Iran orchestrated this event to gain favor in the west and to appear fair and balanced. They are neither, and the British need to stop seeing the world through rose colored (or more "oil" colored) glasses. The world needs to get off the oil teat of the middle east, and only then will there be peace.

Sebastian, New York, NY

It's nice it ended well. As Paul Hewson, I am anyway puzzeled. I wondered, when they were kidnapped, why, if they were patrolling, they were so easily taken as hostages. Of course nobody wants to be wounded, but they are soliders, aren't they? It was a war act... or do they always surrounder so easily? Doesn't look as a professional Army. Afterwards, described psicological pressure seems to be more or less softer than ordinary military life (sleeping on the ground and so). And finally they came so happily as they were in Iran, although changing their words. I think our happiness and compassion must be seen as avoiding a martial court... which otherwise should be considered at least some enquire, wouldn't it? They were not kidnapped tourists, or were they?

Bernard, Madrid, Spain

It is good to hear that conflict got resolved peacefully withouth the interference of the Great Bush who could have found an reason to start 3rd world war. God saved all of us.

Raj, Edison, NJ,USA

Hey Pat of Buckingshare....at least we tried!!!!!

Murph, Madisonville, USA/Kentucky

It is, of course, a good result that the service personnel were released unharmed. I wonder though that they had to smile and wave so much for the cameras, and to be so celebratory (champagne corks and cheering) when their aeroplane landed in England. I read that they "emerged shyly" from behind a building during the President's speech. They just didn't seem to be behaving like real service people, somehow, and this didn't seem to be coerced behaviour.

Paul Hewson, Sydney, Australia

I like to tell the people across the Atlantic that you are interefering in the relation between Iran and Britain and we have managed to resolve it peacefully. Maybe I should apologize for the peaceful end to this. Frankly none of this is any of your business. You already have your "other" problem to take care of. Good luck.

Iran4Ever, London, UK

Since many believe that Iran had more to lose by detaining the British sailors which ultimately led to their release and propaganda extravaganza, it is a far stretch to then believe that these sailors would have been harmed in any way even with a more hard line approach. Yes the sailors would have been detained for a longer period of time but increased pressure from the world community (except France and Russia) would have isolated Iran even more than they are today, ultimately leading to a resolution on Britain's terms.

While I am happy that the sailors are back home I can't help but feeling that Iran won this hand of militant poker.

A. Hamilton, NYC, USA

As hard-line as I am, I cannot discredit Tony Blair's response with the arrest of the British Sailors. The objective/priority was achieved. However large your army, the sailors would not have been released alive following any kind of military action. We have all seen how disjointed the Iranian governmental structure is and let's be under no illusion - Britain could not win a war against Iran. There can be little doubt that hardliners within Iran wanted all the sailors tried for espionage and executed. An aggressive or military response would have inevitably handed power to extremists not just in Iran. Iran would have had to show their resolve. An unfortunate by-product of the non-military response, in a post Sept 11th world (where American macho rhetoric is forced down our throats every time Mr Bush & Co., open their mouths) is Britain has been highlighted as militarily inept.
John Turner. Preston, UK.

John Turner, Preston, England

I can't imagine U.S. Marines leaving in Iranian suits waving and smiling. Name rank and serial number. Capitulation begets more preying on weak UK. An inspiration to France.

Michael Z, Chicago, IL, USA

With the greatest of respect, I would urge our American friends to keep their views to themselves on all matters concerning the Middle East. They have no business on the website of a UK newspaper.

The US has lost a war of choice to a bunch of militiamen in Iraq, leaving two million Iraqis dead or displaced in the process. The US tortures and murders its civilian and military detainees. There is generally a huge gap between its noble rhetoric and brutal actions.

So please spare us the bombastic rhetoric and encouragement to pursue neverending war. It may keep the people in the trailerparks entertained, but it is beneath the mature and proud UK.

Richard, Nottingham, England

The idea that our Government could have reacted or retaliated with belicose rantings is palpable. I wonder how any of these so called 'disgusteds of Tumbridge Wells' would have behaved had it been their sons or daughter held captive.
The Government cannot do right for doing wrong for some people - get off your zenophobic pedestal and see the real world for what it is.......no respectable goverment takes risks with it's citizens let alone it's armed forces personnel .

Ben George, Bedfordshire, England

To the comment that stated you hoped there was intelligent life in outer space I can assure you there is and since there is intelligent life in outer space it may have been involved in its own way in resolving this international standoff no doubt insisting that political boundaries should not be a reason for inconveniencing the comsopolitan citizens of a universal order of peace that will no doubt soon replace the warring factions of planet earth, if God has anything to with it for clearly this world is becoming too dangerous for nation states which with their competing loyalties and their old territorial demands cause more trouble than they are worth, compare that to the peaceful way that a modern church such as the LDS church handles their affairs, there is no animosity between people of different nationalities and they are all at peace, that clearly shows that churches at least can learn to live in peace, but the leaders of nations have a long way yet to go!
2 masters, one good,

JOHN ADAMS WEAVER, utah, utah

Glad to see them safe and free!

I disagree with anyone who says that this should have been resolved with force. That would have done nothing but get these 15 and many more killed and things have worked out well without it. Besides, who really walked away from this with dignity? Does anyone really believe that Ahmadinejad saved any face at all in this? I don't. To me, he just looks like so many political leaders. He's one huge windbag whose words really signify nothing.

D. Kane, Long County, GA

What america seem to be forgetting is that you asked us for your help in 2001 and we came to your aid straightaway. However this shows how America treats its friends, we help you in your hour of need and when we need your help your president goes quiet all of a sudden and you call us spinless. You have always been the same, stupid, ungrateful and deluded because if you think you can take on Iran while getting turned over in Iraq by a ragtag army without heavy artillery, air cover and special forces then you are deluded.

Going back to appeasing the enemy, didn't Bush declare war on Iran in 2002 with his 'axis of evil' speech? Whats happened in those 5 years? Bush making empty threats and blustering. The Iranians are laughing at you. And if Americas actions against Iran are not a mixture of bluff, sabre rattling and appeasment then I don't know what is.

Our troops acted with dignity and honour, they came home alive and thats what counts.

Billy Hughes, Swansea, Wales

A visiting football squad indeed! Although I imagine a Premier League side would have shown a bit more discipline. More like a bunch of school boys on the last day of school. The televised "confessions" certainly can be excused as a result of coercion, but yesterday's behaviour was absolutely disgraceful. Yes, they were happy at the news of their release, but as military men (and women)and representatives of their nation, they had a responsibility to maintain military discipline and keep their emotions in check, realising the potential propaganda ramifications of their actions.

We should hang our heads in shame at allowing ourselves as a nation to be treated as Ahmadinejad's lapdog, our military personnel being paraded around like children going to see Father Christmas. Where is the England that stood tall and proud in the face of the Nazi onslaught?

C Heathcote, Tonbridge,

What a pathetic display by your 15 sailors and marines, as well as a discouraging lack of backbone by your government in handling this situation. Forget about Churchill, what would Nelson think? Where's the great British Navy?

Jamie Marsh, New Hampshire, USA

What pathetic little people you all are. Listen to yourselves. How dare you call these men and women wimps, cowards etc. We have no idea the type of pressure those people were under at the time. For those of you criticising the officers in the group. Those officers do not have a duty to take their own and their troops lives engaging in some suicide 'going out all guns blazing' style mission against such a politically sensitive country as Iran. Those officers have a duty to bring their troops home safe and well. They did just that. Words are words. Actions are another thing. I am sickened that there are so so many of you with these views. Take your egos out of the equation. If you are letting emotion or pride guide you in your decisions when peoples lives are concerned you are not fit to be a military or political leader. You call them weak, you are all weak. Its so easy to make a decision based on emotion, it is far harder to suppress that and make the right one.

