Iran seizes U.K. troops=The 15 sailors are back home

[kevin]

Cooler heads should prevail. This is not a causus belli. The Iranians will probably return the sailors and will be making a grave mistake if they do not. It seems more likely that this time the Iranians seized British sailors in Iraqi territory, though last time in 2004 they were most likely in Iranian. These incidents are disturbing. Iranian responsiveness might be getting tested on purpose.

I sure hope you're right1

It won't be the first time, so here's hoping!

[Cryomaniac]

This is not a causus belli.

It's about as close as you can get...

[kevin]

This is not a causus belli.

It's about as close as you can get...

War is the last instrument of state power. It is not a causus belli because there does not exist a state of war between Iran and the United Kingdom, and they are capable of resolving the issue through diplomacy. The facts are disputed. Dialog is demanded by the rules and traditions of war. These kinds of border skirmishes have happened throughout history, and there was not a single shot fired. Therefore it is not a causus belli.

I don't care what the talking points say about the matter, this demands a demarche and negotiations to begin between UK and Iranian foreign ministeries to peacefully resolve the issue. If these British sailors are executed, that would be a causus belli.

[Brent]

This is not a causus belli.

It's about as close as you can get...

War is the last instrument of state power. It is not a causus belli because there does not exist a state of war between Iran and the United Kingdom, and they are capable of resolving the issue through diplomacy. The facts are disputed. Dialog is demanded by the rules and traditions of war. These kinds of border skirmishes have happened throughout history, and there was not a single shot fired. Therefore it is not a causus belli.

I don't care what the talking points say about the matter, this demands a demarche and negotiations to begin between UK and Iranian foreign ministeries to peacefully resolve the issue. If these British sailors are executed, that would be a causus belli.

I agree, I don't see this starting a war unless something big happens to change the situation(like Iran executing them, but that would surprise me a lot).

[Chacor]

I doubt Ahmedinejad will be stupid enough to do so, because almost certainly even Iran's allies like China and Russia would protest.

[Aquawind]

Ohh Goodness.. Iran stepping in the spotlight again. The little guy is really into stepping into anyones face these days. Gosh they are so strong I am afraid we can't stop them from having nukes..

[James]

The BBC is saying that they've been taken to Tehran now.

[Cryomaniac]

My point is that we shouldn't let Iran get away with doing stuff like this. Even if the sailors were in Iranian territory (and I don't believe they were) then there is no reason why the Iranians couldn't have arrested them, taken them to a port, and sent them back to Iraq.

[sunny]

The BBC is saying that they've been taken to Tehran now.

Oh no James - I was so hoping they would have been released

[Yarrah]

It seems the Britisch sailors were captured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who tend to go their own way and often don't listen to their leaders.

Also, the Iranian government said that the British sailors were taking part in 'suspicious trade' when they were spotted by the Iranians.

[Nimbus]

Now the media is saying "Britain was treating it as a mistake rather than a provocation."



http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... /1005/NEWS

[Chacor]

I do hope it was a mistake, but if it was, the sailors would be in Iraq right now and not Tehran.

[P.K.]

Iran may be saying that but our government is still saying they were not in Iranian waters.

[Rainband]

Prayers to those captured...hopefully Iran does the right thing and lets them go.

[nholley]

I am sure they will be released as the sailors were in 2004, but it does make me think that Iran is looking for a fight.

[wx247]

Does no one else see the irony? The UN is meeting today on sanctions against the very country which happens to have fifteen British sailors now in its possession?

I have a bad feeling about this...

[Stephanie]

Does no one else see the irony? The UN is meeting today on sanctions against the very country which happens to have fifteen British sailors now in its possession?

I have a bad feeling about this...

I see it...

[Aquawind]

Ohh Myy... The little guy's pilot couldn't get a visa in time for the meetings so they decided to kidnap the british and scare the planet into submission. The nerve of some people.. Then again maybe the British were in the wrong and the Irainians are just going through the motions for more attention..

[James]

Well Iran is now saying that the sailors have admitted they were in Iranian waters, though let's face it, after being captured and taken to the capital there's not a lot you wouldn't admit to doing for fear of what would happen if you didn't comply.

[brunota2003]

Well Iran is now saying that the sailors have admitted they were in Iranian waters, though let's face it, after being captured and taken to the capital there's not a lot you wouldn't admit to doing for fear of what would happen if you didn't comply.

Not to mention torture...GC is not withheld in most countries...