU, UN or anything that stinks of islam.
The Serbs got it right and were winning until the UN, Nato nancy boys stepped up and started bombing their own allies. WELL DONE EVERYBODY.

Jack, London, England

Typical!

Claude, Richmond, VA, USA

The EU should be ashamed of itself. When will it learn to show solidarity with its allies instead of chasing the Iranian oil cash cow?

Eliza, Rzeszow, Poland

Next trhe EU minister swill declare "peace in our time." They are not hostages, but prisoners of war

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio

"If an Iranian naval vessel wants to go into the English Channel, North Sea, or the Atlantic it can. Its' called freedom of navigation."

From the above comments from Chuck, in Gahanna, Ohio, can I assume that the American govenment would have no issue with a flotilla of Iranian warships sailing down the Mississippi (assuming of course that it's navigable) or being harboured in New York Bay??

Thought not!!

Ben, London,

Time to get serious in this war against terror, conscription is needed to get the troops in US & UK so that we can sort this lot out.

After Iran, Syria, Sudan and more, and should the UN still exist, we will need to create a new organisation where only fit and proper countires get to become members. Only those Countries with sufficient history of acting properly would become security council members, this rules out China & Russia who need to be sorted out with trade restrictions ASAP.

Trevor, Northumberland, Great Britain

What do you expect from the gutless wonders of the EU? They're happy enough to take billions of £££s of our money. They're happy to flout their own rules, while expecting us to toe the line. But when it comes to showing a bit of solidarity, they turn their backs on us. When they come begging for more handouts from us, we should stick 2 fingers up to them. France and Germany, especially, will take any opportunity to see us humiliated and then rub our noses in it. Old wounds still fester with these 2 countries. Time to cut ties with these spongers and concentrate on our alliances with our Commonwealth allies, Canada, Australia and NZ. We have far more shared history and heritage with them than the European backstabbers.

Mark , Brighton , England

It is the same Eurosceptic bunch of whingers who complain that the Union has no guts that refuse to give the Union power it needs to act with strength.

Howard Goddard, Cheam, England

I take back what i said earlier. We should send in Jacques Chirac to patrol the area in a pedalo.

Chris, Valletta,

The EU decision to not impose economic sanctions on Iran in support of the UK reminds one of the appeasing of Hitler in the run up to WWII. Iran will correctly conclude that most of Western Europe still has no spine. Indeed, with this decision, the EU is well on its way to becoming a non-voting suburb of Russia and the Middle East.

This conclusion is gaining additional acceptance in the USA. This conclusion is leading many Americans to ask if Europe is worth the lives of Americans lost in past wars. We, the USA, have spent a considerable number of American lives, and substantial treasure, to instill, defend, and preserve freedom in Western Europe. We Americans are asking the EU the same question posed to the Iraqi government, "Now that we have given you the opportunity for freedom from tyranny, do you have the will to preserve it and to nourish it in the hearts of your citizens?"

Robert Mooth, Decatur, Illinois, USA

Blair looks as wretched as Jimmy Carter all those years ago. As soon as Carter went and Reagan was elected the Iranians released the embassy hostages.
Resign now Blair.

Gwilym Rhys-Jones, Costa del Sol, Spain

When will GREAT Britain remove itself from the appalling amorality of the EU?

Matt, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

I really dont understand why Timesonline has to put up such a headline "EU refuses to back Britain over call to threaten exports freeze". Fact is that the EU actually did express their support...

It is quite obvious that people reading conservative newspapers or even tabloids like the Sun get an impression that EU countries like Germany and France dont support the UK since there isnt much coverage about whats going on in Europe at all - and when it is mostly negative - even to a degree of distorting the facts. I guess the problem is that most and even 'educated' English speaking folks cant read any foreign language.

If you would be able to german e.g. you could find out that even on rather center/left forums of Spiegelonline there is mostly strong support of the Uk on this matter. (much more compared to what i read at Guardianonline).

Daniel, Heidelberg, Germany

We are witnessing the fall of the west not with a bang but a wimper.

Juanita , Waterford, Ireland

How irresponsible and typical of The anti-EU pro-US Times to create a bad press for the EU. Your headline could and should have read: EU Foreign Ministers condemns Iran.