V, London,

Dear old Dad with more RN medals than I have had hot dinners would not believe this, period. Even I don't believe it and I served in the 70s in Canada, (which is, admittedly, a country which would try its best to back out first and would not help you much). From Drake to Falklands there was some kind of a theory. At present, where is the basic training, boot camp response, "name, rank and serial number?" What happened to these people and why are they bearing arms? Poor Old Dad. Made a big mistake. Alzheimer's. He does not remember. Good for him.

Mike, New York, US

Would all the people complaining about the UK's lack of military response, and the captured personnel's shameful "co-operation" with the Iranians care to remind me when, exactly, we declared war on Iran? Because if we didn't then a diplomatic solution (which worked) seems to be the sensible option for two countries that haven't declared hostilities.

As for Reza's comment below, I'm afraid that's just laughable - Iranian GPS proves we were in their waters, our GPS proves we weren't and, apropos my comments above, of course we would have taken action against any Germans who were in our waters while Hitler was in power because WE WERE AT WAR WITH THEM!!!

...and before anyone says "we didn't declare war on Iraq before attacking", you're right! and look where that's got us!

Homer S, London,

Welcome back lads, and lady.

I await with great eagerness the true story of what happened, revealing further the contemptible attitude and behaviour of those people and the propagandist theatre they like to create.

No fellas, you do not deserve nuclear technology and have just affirmed once again why that it is so. Mad-dog regimes with unashamedly nonsensical tactics need to enter 2007, not demand the right to have its nuclear power while remaining in a 500 year old primitivism.

Joe, Manchester,

“How are you?” the President asked one serviceman, who towered over the Iranian head of state by a good foot. interesting piece of information?
We as the WEST needs to be always right because we are white. Never mind that history has showed that Iraq nor Iran have never attacked the UK/US in their own territory? We falsely invade Iraq on the pretezt of WMD, then we now claim righteousness when we are in waters that are not part of our territory? We cry foul when pictures/video footage of sailors are being shown by the Iranians. On the other side of the coin we rejoice when we splash pictures of Saddam Hussein hanging? show pictures of his dead sons, show pictures of iraqi's beig abused by US and UK soldiers. We are better than everyone else and we can do no wrong?

leo. E. Orobor, cambridge, UK

Knights D in Ashford would like to know "what warlike action [Iraq] had taken against either the United States or Britain before our joint attack". Well, leaving out Saddam's little jaunt into Kuwait, an ally of the US, in 1991, how about the October 10, 2001 shoot down of a USAF Predator reconnaissance aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone under UN mandate? Or the September 11, 2001 shoot down of another Predator, also patrolling the southern no-fly zone? Or the December 23, 2002 shoot down of a Predator by an Iraqi Mig-25 in the no-fly zone? Or the countless other times over twelve years that Iraqi surface to air batteries targeted and fired upon USAF and RAF aircraft while they were patrolling the no-fly zones, while enforcing international law under UN mandate?

Mr "D" is quite quick to throw the "war criminal" tag around and talk about our "illegal war", but one wonders whether he was quite so quick to level the same charges against Saddam Hussein when he invaded Kuwait.

C Heathcote, Tonbridge/ NJ, UK/US

To most U.S commentators. You are absolutely brainwashed by your media. Take Afghainistan, who helped the Taliban in their fight against the Russians? The U.S.of A Who helped Hussein in his fight against Iran? The U.S of A. Who indirectly helped the present Iranian Government in Power by toppling toppling a legitimately elected Iranian Government because it was 'leftist' namely wanted to use the oil resources for the betterment of the Iranian people and placed the Shah (a Nazi symphatiser) in power back? the U.S.of A. so please before trying to mcontinue meddling in other people affairs send your diplomats to Europe so that they can study diplomacy. You war with Iraq which incidentally you are going to lose notwithstanding the bombasticity of your President who did his utmost to avade fighting in Vietnam has done nothing but increase the danger of terrorism around the world. Lets hope that the British Serviceman will be back soon tpo enjoy Easter with their families.

Alf. Grech, Qormi, Malta

the time will come when more protectors of our lands will be held,so it would be wise for many to hold the silly comments of fire first and see what happens,as we were not there and its not the movies.the british army works on politics its worked till now ,thats why its known to be the best in the world,but mr blair should now see cut backs in all departments is not a wise move........

shaun, germany, germany

“How are you?” the President asked one serviceman, who towered over the Iranian head of state by a good foot. interesting piece of information?
Never mind that history has showed that Iraq nor Iran have never attacked the UK/US in their own territory? We falsely invade Iraq on the pretezt of WMD, then we now claim righteousness when we are in waters that are not part of our territory? We cry foul when pictures/video footage of sailors are being shown by the Iranians. On the other side of the coin we rejoice when we splash pictures of Saddam Hussein hanging? show pictures of his dead sons, show pictures of iraqi's beig abused by US and UK soldiers. We are better than everyone else and we can do no wrong?

leo. E. Orobor, cambridge, UK

i am extremely disappointed in the performance of the british military forces that were temporarily detained in iran. when one looks at the pictures of them waving in their nice new iranian suits one sees only a few with an appropriately pissed off face. which is what all of them should have. these are not NGO personnel or reporters, who wouldn't be expected to resist. they are military personnel among whom there would rationally be the expectation that they might at some time find themselves in a situation like this one. [or even a worst one.] and based on precendent, they should have expected that they would not be held long. so i think they could have mustered the strength to hold out from being used by the ahmedinejad publicity machine. but they embarrassed themselves and the british military.
caveat - i was never in a similar situation so anyone who was can tell me that i don't know what i am talking about.

Bob Mc Intyre, CDR, USN [ret], Dunkirk, MD, USA

15 heros?These ones are wimps,nothing more!

Sigrid, Duelmen, Germany

I don't think the Brits were humiliated at all. Some sailors were kidnapped, told to apologize for trespassing, and then sent home in school uniforms. Maybe Iran feared that the civilized world didn't think they were weird enough yet.

Billy, Dublin,

Colonel Bob Stewart, who became famous as a hard-hitting commander of British peacekeepers during the Bosnian war, said today that he had been “disquieted” by the captives’ TV appearances.
It would be churlish, though, to spend much time criticizing the detainees when the focus should be on those who allowed their capture in the beginning. Despite its proximity, the Cornwall did nothing to intercede on behalf of its crew when threatened by a hostile force. That demonstrates a lack of loyalty from the top down on that ship, which certainly excuses any from the bottom up. Those who conduct military patrols have every right to expect that their leadership will act to protect them against hostile forces, and British command failed to do so.
I could not agree more with Colonel Stewart.
The detainees have a lot of explaining to do as well as the Navy Leadership.
I have one question, where is the outrage from the EU, UN, and the feminists regarding Faye Turney being forced to wear a head scarf or is the UK going allow its own citizens being forced to wear Burkas without protest?

ScottyDog2, Palm Springs, USA

I remember being stationed as an officer in the U.S. Army on temporary duty at RAF Sculthorpe (Norfolk) during the Falklands crisis over two decades ago. My fellow soldiers and I were impressed with the discipline and military bearing of the British soldiers and airmen whom we encountered during our stay. I recall telling my comrades that one would be hard pressed to find finer soldiers or airmen anywhere in the world. And that outstanding reputation extended to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Having watched with utter amazement the juvenile "return from holiday at the Hilton" behavior of the British military hostages released by Iran, I would suggest that it might be a good time for the Royal Navy to convene courts martial for the "Whose Line Is It Anyway" military personnel who have brought dishonor to Her Majesty's armed services and to re-examine standards for entrance into Her Majesty's naval service. (Kudos to the many brave sailors and Royal Marines who serve with pride!)

