[Tanser_Man]

I guess you have all heard about the drama unfolding in the Gulf involving 15 of our Royal Navy service people being held captive by Iranian officials, most notably Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who is the Iranian President.

What are your views on this?

Can it now be avoided, if so, how?

I think the captives aren’t being held simply for a breach of the territorial boundaries, if this was the case they should have ordered the British servicemen out of Iranian waters. Instead they send a fleet of heavily armed boats and take them captive and release two sets of co-ordinates to back up there claims. That’s why in my opinion I don’t think it’s a case of territory; it was planned and was aimed at sticking two fingers up at the west while using the service people as bait or for political gain.

Don’t forget only a couple of years ago we accidently crossed into Iranian waters and openly admitted this and apologized straight away, which leads you to ask why this time? I think you’ll find this time Iran is in the wrong and not our troops.

They are trying to make a mockery of our troops and will continue to do so! In my opinion an ultimatum has to be made, either the troops are released (and this is after the preliminary talks have ended without movement) or we will remove them with force. I’m all for peace and tranquility but provocation like this and the way they have been paraded internationally through the media has been disgusting.

If the Iranian Government fail to comply, what would be the best action in this situation?

Is Iran looking for something bigger then just the apology they are voicing?

I think the international community is scared to act on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in fear of being dragged into the Middle Eastern affair, hence why the UN and EU has suitably turned there noses up at us in this situation.

Views please, and don’t shoot me for having an opinion.