Putting aside the fact that the British would never have been in the area in the first place, had in not followed the US instead of taking wise EU council.

I don't notice the US jumping up to support the UK with this current problem. Whereas the EU Foreign policy chief and the entire EU council of foreign ministers have shown complete solidarity in condemning Iran; it is just the approach which has to be agreed by everyone: unfortunately the EU does not operate on majority voting. And who always opposes majority voting? Britain!

Peter GODDARD, Epsom, England, EU

The Iranians would do well to remember that the US Navy sank or destroyed most of the Iranian Navy in an hour or 2 back during the 1989 "tanker war." Now, there are more targets so it might take 3 or 4 hours to do the same thing. I hope it doesn't come to that but if needed, I'm sure the Americans will stand with the UK, as always.

Jon, Reston, Virginia

Luc from France said,
"Why on earth should the EU lose 14 billion euros just because the UK was stupid enough to go to war in iraq?
How is that fair? "

Fair? You do it Luc because IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

You know what, Britain would be better off without people like you anyway. This article is pathetic.

I am praying for the British soliders, may God bless them for their courage and dedication.

Lyn, USA,

Our European "partners" are a joke; as pathetic as this government.

Henry Northcroft, London, UK

I am embarassed for Europe. How could they not ne supporting Britain 100%.

David Knight, Brookline, Massachusetts

will someone tell the football fans in iran that we all know that mr blair is a pirate,,,and just call him tony everyone dos and if thay do not watch out we will send all there asylum seekers back and when tony lets them in for a 2nd time there ss will be stoped so there ,,and marg becket will get a new hair do

james simms,, cheddleton leek , staffs moorlands

Is situations like this the true test of the most spoken European Union. However as we all know this union is only for the marketing interests of the few and not for the union of the people of Europe. Europe is ruled by socialist thinkers who are more fun of the money in their pockets than the people they represent. Every day Europe is looking weaker and weaker to the rest of the world and before we know it Europeans will have no say at all on the world affairs. This is very sad......
People of Britain the people of Europe are with you, even thougth our goverments said other ways.
Long live the Europe of nations!!!!

F.Bonmati, New Jersey, United States

Our European allies? have obviously put profit before principal when it comes to the the crunch. Any talk of further political integration with this bunch of carpetbaggers should get the veto it so richly deserves.

Philip, Ipswich,

Anybody who still wants to join the E.U. should leave this country and bloody well live there. Britain should in no way join the E.U. Why do no other countries give a damn about Britain?

What happens when troops from E.U. countries are held hostage in a similar situation? All I can say is they had better not do anything at all if such a thing does happen, as that's what they're doing now.

Anonymouse, UK,

There is a serious amount of contradiction in complaining about the weakness of EU's political and defense decisions in a country whose governments and public opinion always strongly stood against any reinforcement of political leadership and common defense for Europe.
The only question concerning the British soldiers is what measure will be the most effective for their liberation? Unfortunately, time might prove more efficient than military gesticulations (who seriously believe UK and even US can successively act against Iran when the operations in divided Irak have been such a costly fiasco ?) or temporary commercial sanctions. The fact that these soldiers were kidnapped during a war against wich most countries opposed and warned does not help.
However it would be counterproductive for Europe, her public opinions, and ultimately its political credibility, not to take a common and stronger stance agaisnt Iran. But reply will inevitably be graduate.

Pierre, Paris, France

Joele's comments are what you would expect to read in the HYS pages of the 'neutral' BBC, but in The Times - please do not make things more painful than they already are for the victims of this outrage and their families.

Can we expect Blair to state his frustration and disappointment with his EU colleagues? I doubt it, but that is what is required, in no uncertain terms. I bet Iran will play it up for all it is worth. Truly pathetic, whimpish EU. We will all regret this sooner or later. And Times, please stay on side for goodness sake and reject such nonsensical comments like those from Joele at such a critical time.

GB, Hong Kong,

This is a daily global humiliation of our nation, highlighting the weakness and indecisiveness of our political leaders.

They argue that the use of military force would cause more harm than good. However, what is the long term damage of our inactivity doing to Britain's reputation in the global arena? It actually gives substance to all the insults hurled by Iran.