Chris, Nashua , NH USA

I would like to say the captives did the right thing. Say anything to get out of the clutches of those people. We all know it's just repeating what your told to say under fear of unbelievable cruelty. We are grateful for your forgiveness, tell me that's not a staged answer. I'm curious why the Brits allowed these warriors to be captured. You send them off to inspect a vessel without protecting them when they were overwhelmed. That's shameful. The incoming Iranian ships should have been sunk before they were allowed that close, period. We Americans do all we can to not allow ourselves to be captured and to not leave our fallen. Of course we know what happens to us when we are taken alive. Maybe that's why we fight so hard. As for the guy that said he used to visit the US and now won't then I agree, stay the hell out of our country. And take Elton John with you, please. I don't travel to Europe anymore. Ill spend my money here, thank you.

dean shrader, santa fe, nm usa

John G & Scott, very sensible and observant comments from the war mongers of the USA (if you read the majority of these comments that's the impression you'd get from both sides of the atlantic and the political fence.) The political responce and actions from the USA have gone unappreciated. I for one would like to say thank you.

Now if only we'd shown the navy boys the great escape and v for victory, we could have avoided the embarrishment of our, 4 out of 14 boys, collaborating. As for the women, the efforts of all the strong women in the past to lead to equal rights, leading to her post in the navy seem to not have rubbed of on her as she quickly reverted to a sterotypical submissive 1930's women. Shame on her.

Leon, Brisbane, Australia

All it would have taken would have been for one of our servicemen to refuse to co-operate, to refuse to be paraded publicly on display, to refuse to wear their stupid suits and to insist on retaining their military uniform and, if necessary, to refuse food and drink from their abductors. What would their Iranian kidnappers have done? Beat them up? Shoot them? Physically assault them in any way to make them comply with this stage-managed charade? Even the most threatening of factions with influence in Iran would recognise immediately that any such action would bring the wrath of the international community upon them given the circumstances in which the British servicemen were wrongfully abducted. All it would have taken is one show of guts but sadly, such courage is in short supply or these particular military personnel were badly prepared, poorly trained or just totally unsuitable for the task they were carrying out in the Middle East.

Keith Downer, London, UK

I have to reluctantly agree with our US friends (plus others) who've questioned the behaviour of the British captives. Were those yuppy-puppies really Royal marines? Or were they holiday club reps? It looked like they were contestants in a game show called, maybe, 'White flag idol' where the objective was to come up with the most grovelling apology to a panel of pyschotic religious fanatics. They don't deserve to wear that uniform. Kick'em out of the services and let them get jobs as gym instructors where cosmetic appearance is all that counts.

James, Reading, UK

You want to know what is most pathetic, is this blog being used for anti-American propoganda. Believe me, you foreigners that live on our soil and gripe about how bad you want to leave, please..GET OUT. This country wasn't founded on weaklings that want to cower in the face of evil. America could have won Vietnam, and Korea, but these latest wars became politicized and aren't fought to win. We always bring up WW2 because you saw the end result when we unleashed the power we had without the political puppets interfering. I personally think the rest of the world is just a little jealous of how powerful America is for being such a young country. Don't blame us for working longer work weeks and taking less vacation than the rest of the world gets. I am happy the UK issue is settled and feel the diplomacy used was fine, but am truly ashamed of the anti-US rhetoric for such support over the last 2 weeks.

Chris, Tampa, USA

Excuse me , but these soldiers--yes soldiers--were kept captive for 13 days and they are apologizing and accepting blame? Whatever happened to saying nothing, only giving the enemy your name, rank and serial number? The woman soldier who apologized should be jailed for treason, as should anyone else who said anything. They are in the military, not the bloody Red Cross.

Dan, Washington, USA

all uk has to thank the iranian president and open a new page for communicataing with iran

yasser, cairo, egypt

In reading hese comments I have learned only one thing ,that is ,on the list of" Hate America " Great Britain tops the list.

Saladin, Greenwich,

I am appalled at the conduct of the 15, they have made this country look foolish and also embarrassed the once mighty Royal Navy. I do not believe captive Americans would have behaved in the same manner.

Ali, LONDON, Not-so-Great Britain

The 'glass parking lot' brigade have had their go and have been utterly discredited, so enough of the knee-jerk foaming at the mouth please, USA posters. To say that we are all getting a bit sick of your approach would be a massive understatement. Trying to impose freedom and democracy through force, torture and oppression doesn't actually work out so well, so let's give diplomacy a try instead, eh?

Emma, Cambridge, England

Well, the Canadians are laughing their heads off at us, and I wonder how many more, friend and foe alike? This incident is further proof, surely, that we should be conscripting football hooligans to put some backbone into our armed forces.

David, Vancouver, Canada

Sean from NJ.

Vietnam?

John Turner, Preston, England

It looks like I was wrong--you brits got out of this with only a relatively small loss of face. My own inclinations would have been, it seems, really a bad idea. Good for you.

Now, let's see whether this really reflects a split in the Iranian power structure and if it can be exploited to bring the Iranians back to peaceful efforts and taking care of their own people rather than trying to export terror.

BTW, I wonder if the socialists are going to now realize that cuts in the Fleet and RAF are stupid beyond belief in a violent world, or if they will decide that since they got away with weakness this time they can always do so.

John, Baltimore, USA

To all the 'Name, Rank and Number' commenters. Great Britain is not currently at war with Iran - therefore, there is no treachery involved.
I don't like the bowing and scraping, myself - however, I understand form various broadcasts that such is what training demanded of the men and woman on the spot.
And lets be honest - today, with the 'advances' in medically-assisted interrogations, you *will* talk.
As far as I remember, the SAS get the same training on the capture front - your primary duty is to keep yourself safe.

D Macdonald, Paris, France

Faye Turney looks six months pregnant.

Arthur, Melbourne, Australia

To Ed M. of Chelsea. Nice town by the way...great people...I use to live up the road in Nashua. That being said I think you need to look deeper at the French assistance during the American revolution. From my readings on the subject they only came in years later after they thought Britain was on the ropes in other areas of the world, and afterwards to General Washingtons great frustration, they sailed away at three of the most critical times to do basically French business in the Carribean. Personally I don't think the French have changed much in their priorities or strategy in the 200 plus years since! But I guess thats a subject for the next time around when we're counting our friends...lol

Murph, Madisonville, USA/Kentucky

To Mr. Moulton of Blackpool. I think in the Hainan incident you mentioned we were....actually spying!! I see a little difference there.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/Kentucky

Briton now truly belongs to the EUROPEAN UNION. Similiar in trickery and bravery as France and the Italians.Spanards?
Germans are way tougher, probably ashamed and want out.
Rationalizing and qualifiying; face facts, sending your poorest and worst educated into battle is recipe for absolute failure.

arsh, detroit, usa

Several of the British and other European writers in this blog allege that the Americans bloggers who have raised questions about the conduct of the Royal seamen are ignorant, i.e., that those Americans have no understanding of world events and lack a world view. If that were true, then why would those Americans be reading the Times -- a European newspaper? The fact is that the Americans in this blog who are expressing disgust over the conduct of SOME of the seamen do follow the foreign press and are apparently well informed. Certainly, anyone who is follows the foreign press would rightly ask why SOME of the seamen had such an easy-going attitude with their captors. Only time (and an investigation) will tell.

John G., New Jersey, USA

John G, Camden, NJ

What saddens me most in reading the responses to this story is the thread of animosity between posters from the US and UK. It’s easy to look at another country and find fault, or blame for problems at home and elsewhere in the world – even when that country is a close friend and ally. These comments are seldom constructive or based on facts, and are usually just broad generalizations intended to “prove” ones own point of view or show how “we’re better than you.” At the end of the day, our two countries and countrymen have far more in common than either is comfortable admitting. Perhaps that is what really drives some of these comments.

