Anyone following the story of the 15 British military hostages being held in Iran, for allegedly entering Iranian waters? I think it's disgusting the way they've been paraded on TV and coerced into making false statements and writing letters where they've obviously been told what to write. I did find it amusing that when the Iranians first offered co-ordinates of their alleged position the figures they gave were in Iraqi waters, only when the Brits pointed this out did they come up with some new co-ordinates that were over the 'border'. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was orchestrated by the Iranians just to test international opinion. Neither side is looking likely to back down, and oil prices are rising as a result. I wonder how it will turn out?
I've been watching that too Steve, and have definitely noticed that the price of gas has gone up at the pump recently. Not sure how it's going to end but I don't have a real good feeling about it.
That was bloody farcical in modern diplomacy...They always do this blooming parading hostages thing...ritual humiliation:I think the Brits were a soft touch...they were an unprotected unit in dodgy waters.I think they were looking for an easy target...think the US are holding an Iranian on terrorist charges so it was a bit of tit-for-tat:they won't back down until Britain admits they were "wrong": apparently the sea border is unclear at best.It looks like a very dangerous situation...
this was obviously orchestrated by the Iranians to test international opinion. It's pointed primarily at the U.S. to see how they will respond with regard to their allies. I fear that this gives our lovely Prez the reason he needs to go into Iran should they stand their ground since we would be "obligated" to defend our ally.
I think you're right Dan. With the US capturing 5 Iranians inside Iraq under dubious circumstances recently it's not coincidental, questions are already being asked in the media about a possible hostage swap. 5 scummy Iranians for 15 of the finest, no bloody chance. The UN statement that the UK sought to be released condemning the hostage taking was well watered down from that we requested, due to the usual collection of lily livered countries. The US have been quiet, but I am sure that is at the request of the UK Govt as strong opinions from the US would no doubt only serve to inflame matters at this moment, and possibly risk the safety of the hostages. Right now diplomacy should be the way. I'm sure Iran are just feeling their way. With both US and UK up to their neck in it in Iraq and both countries leaders feeling the pressure from the anti war lobby, what better time for them. They want to know who is against them, who is waivering and who doesn't give a shit..... before they make their next move.
You've got it pegged here big man...Think the Iranian's can say "Check" in chess context at this point.
I agree the “confessions’ are sickening. There is no way these Sailors and Marines would say these things against their own country unless they were threatened and a gun held to their heads. This is not the first time the Iranians have taken either US or British hostages and obviously they want something. Just curious what do you think should be done? - Only diplomacy and negotiations are acceptable. Do not use military force, and preserve peace at any cost even if it means the Sailors and Marines are held months or years, endure an Iranian trial and suffer the consequences. OR - The Sailors and Marines must be released as early as possible. Do anything necessary and all options are on the table. If diplomacy does not earn their release soon, use a Naval blockade and military force.
For me, the second option. Protection of your own servicemen has to take precedence over pretty much anything else. I think diplomacy has a little way to go yet. Although it's difficult to see the UK 'apologising', nor the Iranians releasing the captives without one. The news today that legal proceedings have commenced and the servicemen may face trial doesnt help matters. I think the next week will see some twists and turns. Another option might be a special forces rescue attempt, however, to locate and rescue people from a city of 12 million doesn't appear to have a good chance of success, as those from the US will remember. I'm sure all options are most certainly on the table at the current time and I'd expect that plans for military action are already being prepared with our ships and subs currently heading to strategic positions. It seems that war with Iran is inevitable within the next 10/15 yrs and if so I'd rather it be before they have nuclear weapons than after.
I would venture to say at this point all diplomatic options are being exhausted, but plans for use of force are being implemented should it come to that. The world cannot stand by and allow Iran to win this confrontation because the consequences would be catastrophic. They must be "put in their place" now or the world community risks strengthening their resolve.