Would any nation have dared to have done anything like this during Margaret Thatcher's time in office? Argentina learned the hard way.

Steve, Rugby, UK

This country is a joke!!! Has no major politician the balls to condem the EU's rejection to the lack of help over this issue? As rightly stated by some other people, as there is lots of money involved, the safety of our servicemen and woman takes second place over profit. We should pull out of the E.U. as all we do as a country is pay money into it and get nothing out.
Me, I'm off to Poleand to get a false passport and come back to this county as an immigrant to claim, no actually, demand my free house, benefits and whatever else this namby pamby government will give me. Pathetic...... I used to be so proud to be British but that is fading fast.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

If this continues much longer, Britain will surely find out who it's Friends are. This has more implications for Britain's future relationship with the European Union and the United States than it has with the Middle East.

Lets hope the leadership of the EU understands than they cannot let short term gain govern their long term strategy. Only a strong economic but peaceful stance can prevent this escalating in a way no one can predict.

British people like most people have long memories and if they feel betrayed then the European experiment is over for us regardless of what our politicans think.

David, Maidstone, UK

Iran is funding the trouble in Iraq against the Iraqi people, it wants to take over Iraq, it wants to destroy Israel. It is smuggling in Putonium from Africa to do it. This is blatantly obvious to all except the EU diplomats apparently, who just want to keep the money coming. Iran is the biggest threat to peace in the middle east and Europe.

What is the point of the EU if it can't unite against this threat? The Iranians will go for Europe regardless of any trade links. Once again, we are let down by our own partners.

Standupforthewest, Manchester, UK

Matt:

Excellent point, especially based on your location. Can you imagine Canadians from Ontario saying, "oh, those were Canadian soldiers from Quebec, so we don't want to escalate things" if Canadian soldiers were taken hostage in Afghanistan under the UN mandate?

That's effectively what Brit's "friends and allies" from France and Germany are doing. Their business interests (and far left of their country who hates USA) trump. And they're writing a recipe for a much larger war, when Iran sees the cracks of the alliance.

Chris, New York, NY

To F. Davies, Susses, U.K. -

You ask why Europe should support you since Britain chose to side with the U.S. in Iraq. I'll tell you why - because if Europe is the "big family" it claims to be then it should be there for any of its members when they are in need. You don't desert your family. In any of the true caring families I know they stick together in times of need - NO MATTER WHAT. Family members always disagree from time to time. What loving family members do not do is turn their backs on eachother when in trouble strikes.

R. Cummins, Heart of Dixie, USA

Where is the world outrage concerning violations of the Geneva Convention. Perhaps it only applies to Western countries. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Britain, Canada and US saved France from Germany. They couldn't even stand up for themselves. The Dutch should be ashamed of themselves considering the same countries rescued them. Britain should consider withdrawing from the EU. What a useless organization! I am still waiting to hear UN disapproval of the flaunting of the Geneva convention by Iran.

Russ Reid, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, Canada

1. The first set of coordinates given by the Iranians had the Marines and sailors in Iraqi waters.
2. If an Iranian naval vessel wants to go into the English Channel, North Sea, or the Atlantic it can. Its' called freedom of navigation.
3. The Iraqi government allows the British to operate in their waters.
4. Where are all the 'Human Rights" activists in Europe, shouldn't they be complaining about the Marines and sailors being used in proaganda films?
5. Would someone in Europe please tell me while so many of the comments I've read about this crisis sound so anti-Semitic?
6. I was happy to see that the EU took such a strong stand on this. "Peace in our time!" Maybe the French can sell the Iranians some Mirages. Saddam enjoyed his Mirage F-1s.

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio

Margaret Thatcher once said all of Britains problems started in Europe and all the solutions came from the USA. How right she was. It is time for the UK to pull out of Europe and let them get on with it, and whilst on the subject why don't the US pull all their forces out of Germany? That would be a sanction in of itself

Karen Trimingham, North Vancouver, BC Canada

Dear Dora et al. Whilst Iran may not have openly declared War upon Britain and the West, Iran does wage war upon us.