The British government handled this situation well; Tony Blair remained firm and handled the situation with an appropriate level of restraint. I am very happy that your marines and sailors were returned safely and without bloodshed. I’ll leave it to the British people to judge whether the behavior of their servicemen was appropriate or not.

Scott, Washington State, USA

Pretty depressing reading, not the safe return of our people, but a lot of the previous postings.
There are those who apparently feel cheated that we're not enjoying the first days of a 'shooting' war which could have easily spread right across the middle east: there are those calling for the heads of all concerned, although I dare to suggest that after all these years the RN has formulated "standing orders" for response to such an event, especially in these sensitive waters: there are those calling our people cowards without knowing any details(e.g. what might you say if the baddies threatened to shoot all your colleagues): and there are some feeling we've been humiliated.
I don't have much to say for this government,but I think that on the whole in this instance their restrained response to an unreasonable situation has turned out pretty well, thank you, and enhanced our standing worldwide as a stable nation.

MikeM, St. Albans, England

I am so tired of listening to the usual Lefty comments by the public. Its the same tired old cr@p directed at america "gung-ho" "warmongering" etc etc. You lot need to grow up and have some common sense. Those sailors didn't act very responsibly, most likely negligently. The royal marines appeared more un-cooperative, but not much. I can only assume this is indicative of the culture abord HMS Cornwall.
Insteady of swallowing all the BBC and Channel 4 Bias views of the USA (ever notice its always portrayed as slack jawed yokels??, never a mention of the Harvards or Yales and inovations...how many of you enjoy your ipods and are using PCs?), try instead to recognise that we are living in a dangerous world where islamic fanactics want to bring about an end of days. It always amazes me that we have this narcistic veiw of the middleast. We hate ourselves so much that we dispise our own culture and try to latch on to their backward one. Its like the white boy wanting to be a rapper. Sad.

Gordon, london,

To Martman of Bristol,

Yes, diplomacy is soooo delicate. Have a trip over to Lambeth, my friend, the Imperial War Museum. You have to go down to the basement. I've been there many times. It's one of my favorite places in the U.K. I take over people who will tolerate my black and white mentality. There, you can view that famous piece of "diplomatic paper" - you know, the one the Right Honourable Chamberlain brought back from Munich - a product of "delicate diplomacy" - proclaiming' peace in our time.'

On a late sunny Saturday afternoon, Sept 7, throngs of people who had carried signs in Hyde Park demanding the end to all wars , unilateral disarmament, and negotiation, got to watch as 900 Luftwaffe planes approached, dropping 300 tons of bombs. The East End was chaos. The German bombers came back that night, guided by the fires. Twelve hours later, 430 people had been killed and 1600 seriously injured. Over 1000 fires blazed out of control. Black Saturday came as a terrible shoc

Bob Bogash, Hansville, Washington

I am surprised so many US citizens want to start another war as their calles of cowerdice would imply. The US/UK illegal invasion of Iraq has hardly been a success leaving all those who instigated it as War Criminals. We must thank the USA for it's help in the battle for the Faulkland Islands but at the same time remember the Argentinians were the invaders. I would like those who supported the attack on Iraq to detail what warlike action it had taken against either the United States or Britain before our joint attack. Sadly, we have little more moral standing in Iraq than the so called insurgents.

Knights D., Ashford Mx, England

1. Iran check-mated a once powerful United Kingdom with nothing more than the seizure of 15 pawns.

2. Iranian-made weapons and covert Ops have killed British soldiers serving with honor in Iraq; fighting for Iraqi freedom.

3. Great Britian just had its Thermopylae and chose not to stand and fight. Utterly Pathetic, and a guarantor of more atrocities to come from Iran.

Jolly Good Show Mr. Blair.

Sean, NJ,

At the end of the day, it is a good thing that these 15 sailors and marines were released. Blair probably deserves a lot of credit for handling the crisis firmly but calmly.... Let's point out that Washington was not beating the drums of war... and supported Londons peaceful methods. The U.S. even offered to stand down its military exercises in the Gulf and released one of the Iranian spies that was operating in Iraq, As for those Brits that were broken by the Iranians, I don't know what they went through so I cannot judge them. It is also important to point out that only about 5 of them were able to be forced to tell lies on Iranian TV. As for those apologists for Iran, you can go live there. References to Abu Graihb etc are pointless because the British not the Americans were not at war with Iran. It is Iran that committed an act of war....Tp the Chinese posters who bash the U.S., many tens of thousands of Americans died to liberate China and Asia from Japanese tyranny.

Joe, Honolulu, USA

I had hoped that the British sailors/marines would have followed military protocal a little closer. Maybe they were afraid? I beleive that if the Iranians came after the USMC, that the boarding of a vessel would have been contested a litlle more enthusiasticaly. I beleive this is a good barometer to show how much the British are actualy taking this whole mess. Where are the hardcore stuborn English that stood up to the Nazis. Maybe they have gone weak and soft like America has. Or maybe the Lion is just sleeping?

Richard Sheridan, Sunset Beach, U.S.A.

Might I suggest the hostages sell their Iranian suits on E-Bay and give the proceeds to a forces Charity, such as SSAFA/Forces Help or the Royal British Legion

John Farrell, Ross on Wye, United Kingdom

Christopher D, perhaps you should also visit some of the cemetaries for Indian, African and ME soldiers in Europe. How many of those need to die for European "freedoms"? And never recognized for it. At least the Americans get considered "allies" and lauded constantly. Europe continues to treat the others like dirt!

Anamika, London, UK

I am appalled at some of the comments especially from our American 'cousins'. None of us know the exact details of the incident....just bits and what has been fed to the media so far. As usual, our American commentators go in with guns blazing! Have you forgotten what happened to the attempted rescue of your hostages in 1979? You lost equipment and soldiers and President Carter lost the election! So please give us a bit more slack!

Patrick, Buckinghamshire, UK

I'd like to congratulate the families of hostages, and the UK people.
In this ocasion, I have to congratulate the UK government too.
I find this is the ONLY way to solve the complex conflicts in our world, and contrary to the US position, bombing other countries doesn't get you anywhere.
Please UK, let the wars to the country who really profits from them, in terms of economy, strategic power, and internal politics. Don't fight the US wars, continue being Europeans. You are wellcomed, and appreciated.

Josu, Bask Country, Spain

In spite of all the bravado and comment coming from both sides of the Atlantic none can deny that the score in this match ended up; Iran 15 British military 0. If there is any benefit to be derived from the whole mess hopefully it will be better training for all personnel who operate in this dangerous part of the world. We can probably all be glad that this tactical blunder didn't turn into a strategic disaster. It will be interesting to see what happens now with the career of Commodore Lambert. In my mind, he is responsible for the entire affair and should face court marshall.

Ranger, Chicago, USA

Tom, South korea is free today because of the united states.

Did you miss that?

David, Baton Rouge, LA

Now there are a lots of people thinking the British soldiers are not well trained and not motivated. Also this shows how western countries are competitive with each other over economic and political issues and are happy to see while anyone of them in trouble.
Also I think Iranian state is the most dangerous state in the Middle East and Ahmedinejad is worse than Saddam.

Kemal, London,

It is unfortunate that some of the people whom left commentary here feel the need to generalize Americans, British or Iranians. This benefits nothing and only shows disconnectedness. This is a sad and lonely world when we don't even know our neighbors name, beliefs or philosophies. There would be a lot less problems in this world if we actually got to know one another individually before allowing prejudices to come forth.

joe, Washington,

Keith Downer is right. You have been humiliated and the lack of training for these miltary personnel resulted in them becoming the modern day Lord Haw Haw. If they have been trained properly, then they need to face the consequence of their quisling behaviour.

