Your View

Yes Nick ... We (US, Canada, Britain, Israel etc.) are the good guys. We are (slowly but surely) ridding the world of regimes that kill their own citizens, threaten annihilation of the Jews and western culture (does that sound familiar to you?), invade neighbours and generally foment evil around the world. Someone has to be the cop on the beat, I'd much rather it be us then the barbarians at the gates ...

I suspect from reading your comments and some others on this thread that you are so poisoned against our society that no argument or explanation of facts will ever change your mind. Makes me wonder why you continue to live in a culture you hate so much? I came here from a place that wasn't so nice and appreciate what I have ... I wish you would too!

I am aghast how people living in this democratic country are all too eager to beleive that anyone except the all mighty western world are bad guys...

The soldiers at the BBC conference read from prepared notes, and BTW Faye was not there? Did she not have a prominent role in this affair. When I look at the pictures of the soldiers in Iran I see them smiling... not so at the BBC conference... But hey, the Iranians probably coerced those smiles.

As for our so called good neighbors, they started a completely illigitimate war that has killed over 600,000 INNOCENT victims ALL based on lies. As for Ahmedinajad's statements if you do some research you will find that they are not that clear cut... though I most definately do not agree with anyone wanting to wipe a regime from the face of the planet... I prefer the ones who just say it than the ones who ACTUALLY DO IT! Ex: Bush with Iraq, Olmert with the Palestinians, these guys say how they love democracy and freedom BUT actually ARE wiping their ennemies from the face of the planet! But hey! They're the good guys.

No Adam we should not just except that both of the 2 countries involved were just stepping on each other's toes. Neither Bush nor Blair want a war with Iran. But let's be sensible here, this stunt by Iran was clearly a test to try the wills of the western world. Have we all not been watching the news clips of Iran's president ranting time and time again that he wants the western world wiped off the face of the earth?

Only one country stepped on toes in this incedent and it was Iran and Iran alone. How can any of us possibly beleive anything that Iran says? They are clearly liars and are intent on provoking any country that does not see things their way.

I am very glad the 15 British sailors kidnapped by heavily armed troops from Iran have been released.

My research indicates the sailors were well within Iraq's waters. This area is not a disputed zone, and for anyone to raise this is trying to excuse the criminal act of Iran.

Brave men and women fought and lost their lives for Canada so others could live in a society free from dictators, and extremist regimes. Iran and North Korea as well as similar regimes promote hatred, and threaten the world with evil acts.

To compare the treatment of prisoners who were members of terrorist groups, and committed terrorist acts, to the treatment of the 15 solders kidnapped in Iraq's water's by Iran is nothing but propaganda.

I am proud to live in a civilized free and democratic country like Canada, as well to stand beside the United States who is our best friend, trading partner, and neighbor.

Do I agree with everything they do? No! Do I agree with everything we do in Canada? No!

However, I am only eligible to vote for our Prime Minister in Canada, therefore I have no say in the voting of a US President.

However, they are one of the most democratic countries in the world, that's why the world is beating down their doors trying to live there.

The tone of the "with us or against us" sort of comments and the old school capitalist vs. Marxist/Communist jargon displayed on this topic are very disappointing.

There is no way I would want to be held captive by either Iran or America of late as both obviously seem unwilling to abide by those "quaint old ideas" expressed in the Geneva Convention for one. As for nuclear power vs. weaponry well, again, it is a topic that is not going away but I would not be one bit surprised if any number of countries, including Iran were trying to develop the technology as quickly as they can. Considering the current state of world affairs who could blame them?

What is truly unacceptable is the superficial analysis and quick jumps to judgment precipitated by preexisting prejudices and obvious propaganda that I had, at one time, thought Canadians were beyond. Like it or not, we live in a world far different and more complex from the nice, simple universe of speechwriters and ad executives and the planet is not divided up into “good” and “bad” nations like a proverbial comic book. If nothing less, the invasion of Iraq, Gitmo and the corruption scandals at the highest levels of American politics in the past few years illustrate that while there may be many, many things wrong with the Iranian regime, our allies, and by extension ourselves, also do not fall into the “good” nation category as easily as we may like to believe.

But that is also another topic and does not actually have anything to do with this particular issue. It would be nice of people could remember that and refrain from using echoes of empty political speeches because the intent of speeches is not to analyze but to incite and the people making them are only providing one story in a world composed of many. If we’re going to throw around talk of war like we’re discussing the latest James Bond film let’s make sure we’ve delved a little deeper into things first.

The point of concern I have is that now, as the trama for the soldiers' families shifts to anger, we will lose sight of key problems with both sides' stories.

Iran, naturally, claims it did nothing wrong - except taking "sailors" from their boat... Britain diverts reporters questions away from things like how so many densely packed countries and the many US and other warships could not have radar (etc.) to corroberate their claim. It's like two kids fighting about who pulled who's hair first.

Shouldn't we just accept that both were stepping on each other's toes and as peacekeepers, keep Iran from becoming Blair & Bush War #2.

Initially, I gave the win to Iran. Not only did they do a "Christian" thing by forgiving the British of their trespasses during the Easter season but they also established their sovereignty.

In a previous thread, I assumed the sailors were telling the truth when they admitted to trespassing in Iranian waters. I couldn't see how people who were willing to kill and die for their country would so readily bare false witness against it. Instead, I felt that they were doing the honorable thing and telling the truth and willing to die for their cause.

But I was wrong. Now that the sailors have been returned and been debriefed by their superiors in a matter of days (if not hours), the truth has come out.

The Iranians obviously use interrogative techniques that are far superior to what the West employs in places like Guantanamo (eg. real torture). In a matter of days (if not hours) they can compel even the innocent to admit to guilt and the loyal to commit treason.