Otherwise how do you explain the Iranian equipment, often equipment given to Iran by the EU for border security, turning up in Iraq? causing the deaths of young European men and women

And for those of you who urge a hardline approach, this will only serve to force Iran in to a corner from which they will only come out fighting, endangering the lives of the 15 servicemen.

Sam Tapping, Norwich, UK

I cannot believe that EU would not back the UK on this. The plain and simple fact is that the brits were in Iraqi waters. There is nothing legitimate coming from the Iranian side to back up their allegations. They are simply trying to have leverage for negotiations about it's nuclear ambitions.

PL, Calgary, Canada

In response to paul, florence, italy's post:

Sadly, the Italians seem to find a solution to hostage situations through paying ransomes or releasing prisoners. I'm sure that if these were Italian Hostages they would be released shortly, in exchange for a plane full of Euros or jailed terrorists.

At what point is Italy going to wake up and get it?

Paul, Virginia Beach, USA

No one should be surprised by the EU's stance. This is their way of keeping a "balance of power" in the world.Again, doing the opposite of the US & UK in attempt to prove its worth in world issues. Russia & China do the same. Iran will have a nuke in no time under the EU watch. Its really quite pathetic to see the lack of backbone that Europe operates with at almost every issue. I hope the US no longer attempts to strengthen its ties with the main members of the EU any longer. Its a wasted effort, and I wish the EU nothing but failure at every level. The US gets nothing but hate and wishes for their defeat in Iraq. How could the UK ever be part of an organization that will not even attempt a hard stance (other than words) at a hostage situation. You see the French comments here and it is "tell America to give back their guys" or "if you would not have been in Iraq..." no one twisted the UK's arm to go to Iraq, and by the way isn't the Uk on its way out of Iraq anyway?

Mike, Pittsburgh, USA

In response to Dora in France, Iran has started the war between Hezbollah and Israel last year and has propagated the Shiite insurgency in Iraq for at least the last 2 years, killing many US and UK soldiers not to mention a huge number of Iraqi civilians. It just likes to pay other people to do its dirty work, that's all. The Iranian government is not a peaceful one. I think they will become the dominant force in the region and I don't think we can do much about that. But to what end? What is their actual goal? Israel? Partition of iraq? Control of the Gulf shipping lanes?
I think they just being belligerant to stoke patriotic fervour and maintain the status quo. Without Western demons to fight, the system would crumble before long due to pressure from the young population. They need to be shunned and isolated to justify their militant politics and we're giving them just what they want.

Simon W, Norfolk, UK

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke

History repeats itself.

Britain, the U.S. will stand strong with you, no matter how much you or the world hates us.

Michelle, Dallas, Texas/USA

Let me see, Germany and France traded with Saddam, and were involved in the oil for food scam. Now Germany wants to do the same with Iran. Anyone see a pattern..The dust in the distance is France running to catch up before all the loot is gone

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Texas

I have been reading these comments from the UK and from the US and Europe. If you have never understood why the UK has always been so dubious about being part of the EU, your answer is now obvious. The EU has just had it's 50th birthday, and is still as fractured and appeasement minded as ever. One of your partners in trouble? Blame the US. Need unified action? Blame Tony Blair. The EU makes me sick.

Rick Zigler, Harrogate, United Kingdom

As a fellow Brit least we forget that 25 years ago Great Britain was involved in another conflict in the south Atlantic pushed upon us. Do not forget that it was an Anglo / French missile supplied by the French that sank HMS Sheffield and the Atlantic conveyor. They the french were not sorry then and they are not sorry now. We should expect that from a bunch of fence sitting cowards who have never won a conflict at all. They and the rest of Europe have had to be bailed out by other more courageous people more than once. I say this its about time the British said Bon voyage Europe, Adios amigo. its been nice knowing you but get lost.

Jim Barry, Idaho Falls, USA

Where is the US? We are right behind you. The British people should know that the US will back British decisions on this matter, even though we think the ones made so far are weak. After all, the UK is the only ally we have left.
It is clear that Russia and China are not 'brave' for sticking up to the US/UK; they simply want to replace the US as the dominant force in the world. Could you imagine such a place? I imagine the death toll of dissenting journalists would be quite high. Iran would not dare kidnap American soldiers--their country would cease to exist. The Iranians the US 'kidnapped' murdered American soldiers. Have no sympathy for them.
Come look at the graves of our 'imperialistic' soldiers who died making the world a better place. The US lost Vietnam, but our tough stance against Communism won the cold war that led to its fall in Europe. So be it with terrorism and countries like Iran.