Malcolm Cullen, New York, USA

With American friends like these who needs enemies! Remember the Hainan Island Incident (2001).
When you had 24 of your military personnel held by the Chinese, I didn’t see you rushing to attack China, even though it was their fault!!
You sent diplomats with a letter saying ‘sorry’ and got your personnel back after 11 days.
It’s easy being an armchair general when you’re not involved!
good to see our people coming Home with out loss of life.

Chris. Moulton, Blackpool,Lancashire, UK.

Iran check-mated the once powerful United Kingdon with a move no bolder than the seizure of 15 pawns.

Brilliant, Mr. Blair, Brilliant.

Sean, NJ,

Oh please, you guys just got punked. Wait until we get the stories on the captivity and interrogation, kowtowing to the Iranians will only bring more of the same.

j-dub, Richmond, VA

I believe this entire episode was staged by the Iranian fashion association to get global exposure. In all seriousness though I hope they come out unscathed mentally by what must have been a most terrifying experience.

Tom MacMillan, Brockville Ontario, Canada

I have read through most of the current 144 postings on this subject. I have noticed that a great many of the postings that are from outside Europe, UK or America seemed more interested in condeming the UK and US for actions taken in the current conflict than talking about the subject. Having been both in the British army and the Canadian Army I am concerned by the actions of those "kidnaped",they displayed some very poor judgement for the telly.
I also find worry in what appears to be shaping up as a "holy" war between to very strong religions. Many people here express concerns that if the west is not careful, we will lose our freedoms. Right or wrong the US has for many years stepped in and fought, losing some but trying to maintian the ideals that many have forgotten. My family lives buried in the far corners of the world for the British Empire of old, British nation of the new. PM Chamberlin tried to appease another ruler in 1938 by giving land - the result WW2 - Think

Carl, Moncton, NB, Canada

We suppose Nancy Pelosi will take credit for ending this crisis.
The whole incident was a joke and a bad one at that.

norman wheeler , glen mills, Pa. USA

Speaking of captives and acts of humanity how how thoose people in Guantanamo Cuba....yes i did say people....not illegal combatants eh? Treat others as you expect to be treated yourself !

My God and i'm not a religeous man.......... acts of humanity, good and kindness must emerge from such hate, spin and misrepresentation of whom we truely are or whom our adversaries are.

Wisdom and truth and so missing from our leaders today, may they find or be given reason sooner than later on both sides. Sooner that you, i or our children don't have to re-address true balance to this world.

The Brits have stood alone against far greater odds on their doorsteps for years before, for freedom and what they believed in. No lack of resolve on honour need be questioned...Lest we forget.......
Love is the summit. ...from a snow peak in Whistler don't be haters ......love ...wisdom, truth and get busy living because we can be so much more.

Ben Ayling, Whistler, Canada

Popping champagne corks and waving at the crowds? Who do these people think they are? They allowed themselves to be kidnapped with no resistance, 'confessed on tv counter to military training and under no duress, and had the audacity to thank the Iranians for a 'pleasant stay'. They just KIDNAPPED YOU!!!!! They have brought shame on our armed services and should be court martialed. I suppose we’ll see them on Celebrity Big Brother soon.

Nick, Chicago, USA

I can't help but see this as a possible light at the end of the tunnel. The Iraq invasion was done without consideration for the culture and history of the region. Anyone with a modicum of interest in this part of the world should read "Treaty of Paris 1919". It presents a good understanding of problems we inherited from a myopic Western "Leadership" that imposed Colonial solutions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa after WW I.
To some these events be seen as "giving in" , but anyone who bothers to go beyond the ex-parte arguments will realize that behind the "Bomb them into the stone age" rhetoric, there are people's lives being wasted and sacrificed to fulfill a "John Wayne" perspective of the world.
I hope clear leadership on all sides pervails. Since 2003 we have seen little of this

Dr Mike ( Maj ret) , Ottawa , Canada

Grovelling at the feet of their captors when there was little or no need to fear anything at all, was so shaming for our armed forces. These young people are a disgrace. The officers among them appeared to be the least courageous and among the first to cave in.
When the others needed leadership, the officers provided it in the form of abasing themselves in front of their captors.
Yet this is regarded as some peculiar victory? Submission is victory? Please, we need to hear someone within government or the armed forces, calling for dismissals.

Emma, Kent, UK

I agee with Keith Downer,London,comment on the conduct of british troops. only name,rank,serial number is required .
the appalling conduct of the British officer,shaking hands,offering an apology and the over all holiday attitude of the detained.
this is not the bull dog attitude that made Britian a world power and not the same character as Nelson,Montgomery,Churchill and those that defended England at Dunkirk and on convoy routes of the north atlantic in the early dark days of the Battle of Britton.

fthornton, longwood, fl,usa

It is time for us Americans to stop reminding other countries how we saved their butts. We did have some help you know back in1776 from a country called France. It is time for us to take stock. GB is our bset friend allie.
have we screwed up in Iraq. You bet. Just because we can kick ANYONE's butt does not mean we should. our troops and those of the coalition are doing are great job with their hands tied the same as when we fought in 'Nam. If you are going to put your troops in harms way then do not hold back .
As far as the conduct of the british Mariens I was shocked and embarassed for our friends in GB.

Yes evereyone hates us and feels that we should keep on our side of the pond and amybe they are right. But if we choose to do so don't come to us hwne you are in trouble.

Finally the Un is without a backbone and should be disbanded. besides it is pricey property that the tax payers of NY could benifit from.

Thanks for letting me rant.

ed m., chelsea, ma

In view of their behavior, if Captain Air and Lieutenant Carmen had been members, respectively, of the US Marine Corps and of the US Navy, they would likely be subject to Article 32 hearings in peparation for gereral court-martial. However, maybe the British Marines and Navy don't have a Code of Conduct.

Scott, Connecticut, United States

I think this was a great result and victory for diplomacy! They all come home, none of them in body bags, and we're not at war with Iran. Well done to all those cool-headed people who kept talking and kept doors open. I don't think anyone was fooled by those staged broadcasts and it reflects far more badly on the Iranian government than it does on the British, for being so underhand and childish. Our options were diplomacy, threats & war, and I think we chose the best option for all involved. Imagine if we'd gone literally 'guns blazing' how that would have fed the propaganda war.

Caroline, Worcester,

Interesting that some are willing to say that "all is well that ends well" and "live and let live". But I'm wondering how these same people would react if the shoe were on the other foot and the UK took Iranian military hostages in Iranian waters, put them on television showing confessions and apologies, and ultimately released them as a "Christian Gift" after allowing them to fawn all over the PM, humbling themselves with gratitude.

Live and Let Live? All's well that ends well? Better positioning for future diplomacy? Or would you rightly charge that it was aggressive bullying and defiance of international law? Would the hostages be considered lucky to be alive, or humiliated by Brttish bullying?

David Trevino, Austin, Texas

The door is now open for Britain to mediate with Iran. Washington is out of options. Iran is the key to peace in the Middle East. Britian would be the world hero, if Britian brokered a peace deal.

mhodge, Chilliwack, Canada

What happened to the 'guts and glory of the USS "Pueblo" crew in 1968. It had guns with which to resist but chose not to. Who's calling who here.

John Hullican, Wirrla, Merseyside, UK

How humiliating this outrage has been for you Brits. Unfortunately, I fear that the USA would not handle it any better. It took us 444 days when we were in a similar position. The Iraq war would have been over long ago if we had the elan your country had a hundred years or so ago. National Review Online has some suggestions as to what your leaders should do now that the hostages are home. Prayers are needed for both our countries.

Jim Cierzniak, Mishawaka, Indiana/USA

I wonder how many illegal Iranians are in this country at present. More than 15 I'll bet

John Bates, West Malling, UK

The people who suffered throughout this drama were the detained servicemen and their families. Now they will suffer further from the institutional bigotry of the armed forces. The officers will suffer a series of vigorous briefings and the marines / ratings will be slighted. There was a military failing at the beginning of this episode and military commanders are selected on their ability to pass down blame. Any career aspirations of those caught up in this game were left in the Iraqi (or Iranian) waters. Remember them in your prayers.

