05 Apr 07
TEHRAN, Iran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defused a growing confrontation with Britain, announcing the surprise release of 15 captive British sailors Wednesday and then gleefully accepting the crew's thanks and handshakes in what he called an Easter gift.
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British Prime Minister
Tony Blair expressed "profound relief" over the peaceful end to the 13-day crisis. "Throughout we have taken a measured approach — firm but calm, not negotiating, but not confronting either," Blair said in London, adding a message to the Iranian people that "we bear you no ill will."
excerpts from nzcity.
This is a good end to this matter... I wish the two countries could extend the spirit to one of friendship.
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by Tirau DanMe too, and i also hope that our boys are never without Gunship support in Iraqi waters again.
TEHRAN, Iran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defused a growing confrontation with Britain, announcing the surprise release of 15 captive British sailors Wednesday and then gleefully accepting the crew's thanks and handshakes in what he called an Easter gift.
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British Prime Minister
Tony Blair expressed "profound relief" over the peaceful ...[text shortened]... to this matter... I wish the two countries could extend the spirit to one of friendship.
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by huckleberryhoundIt doesn't matter now, they have been freed but I can't help feel that the looks on the faces described in the press indicate that the crew had made an honest mistake in there position and admitted it. I hope that an end to it.
Me too, and i also hope that our boys are never without Gunship support in Iraqi waters again.
If the Iranians did take them in Iraqs waters they did a very very good job fooling the brit crew into acting out their false admissions don't you think.
They really don't appear to have been tortured or mistreated in anyway.
"If" they were in error... Britain should be big enough to admit it, apologise and seize the chance for dialogue.
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by Tirau DanI have three letters for you mate....G.P.S.
It doesn't matter now, they have been freed but I can't help feel that the looks on the faces described in the press indicate that the crew had made an honest mistake in there position and admitted it. I hope that an end to it.
If the Iranians did take them in Iraqs waters they did a very very good job fooling the brit crew into acting out their fal ...[text shortened]... ... Britain should be big enough to admit it, apologise and seize the chance for dialogue.
The Brits can pinpoint you with your moblie phone, the Iranians cant....palin and simple. I hope all the things you hope for, but on top of that i hope that the Brittish Government has the Brains and the balls to ring fence the Iraqi waters so that next time they try to pick up our boys, we can stop it. Like i said, a gunship to accompany the patrols would be the best move in my eyes.
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by huckleberryhoundCome again?
I have three letters for you mate....G.P.S.
The Brits can pinpoint you with your moblie phone, the Iranians cant....palin and simple.
Why are you saying G.P.S. and then talking about mobile phones? Which uses triangulation to pinpoint locations. Triangulation isn't some western super secret technology. Any country with a mobile phone network can do it.
Do you honestly believe that the Iranian's are so backward, that they don't have a mobile phone network?
Whether there was mobile phone coverage way out to sea, is another question altogether.
Absolutely clueless. 🙄
D
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by SmookiePPsst -- your anti-American bias is showing.
This a great relief, it's a good thing the detainees weren't Americans, because the Bush Administration would have taken advantage of the opportunity to escalate this into a full scale war. Kudos to the Brits for being patient 😀
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by Tirau DanIt's still a little to early to call this a gift Dan. Let's see how it plays out. At this time they will land at Heathrow in an hour.
TEHRAN, Iran - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defused a growing confrontation with Britain, announcing the surprise release of 15 captive British sailors Wednesday and then gleefully accepting the crew's thanks and handshakes in what he called an Easter gift.
ADVERTISEMENT
British Prime Minister
Tony Blair expressed "profound relief" over the peaceful ...[text shortened]... to this matter... I wish the two countries could extend the spirit to one of friendship.
05 Apr 07
Originally posted by der schwarze RitterI wouldn't have US forces anywhere where diplomacy has a chance.
That's a good idea -- maybe next time the U.S. Navy can escort them.
As for the GPS; they are extremely unreliable and any decent navigator never ever relies on them. Many ocean hopping yachts have four or five units but still use radar and traditional nav with paper charts. Naval Officers (from any country) have made many navigational errors in the past and will continue to do so. Remember the US warship Ship and The Canadian Lighthouse story ha ha..
Let's just wait and see how the debriefing goes when they get home.
Either they were coerced into making confessions and apologies and will get an oscar in which case their will be repercussions or the RN will have to admit navigational error and apologise.
06 Apr 07
Originally posted by shavixmirIts true! Following the middle eastern shambles someone else should take rostrum and microphone in major conflict. Yes the usa is a big super power but up front they lack diplomats, patience and common sense.
What's wrong with anti-american bias?
I mean, the US has proven to be an absolute international nightmare. I don't see why we should remain objective.
Now having said that I wonder if an international committee for diplomacy and conflict resolution were instigated could usa take a vocal back bench, adopt a wait and see and respond if necessary without jumping all over everyone. Does America feel the need to lead in everything.
06 Apr 07
Here's my pronouncement on the matter: Unless the British personnel were tortured or drugged, their collaboration with the enemy has set the British cause in the area backwards. They think they are heroes, but someone should tell them that they are not heroes. Is there no British code of conduct for servicemen and women?
06 Apr 07
Originally posted by der schwarze RitterPssst - your anti-British bias is showing.
Here's my pronouncement on the matter: Unless the British personnel were tortured or drugged, their collaboration with the enemy has set the British cause in the area backwards. They think they are heroes, but someone should tell them that they are not heroes. Is there no British code of conduct for servicemen and women?