Chris, Alexandria, USA, VA

Is there rot at the top? We will soon know.
Margaret Thatcher would have known what to do without so much fussing about the EU.

Roberto, London,

The French didn't surrender to Iran, Karen. They never had any hostages taken.

You must be thinking of the Americans. They surendered to Iranian demands during the 70's hostage crisis.

For Ahmidinijad, this must be just like the good old days.

bob, Liverpool, Merseyside

These Brits should be re-classified as hostages ( which is what they are), and this would open up many more political and military possibilities.

Bob, Dorset,

What's the point of being "European" if the rest of Europe doesn`t give a damn when citizens of a member nation are attacked. "Europe" is a joke.

Matt Harrington, Montreal, Quebec

France and Germany have about three days to change their mind, or the EU will be irreparably damaged.

When soldiers of a fellow EU member are abducted under a UN mandate and fellow EU refuse to immediately take a hard line of solidarity, it's time to take stock of the EU itself.

When French or German peacekeepers are next taken hostage by Hezbollah in Lebanon, maybe the Brits can return the favor.

Chris, New York, NY

When you are over the top your friends have too restrain you and that is what EU is doing. Here is a country that has completely humiliated itself by blindly following US into a genocidal act in Iraq against its own cultural instinct. It is now running around begging everyone to save its face. Brits! you are greedy losers collectively because you failed to restrain your government. If Harold Wilson Labour were around and if British sensibility had not been thrashed by Maggie Thacher you would not have fallen this low. You lost your way by giving in to closet Tories in the Labour rank.

Joele, Brasko, Brazil

Would you please make clear to the rest of the world that the so-called 'confessions' are just natural British politeness. The marine had obviuosly been well brought up and he was just being polite - he did not want to hurt their feelings. That is all there was to it.

bozTP, London,

All the facts indicate that the Iranian government is fooling nobody, probably not even their own people, with this stunt. Military force will have the immediate benefit of freeing the troops, but it will do long-term damage because it will only support Ahmadinejad's view that only military force is relevant, and that is why they need nuclear arms. We need a united economic front from the EU to show that military force is NOT the only option. In this the EU has failed miserably. I'd say give the EU another try, apply specific economic punitive damage to EU members and companies that continue their selfishness, and meanwhile use the hammer and start capturing Iranian troops in Iraq and blockade their shipping.

Chou, Taipei,

The EU is awaste of space and money, the UN is corrupt, the only countries we can rely on are the USA, Canada,NZ, Autralia and Japan. UN countries are like vultures hoping to gain from anothers loss - Russia for example. Everytime the see an oportunity to have a poke at the west they do, regardless of the rights or wrongs. As for our Labour government - I'd trade the lot of them for our troops - but the troops are worth much more and the Iranians know it.

Disgusted Brit, Cowes, UK

Quite a few anti-British comments from France. Well there's a surprise. Bit different in 1914 and 1939 wasn't it when our soldiers sailors and airmen bled to save your miserable cowardly hides. I think we helped Russia too and Holland and many others who, but for the Britsh and later the USA would be speaking German now. Maybe that wouldn't have been such a bad thing.

Disgusted Brit, Cowes, UK

Any surprised The French surrendered to Iran? The Germans sided with the bad guys? How many wars do you have to see the weak wimps of Europe put their hands in the air. Iran knows that Europe is made up of silly boys and ready to surrender to Islamic rule.

Karen, NY, NY,

All this goes to prove from a British point of view what a useless organization the EU is and how it benefits a few countries of which the UK is not one.

Ajer, Basingstoke, UK

One, this act of the EU is disloyalty beyond that which I ever imagined possible. A nuclear armed Iran poses an existential threat to Europe, as it does to the US. This is nothing more then the EU attempting to squeeze every last euro they can from Iran while letting the UK and US bear the burden. It is despicable.