C Millard, Norwich, UK

One must negotiate from a position of strength. In response to the kidnapping, Britain should have sent a naval task force into Iranian waters and blockaded its ports. Then, a quid pro quo could have been agreed upon, unless Iran was foolish enough to attack. Either way, Britain would have seized the initiative.

Chris, Edison, USA, New Jersey

Wanting to defend your own soldiers does not make you a warmonger. Other countries have seen Britian get slapped and turn the other cheek. Will this encourage like minded countries to humiliate the UK and others? Peace at all costs does not work either. Bill Clinton stood on the side lines while the US got slapped by the Islamo Fascists. The slapping was only going to stop when we attacked the Afganistan.

Peacemongering has caused more wars. Ask any General the last thing they want to do is kill people, only if there is no other choice.

James Gilman, Cohasset, MA

The overwhelming consensus from our American buddies demonstrates quite clearly that they have no comprehension of how to deal with volatile, unreasonable, adversaries - other than to blast them to Kingdom Come!
Small wonder that their so-called leaders feel pressured into heroic-seeming gestures without adequate forethought.
Diplomacy is a delicate art, and although those who have no understanding of it are welcome to their opinions, they would do well to look on in awe and wonderment when it succeeds.
"It is often better to keep ones mouth shut and appear foolish, than to open it, and remove all doubt"

Martman, Bristol, England

The most jarring aspect of this ordeal was the image of a sailor of the RN wearring the head scarf in a very public act of submission. Almost concurrently, US Speaker of the House Pelosi willingly donned the scarf of submission while in Syria.
The deeper concern that is so troubling is that if we are willing to submit so easily, our freedom is there for the taking.

Alf, Milford, USA

To Mark from Essex. I think you fail to realize that those 15 young people are not conscripts. They volunteered to join the military and nobody forced them to do so. If they are so sensitive as to surrender without a fight then they should have never joined. If they cannot defend themselves how are they supposed to defend others or their country for that matter? It is embarassing. It looks like the only reason for them joining is the paycheck.

Richard, London, UK

Im sure that most of us will share in the relief at the release of our service personnel, held captive in Iran. There must also be a certain pride in the confident, professional and dignified way in which they were seen to conduct themselves after capture. This having been said, it must surely also be fair to say, that from the perspective of both an ex serviceman, and a tax payer, this was perhaps not quiet our Navys finest hour?

Matthew Haines, London,

As an American I want to say this is a very happy day for everyone. Many Americans just want peace, I am one of them. I pray every sericeman and woman be able to come home safe and sound as soon as possible.

Yay for England's vigilant reasonable government that didn't back down.

Neo, Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA

Dear Adonis Xi, China. Perhaps you should worry a little more about your own countries 'culture' and attitude to world affairs. From the oppression and censorship of millions of its own people, to catastrophic environmental damage (at home and abroad), to its turning a blind eye to genocide in Sudan and murder in Zimbabwe (because you are so keen to relieve Africa of its resources). What a dreadful country. Oh, and please stop sending us all the shiny plastic crap.

steve, watford, UK

So, President Ahmajinejad has given a "gift" to the British people. Since his imperial guard stole the fifteen from Iraqi waters in the first place, the rest of the world will recognise how meely-mouthed his gift really is.

Michael Moriarty, FCIJ, LONDON,

From the USA ... You Brits have turned into a second rate power. And lost your guts at the same time.

Good luck looking in the mirror and seeing craven cowardness staring back.

Rob Smith, Jacksonville, USA

Denny from Iowa, you have it all wrong. Why do you think that America would have rushed into a war with Iran? How could your forget that we waited 10 years before attacking Iraq. Saddam violated the ceasefire agreement 10 years before we finally went in and took him out. For 10 years we gave Saddam a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance, all the way to 17 chances. Now thats what I call restraint.
Philip from Scotland, why do you bash America. We didnt kidnap your servicemen. We stood beside you in condemnation of the act. It was Iran that committed this act of war. They are your enemy. Not us. Yet you have the nerve to attack us Americans. You're obviously quite confused. How ashame for you.

Darktania, Omaha, Nebraska

'Spineless'...'cowards'...'not fit to wear the uniform'...WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH! If the Iranians had threatened to harm the woman my performance in front of the camera would have been oscar winning.

Darren Cartwright, Shetland UK,

Hmmm, for all you ex sailors and soldiers out there who are whinging and complaining about how in thier day it was "name, rank and number" only - you never got captured by a rather volatile government did you? You also have no idea of what actually happened, so please keep your "our marines went belly up" comments to yourself - I can assure you that as a recent ex-bootie, the royal Marines are not quite the pushover you armchair warriors are making out, I suggest you take the matter up with a royal in person if you are feeling particularly brave.

jim, london, uk

Wonderful that they've been released. However, hearing on the news that they were awaiting a "heroes' welcome" back home made me sad. The sight of them bowing and scraping in front of the cameras before the dictator who captured and graciously released them, accepting his gifts and making chitchat was just awful. They put a terrible face on their country.

Ruth, Long Island, NY, USA

I am filled with embarrasment about the incompetence of the military commanders who let this happen and the pathetic gratitude expressed to their kidnappers by many of the hostages whilst cravenly waving and smiling for the cameras.

The armed services need to get a grip. God help us in a real war.

Matt W, London,

"All you tough talking Americans need to stop living in the past and face up to the facts. The rest of the world is catching up.."

Indeed, I tried to say that in another thread, but it wasn't posted.

Why did they only give the guys something nice to wear?

"We are grateful for your forgiveness". What an excellently diplomatic answer!

Starling, Lancaster,

America has yet to become an Empire!!!

To have an empire you need to conquer peoples hearts and they keep failing to do that by slinging their holsters on their hips ready for a show down the moment any one questions them.

The wild wild west doesn't get its name form nowhere.

To Christopher D., Napoli, Italy I wanted to settle in the USA some years back and have the means to do so too. But now seing the real Bush's America I have decided not to.

Infect I don't want to travel their as tourist even, whereas before I had done several times.

Charles, London, UK

Laura Roberts, London, UK why you banging on about nuclear weapons and deterrants? Do you know even what that means? That being it is there to hopefully make someone think before sending a nuke to us that they could actually recieve one back. NOT what you went on about, get some perspective my dear before making such wild comments. Oh just a thought, would you have thought against Japan during WW2 instead of using the atomic bomb? Or would you have prefered to atomic bomb to be dropped instead? An honest answer will do nicely.

Simon, lincoln,

I am glad that all British Marines were released unharmed. After the dust settles , I think it would be wise for the British Military officials to examine why some of the soldiers seemed to easily become PR puppets for Iran. I think its a sad day for the once proud British forces to see one of their own thanking the Iranian President for his forgiveness!

Allan Renz, New York, New York USA

To those who criticise the lack of backbone in these 15 Marines, I would suggest that it's hard to lay down your life for a Government as spineless and insidious as the mockery we're enduring now.

It was disheartening to see them roll over so easily, but I can't say I blame them. I wouldn't die for Blair either. That said, I do question how the Navy allowed this to happen in the first place.

Ross Liversidge, Ripon, N. Yorks

As an American living in the UK, this is embarrasing. I'm gonna get out of here before I get infected with this "qiuivering upper lip"

jack, london, uk

I am from Texas, and here, we don't relish authoritarianism. We fully believe in the concept of the free individual. Dictators and thugs like Hugo Chavez, Castro, and Ahmadinejad just make our trigger finger itch when we see them on TV or the Internet. Let's hope that God gave Iran's supreme religious leader a dream that included a large atomic bomb cloud over his mosque. We here in Texas are very happy that the great people of England are free and will return to their families unharmed it appears. This Easter Sunday, lets thank God for his hand in this affair. Yea England! We are so happy for you!