Two, do the member states of the EU have any sense of reality. By not assisting the UK, they increase the liklihood that this matter eventually comes down to the application of brute force. Those two U.S. carriers are not in the Gulf for show and Bush is not facing reelection. He will pull the trigger on this sooner rather then later if Tony Blair, also similarly situated, asks him to do so. Iran is playing a thuggish and dangerous game. The EU just upped the stakes.

What I would like to see happen at this point is for the US to rescind its waivers and start imposing sanctions on EU companies and banks are doing business in Iran.

Scott, Maryville, USA

The best, possibly even the only way to get these 15 out is to persuade the Yanks to release the 6 Iranian diplomats they've snatched inside Iraq, and the Iranian Republican Guard top-slicks they kidnapped inside Iran (the so-called "defectors").

As to the Brits being snatched: what are they (still) doing in the Gulf anyway? It was illegal for them to go in, and frankly, they have no objective reason to remain. No weapons of mass destruction found; regime change already accomplished. So bring the boys home already!

Roel Slachmuylders, Leuven, Belgium

Ah... The Europeans... Just the sort of friends you want to have when the chips are down!

If they get into trouble and just can't resist the temptation to murder one another, they'll expect you to run to their assistance; but let it be the other way 'round...

Well, it's an old story.

Ed Stokes, San Diego, California, USA

Why on earth should the EU lose 14 billion euros just because the UK was stupid enough to go to war in iraq?
How is that fair?
I completely oppose the evil Iranian regime, but I say let the UK stand alone on this. It will teach Blair a lesson as well as give him a taste of his own medicine.

luc, Strasbourg , France

Let me understand this, the UK is on a UN mandate, yet the security council does not back them. The EEC shows a united front against the UK even though the UK is a memeber country, could this be because the almighty barrel of oil comes into play. So much for these institions that are going to better the world!

Howard Conway, Toronto, Canada

Whilst feeling enormously sorry for the hostages' situation, one has to ask how they were taken prisoner in the first place. Remarkably little has been written about this so far, and maybe it's best to wait until the affair is over before getting too deeply into the matter. But, our servicemen were armed, there was a Royal Navy ship within spitting distance, yet not a thing was done. Why not? Another interesting question concerns the operational efficiency of HMS Cornwall. I have read that the helicopter providing air cover had returned to ship as it was low on fuel. What an appalling lapse of operational discipline. So far, with the facts at our disposal, it seems the the situation came about though operational negligence, exacerbated by a reluctance to fight when necessary. If the Iranians show no fear of British power in the region, we have only ourselves to blame.

Nick Short, Ipswich, UK

EU position is not different from 1938:business first.

philippe sanchez, saint martin, france FWI

Whether or not Iraq is a just war has nothing to do with Iran's crime of kidnapping sailors on the open seas. Where is the outrage over Iran's failure to follow Geneva Conventions? Apparently it only applies to those that the US captures. Where is the moral outrage from EU leaders? It is silenced by the desire not to side with America.

The Europeans have gutted their militaries and are unable and unwilling to stand up to a third world tyrant. Even if British sailors were in Iranian waters Iran has no right to kidnap them. It is like 1939. Neville Chamberlain has declared that there will be peace in our time, when all that the enemy wants is war.

JB, New York, NY

Can someone explain the benefits of EU membership for the UK? There obviously has to be some.

Tom Mackall, Boulder, Colorado

I wonder how the people of England would react to a boat full of Iranians "patrolling" around their waters?
I'm afraid that in this matter - the politics of cultural stereotyping and demonizing of Iran by the US/UK/Israel, has led many people in this forum to double standards.
Why are your soldiers in this region of the world? How many wars has Iran started? How many countries has Iran invaded? Are the Iranian people war-mongerers? Please leave Iran alone.