Tracey, Houston , Texas, USA

All 15 marines (if we can call them that) should be tried for treason, unlawful and shameful behavior under the rules of war, together with their commanding officers for lacking an engagement policy dignifying British warriors, and ultimately including Blair and that joke of a foreign minister called Beckett. And if any member of the House of Commons has any dignity of being British, a motion of confidence in the present government should be introduced. And that is just the beginning!

Eduardo Pierce, Atlanta, USA

It's so heart-warming to read all the messages of support from our American allies on this thread. Thanks, guys.

Tim, London,

OK America, what should we have done?

Our sailors are home and safe. No-one has been killed. We are not at war with Iran. I don't know why they were released, but I am sure their non-aggressive behaviour made it a lot easier for the Iranian government to back down.

I don't want our troops to go into another war with no end like Iraq and Afghanistan. Does the US really want to send more of its children to their deaths in another war, to devastate another country that most of them know nothing about. They still haven't finished the last two.

Jacky, Bedford, England

Isn't it time people started considering the truth here? And that of course is, that we do not know what happened. Iran said troops crossed into their water. Britain says they didn't. No real evidence has been forwarded to support either version. The fact is, if British troops did cross over then Iran surely had every right to 'take them in for questioning' - Britain certainly would have wouldn't it? -And, probably extended their periods of detention without charge if they felt the need. The fact is that Britain sends troops to fight, never ever admits that it has done anything wrong (invasion of Irac, ehem), and then acts shocked when bad things happen. Britain is hughly lucky that more of it's troops have not been killed/kidnapped/mamed and should in fact be grateful that these 15 have been 'freed'. I don't agree with what happened but are we really saying Britain would not have done the same? They let them return home within only 14 days- would we??

L, Manchester, England

i hope they burn those suits in protest.

leo sanxez, denver, co

I am extremely happy about your service people return however, get their uniforms back immediatly - why would they appear not in them?

michael a damico, Buffalo , U.S. / New York

In response to Richard Ward: Protection comes in many forms, and in this case patience and diplomacy was the most potent weapon. Your comments indicate a lack of understanding of the political arena, where some disputes are just that- politics. A full scale war, which I am sure you would have preferred, could have had fatal consequences for the captured Britons, whilst you sit in the calm and comfort of your own home.

Rick, England, UK

As a citizen nation whose armed forces are also headed by Her Majesty, I have rather mixed reactions. After two weeks, the best possible outcome was of course the safe and seemingly unilateral release of the sailors. But just looking at these photographs is sickening; the Iranians have won a huge propaganda victory with very little resistance on the part of the Labour government, the armed forces, the EU, the UN, or even the sailors themselves. While I can't begin to imagine what I would do in their situation, slyly inserting the word "apparently" into your propaganda broadcast on enemy state TV is hardly an act of heroism. Just sixty years ago British citizens (not even soliders!) were charged criminally for assisting the enemy when they read news for the Nazis only after being beaten up and threatened with the death of their wife and children.

Of course, it's difficult to expect special acts of bravery from soldiers when their nations leaders lack any semblance of backbone.

Mark Graham, Toronto, ON

As always, it's interesting to read comments from America despite their growing predictability. Mike Hinkes of Oregon's comments show that he is 'up to speed' with the fraught nature of the present , whereas Derek Geldenhuys of WA (!) is indulging himself by living in the past. When, oh when, will his type of American see that the World has changed?
There has been a necessary place for the 'gung-ho' ,'shoot first & ask questions afterwards' approach in the past. In today's World (with the immense destructive power that the West has sold, or mislaid, to outsiders) the stakes are so appallingly high for EVERYONE that the only possible way to preserve life is to use brain instead of brawn and TALK to other people. We may not like them Derek, but you can be dam' sure that they don't like us & we need to ask ourselves why.
We think they are mindless fanatics, obsessed by ritual: They think we are wicked exploiters and purveyors of every kind of filth. We must educate each other & coexist.

D. O'Rorke, Farnham, Surrey

They only reason Iran released the Brits is because the USS Nimitz was headed their way to join the other two Carrier strike groups already there. Superior firepower won the day again.

I think they should pay for what they did though. The back room deals are just wrong! They are rewarded for doing wrong. We should put a navy blockade on them and shut their gas imports off.

Eric, Reading, PA

All those who have posted comments here criticising the sailors and marines for not fighting back are talking complete rubbish. They were surrounded and outgunned, had no air support, and no support from HMS Cornwall which was several miles away unable to enter shallower waters. The patrol commander made absolutely the right decision. Any decision to fight it out would have been 'gung-ho' and irresponsible - we would probably be watching 15 coffins being carried off at Brize Norten rather that 15 personnel returning safely to their families.

As for their conduct in captivity, why risk antagonising their captors for no reason? Any one with an ounce of common sense could see through this ridiculous charade and realise that the sailors/marines are just playing the captors at their own game. Lets remember, this is not a war, and it was important that this situation was resolved quickly, without further escalation

Adam, York, UK

It is vaugley bemusing that a lot of you are riled at the "treacherous sailors". This is completely unjustified. Have any of you ever been held hostage by the Iranian nation. You all seem to assume that they have just a good a grasp of the situation as we do.

Truth be told all the information they ever recieved came from the Iranain revolutionary gaurd. If by appearing on television and appologising would satisfy the Iranians then they are naturally going to appease them if they believe it will cool tempers. What chance of release would they have had if they had appeared on Iranian television and denounced them all as evil abducters.

Thanking Ahmadinejad was just good manners and common sense. If the Iranians are going to play the forgiveness card then so can we. It has probably helped cool Iranian tempers by appearing apologetic and thankful.

Therefore all you ignorants who want to lambast the sailors don't forget that the Iranians would love it if we viciuosly turned on our own.

Edward, Windsor, United Kingdom

I don’t get it why are people trying to prove their country is better than others!!! The fact is this is what happens when you INTERFER in other peoples business. Has been going on for centuries; along with wars caused by trying to get hold of something that doesn’t belong to you. US are doing it now and the English have done it in the past!!!

What we need to realise is that we will never know the truth of what happened. As the general public we never get the truth. Who cares why Iran realised the "POW" the fact is there was no blood shed.

There is no need for war why don’t people just live peacefully. We are told what the government wants us to hear, i.e. to "help" the Iraqis!!! How do we know it wasn’t for commercial reasons!!! How do we know TT was not set up by the US government, to use as an excuse for war!!!

Another point why is it bad for countries to develop nuclear power!!! US UK and other big nations have them, so why cant India. Pakistan Korea also hold the same!

Darshna, London, England

I am an American, specifically and an American of African descent. I have to say that it's simply amazing that many Americans have such a simplistic world view. It should be somewhat plain to see that these British military officers were sacrificed for the cause of instigating an internation incident preciptating the likely intervention of U.S. military forces to advance the Bush administrations agenda. However, several Americans who posted on this sight refuse to acknowledge any reality that doesn't seem to support their cause for war or sense of patriotic bravado (imperialism). It's no wonder that so many citizens in the world community view Americans as war- mongerers. These British military officers were merely paws of a political agenda and some Americans who posted comments on this site have the audacity to question there behavior and view them w/ cynicism as though they did something wrong. How incredibly small minded and inept. Such ignorance is truely dangerous!

Travis, Phoenix, U.S. Arizona

Sad that the UK allowed its troops to be humiliated like this. Even sadder is the fact that the media portrays Iran and its corrupt leadership as benevolent humanitarians. Iran violated International law by abducting the Brits in Iraqi waters to begin with, not to mention violating the Geneva Conventions for uniformed military personnel. Hopefully, Britain will release irrefutable proof that Iran illegally pirated their military forces, outside Iran's territorial waters, and the world will recognize this alleged humanitarian gesture as the charade it is.