Dora, Paris, France

I support you and your sailors and marines. The Eu missed a big opportunity to show real solidarity. Talk about Iraq and anything other than the abduction of your service personnel is deflection from the real issue. The Iranian act was illegal siezure, not of goods or money, but real people. The UK gets to call the shots for a change and you can rely on the US to do what is asked. But if its to be shots fired, better do it before the Democrats get in office.

ross, pottstown, usa

All are pertinent and interesting questions. Here is what we know so far. The dividing line is supposed to be down the middle of the channel, but that can be very difficult to discern visually with irregular shorelines. The British have provided GPS coordinates that show the site of the capture slightly inside Iraqi waters. But this position appears close enough to the center of the irregular channel that neither side could have known for sure if they were in violation or not, without individual GPS on each patrol boat. Even more strange, the crew of the Frigate has admitted they had contact with the British Foreign Office and were told specifically NOT TO INTERVENE. Did they want the provocation of hostages? If so, the British certainly won't admit to it. They certainly could have blown the Iranian patrol boats out of the water, if they had wanted. This lends to the suspicion that the Brits were looking for a excuse to being victimized by Iran.
http://www.rense.com/general76/war.htm

Bernard, Paris,

Absolutely no surprise at the EU stance.
I fully expected it & I have never had any doubts that the EU would do nothing. Asking for EU help just shows the naivety of Blair, that he could even think that the EU would do more than pronounce bland statements is proof of his stupidity.

The EU has never done one thing for the UK except take it cash.

At least the EU inaction will have killed off any suggestion that the UK should merge its military forces into an EU army.

Anthony, London,

On the "Get out of EU" shopping list, include the UN and NATO.

Jack, Newtown, Powys

Many of you seem to believe almost naturally that the EU and UN are somehow compelled to support Britain. Not one of you know for sure whether it is true or not that the British went into Iranian territorial waters thus trespassing illegally. Whether it happened at that very instant the Iranian captured the 15 British soldiers or before that point. On the balance of probability it must have happened - with so many US and UK army personnel in the area. This would have amounted to taunting on the part of the UK and US. The Iranian had not much choice and they took the gamble - if they let it be the encroachment into their territory would be even greater and who knows maybe the UK and US would have dared to walk straight into Teheran. Tactically speaking Iranians are in the right. Now whether UK can do anything more is the question - or else show it to be simply, as many suspect, an insignificant force riding the coat-tails of the US?

Beau Vallon, Paris,

It's about time Britain got some of it's old backbone back; we should not ever be pushed around and insulted like this. The problem with this nation now is the tannoy has been hijacked by too many leftist appoligists and self blamers who have the power and control over the media to muffel the voices of the sane with their inane ramblings.
They are picking this nation apart piece by piece and it is getting simply embarrassing. Anti-American Anit-Bush, Anti-Britain, Anti-Blair, Anti-War, Anti-Capatilists, Anti-Western; it is all the same old vomit spewed all the time. How about taking a look around the World at leaders who do not respect their people? I only hear the government condeming them ever! It is about time we got our people out of that place the old fashioned way, it can be done, I also hope we leave a little present behind too in order to secure the World against this regime of radicals who want to murder the West through sheer hate. Get some back bone Britain!

Kinny, Cambridge, UK

Time to wake up and smell the coffee.
Oil being priced in euros not dollars was the real reason for the 2nd gulf war. The European economy livened up when oil barrels were being priced in euros and the American economy plumetted prior to the war. As for the UK, it didn't have any economic allegience to Europe as it is not a part of the European monetary system. Come Tony and Gordon, Get out of Europe and invade Iran to get our boys and girls home and make the world a safer place.

Chris Coughlan, Hanover, Germany

Don`t blame Europe! It`s the US who is refusing to exchange prisoners.

Peter, Leeds,

It's interesting everyone is so quick to judge the UK's EU partners for not rushing to introduce a trade embargo on Iran out of solidarity. What did you expect? When Britain decided to join with the USA in the war in Iraq, it isolated most of the EU, particularly France and Germany who believed then and still believe now that the war in Iraq was illegal and unnecessary. Britain thus squandered any kind of currency it had with the rest of the EU and is increasingly viewed as a US puppet by the rest of Europe.

The more pertinent question to be asked is: where is the USA? The UK isolated itself from the EU by joining the US in its miiltary campaigns and it's clear from the Iranian statements that a main reason that the UK marines are being held is to get at "the Great Satan". The USA is Britain's only ally now so let's see what they will do to repay the UK's loyalty, apart from give meaningless advice like John Bolton's.

MB, Edinburgh,