Terry, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

"To all the Americans complaining that the Brits didn't put up a fight and allowed themselves to be paraded."

I have noticed a lot of comments directed at Americans for voicing such opinions, but no comments directed at Brits, French, Canadians, or any other nationalities who have those same opinions. Interesting.

Richard, Norway, USA

All you warmongers should read today's ny times "what we can learn from the British about Iran. Clearly there is intelligent life in America after all

Kilgallon, London,

So, President Ahmadinejad has given a "gift" to the British people. Since his imperial guard stole the fifteen from Iraqi waters in the first place, the rest of the world will recognise how meely-mouthed his gift really is.

Michael Moriarty, FCIJ, LONDON,

i am a brit living in spain and over in football the British have a reputation on the football pitch of always playing fair no matter how bad the other team behaves and i think that is how the British government have behaved in this situation. The opinion towards the people of the united states and the bush regime is very different however and Bush is considered to be only beaten by Aznar as person most responsable for the bombings in Madrid.
the lesson to be learned from all this, continue playing fair but choose our friends and our actions more wisely, the middle east is an unstable region that really and i mean really does not need anymore western meddling

Lucie, barcelona,

Well Mr Blair, your Trident "deterrent" didn't deter Iran did it?

As well as utter humiliation and some very clever posturing on behalf of Iran, we still have the fundamental falsehood of "nuclear deterrence".

If our weapons are such a great deterrent, it doesn't matter if Iran gets nuclear weapons does it? They'll never use them because they will apparently be deterred by using them, or any other weapon for that matter. Our deterrent only deters if our use of it is believeable. But we know if we fire a single nuclear weapon, we commit suicide, either by retaliation or by radiation fallout. So we're not going to do it. So the use is not believable. So there's no deterrent. So our nuclear weapons are 100% useless.

Nuclear deterrence is the most costly, ridiculous and illogical military strategy ever.

Blair has been ridiculed by the little smiling man from Iran. Serves him right for his arrogance and hypocrisy.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

I understand the many people who think that the resolution to the situation that has unfolded is a good one: no war, kids come home, etc. But taking the longer view, it is a disaster.

I don't know if I could have stood up to the interrogation they likely got while in custody, but many braver people have. Special Ops folks that infiltrated into Hitler's Fortress Europa were trained to kill themselves before talking to the Gestapo. If they did talk, many, even thousands, would die from the information given. They had to have a longer outlook on their situation - something other than "I want to get out of here".

As I said, I don't know if I could have done it - and I thank God I don't have to make that choice. In the end, the choice these British sailors made was a selfish one. They took care of their own hides - and apparently to a man (and woman) all did.

Iran won - no doubt about it. I don't want to see an even more emboldened Iran ... does anyone?

Lewis, Bonnots Mill, MO USA

The Mullah Fascist got what he wanted out of this: a propaganda piece. The spineless left press is now kissing up to him as a "reasonable, graceous" man, "see, he can be trusted and negotiated with". No mention of the outrageous act of hostage taking in Iraqi waters and the Iranians actually changed their story when they saw first prove of the border. But really, Churchill would be turning in his grave. Britain got so badly insulted and paraded in this, with Ahmadinejad bragging, taunting and gloating, that all the lunatics there now have their blood up, thinking the west is as weak as that. This will cause more bloodshed, not President Bush calling it as it is...HOSTAGES. Yes, the dreaded "H" word, oh my god! If ONLY he had said tourists - nah, nevermmind, Ahmadinejad himself did that.

Unreal.

TC, Berlin,

I have read so much rubbish on this blog that I can't really understand what some of you are thinking. Yes the marines were taken without a shot, it would have been a bloodbath if they had put up a fight, light semi automatic weapons are no defense against cannon shells. Yes we know the Royal Naval personnel have been filmed eating and chatting to their captors, but what do you expect a bar room brawl every time?. Yes, we know the British government have appeared weak at times, but you know after 2 weeks we have our soldiers back. Do the Americans forget what happened to their own people when their embassy was taken over by 'students'?...weren't they held for slightly longer than 14 days? . Please don't accuse our people of being cowards which a lot of you Americans appear willing to accuse us of. We had marines captured before and they were put under mock executions, imagine how that must have felt ...just think!. Thankfully common sense prevailed. But Blair we DO feel humbled.

Kirk, Rotherham, UK

To Mr Sciberres of Malta. You've got a point..debatable as it might be. Then again there is always Panama, Grenada, and Haiti. I know what your thinking..."oh real tough ones there!" Of course in Iraq...the first time around...it was a decisive military victory(3 days) over what I seem to recall was the third largest army in the world at the time. Now second time around...you gotta admit we did it again. Brave adversaries stood their ground against us...for what was it 3 weeks? So now the brave opposing force is dead, wounded or captured. And the opposition today? Well turns out they're not so brave. They hide behind civilians and religous buildings. Cowardly attack the same with car bombs and chlorine gas. Booby trap roads and run away. Funny they won't stand fast and fight Americans. And if your premise is true...whats stopping the N. Koreans from taking the south? Oh well...if nothing else we did win the cold war. But I dont think Malta was a target then either!

Murph, Madisonville, USA/Kentucky

I find it remarkable all the American bashing these days. America has defended so many countries and gives millions upon millions of dollars in foreign aid yearly and it seems the more we give, the more we are hated. I think it is high to give these idiots reason to hate us... I think it is high time to withdrawl all troops from all over the world. Germany, Japan, South Korea... everywhere. LET THE WORLD FEND FOR IT'S SELF!!!! Not another dime should leave America, till every last American is provided for. We are told we are hated all over the world... well let's give them real reasons!!! NO MORE MONEY... no more military help... let the rest of the world deal with those problems. America has been doing it for too long. And if you hate America so much... try boycotting our products!!! SERIOUSLY!!! Your society would crash and burn without the advances Americans have provided this world. So seriously... who's kidding who?

Kent Porter, New York, NY

So they are relaesed. Will we now be told the truth behind their capture? Why and how they allowed themselves to be taken prisoner; they are supposed to be sailors so how did they not see the Iranians approach? They are supposed to be Marines; where they armed with catapults and had they forgotten how to fight? Where was the helicopter escort; were they asleep in the air?
The whole episode makes a mockery of the security we expect from our Armed Forces.
Doubtless they will receive a hero's welcome but really they ought to be dishonourably discharged for deriliction of duty.
Iran must be laughing all the way to the powerless UN, for henceforth they can now 'arrest' anyone inside or outside their own seas, with impunity knowing that nothing can be done to prevent them so doing.

Michael, Belfast, NI

Christopher D, perhaps you should also visit some of the cemetaries for Indian, African and ME soldiers in Europe. How many of those need to die for European "freedoms"? And never recognized for it. At least the Americans get considered "allies" and lauded constantly. Europe continues to treat the others like dirt!

Anamik, London, UK

With the release of the British servicemen from Iran, I feel a great sense of relief and happiness for their families and friends but I also feel embarrassment and anger at the incompetence of their commanders for allowing them to be taken; at our Government for their weak handing of this criminal act of kidnapping on the international stage; at the United Nations for their apparent "washing of their hands" and at those responsible for our serviceman's training which allowed a response over and above the "name, rank and number" which should have been the limit of any co-operation with their abductors. This has been humiliating for our country and at the moment, I feel ashamed to be British.

Keith Downer, London, UK

At the end of the day this ended peacefully with the return of our soldiers - and that is a good thing. Everybody realizes they were made to say what they said and nobody was fooled (least of all the Iranian people who live with the regime!).

This is a victory for commonsense nothing else - whatever the political posturing.

I hope there is intelligent life in outer space bec