So I guess Britain wins. Blair can resume his saber rattling. And now, because Iranian interrogation tactics have been revealed, they will be shared. I expect detainees everywhere will finally start admitting their guilt and even police forces will have great success with capturing criminals.

One thing puzzles me though. The sailor's claims show them operating in "disputed" waters. In 1975, Iraq and Iran signed a treaty that made those waters Iranian. But during the Iran-Iraq war, Saddam laid claim to those waters. Now that the thief of Baghdad is dead, hasn't the property that was stolen reverted back to the rightful owners?

Madeline of Orleans

The conditions you speak of the 17 Brits as having to face seem quite mild in comparison to what hundreds of still uncharged captives have faced for years in Guantanimo.

Did I miss your display of moral outrage about that lingering insult to humanity.

Eric of Montreal

And to think that right-wing rednecks in this country want to ban people from wearing headscarfs. Weird eh?

For the 15 UK sailors because this was a very dangerous situation, but now they're home safe. For Iran (the country), a temporary victory since it did not escalate to military action. For Iran's regime, probably less of a victory but it will seem like more - call it a draw. For Ahmedinajad, actually a loss because it showed clearly that the mullahs, not him, are really calling the shots in Iran. For the UK (people and military), a victory - but for that sock-puppet Tony Blair, certainly a loss. The crisis demonstrated his uselessness, and he managed to shame himself even as he's chased out of office. The biggest losers in all this are those elements of the US associated with the PNAC / AIPAC / evangelical cabal. No doubt they were praying for those 15 sailors to be killed, as an excuse to launch their long-planned nuclear strike on Iran. Now they need some new incident to try and exploit for that purpose. Sadly, their strategic schemes have only been delayed, not cancelled.

Tarj ... sure you are entitled to any opinion you wish ... that is the wonderful thing about democracy. But when those opinions support our enemies, potential enemies and terror suppliers around the world, then I also have a right to call you on your folly. You shout Hurrah! for the same people that given the chance would take that freedom of speech away.

I don't understand why are you blaming Canadians for cheering on anyone? Does America not support dictators when they are in line with American interests? Please Liam O'Brian don't tell Canadians who is supporting what cause. We are entitled to our own opinion just as you are yours.

If I had a wish, I would ask reasonable Canadians who love their country and freedom to speak out when you read the crap spewed by the Communist/Marxist/Leninist party members who write in these type of forums.

They are easy to identify as they are the ones who promote countries like Iran, North Korea, China, etc, as the good guys, at the same time ignoring their horrific acts committed against humanity. What else would one expect when the sole aim of CPC-ML is to spur revolution against capitalism any way they can.

What IRAN did was a crime against the world not just Britain, straight and simple. The 15 British Sailors were captured by force, kept in solitary confinement, FORCED to appear before the press of IRAN and make forced statements. They had no choice but to return the sailors.

For any of you who said they were treated pretty well, did you get this information from the Iran government via government owned press and TV? Thought so! Seeing is not always believable.

It's very easy sitting in nice, comfortable, democratic and free Canada, and, use it as a nice safe venue to discredit democratic countries of the Western World. In Iran you would be thrown in jail, never heard from again. Feel lucky you live in Canada.

To Nick and the rest of the terror enablerss, below are the main points from the servicemen released yesterday:
* We were blindfolded and subjected to interrogation
* We were told we faced seven years in prison if we did not 'confess'
* Iranians entered Iraqi waters deliberately to detain us. Fighting back was not an option
* We were 1.7 nautical miles away from Iranian waters
* We were under psychological pressure and mind games
* Faye Turney was isolated in a cell away from the rest of the crew

Sure sounds like your Iranians aren't such good guys after all!

So now the truth comes out: Those 15 former hostages were in fact in Iraqi waters, were kidnapped, were tortured, were threatened and the one female among them was forced to wear a head scarf.

It's time for the Americans and Brits to invade Iran!

Just a question: if Iran is such a wonderful country as so many are saying then why do we accept so many refugees each year from Iran who claim they will be tortured if they are forced to return?

Should they all be denied and sent back to Iran as Iran obviously treats everyone so nicely?

Now that the sailors are home safe and are telling the true story we should all be relieved. But I would definitely encourage all those Iran supporters to travel to Iran and then come back and post what a wonderful, caring, and compassionate country it is.

I agree with Joe who says: "please stop bringing up examples of various domestic issues within Iran as having anything at all to do with the current state of relations."
At least these poor sailors were treated VERY decently and not put through torture or humiliation a la Guitmo, Abugrave... so I have to say that Iran's president comes out as the better man, they only wanted UK to admit what the sailors (who WERE there) admitted but NO Tony was staying the course of lies, and even then they pardonned the trespassers. I only hope the the US can learn from this so called human rights abuser.

Yes, I support Iran. I'm one of those idiots who usually sides with the weak. I also support Cuba, Venezuela, and Canada.

It may be that women are treated abominably in Iran. I don't know, I've never been there or spoken to any Iranian women about it. However, it is up to Iranian women to change their situation, just like it was up to my grandmother to obtain the right to vote, and legal protection from her violent abusive spouse. Iranians did not come to Canada to save my grandmother from antiquated Canadian laws, and if they had, I'm pretty sure a Canadian guy would have invented suicide bombing.

As for Iran getting a nuke and using it on a neighbor, are you serious? That would be like Canada using a nuke on the Americans. Suicide.
Let's say Iran lobs a nuke at Israel. Maybe 100 000 Israelis killed, maybe 200 000. Then America liquifies Iran, literally turns the entire country into a sheet of glass in fifteen minutes, and there would not be a single voice of protest in the world.

I just don't think Iranians are that dumb. I think they want electricity, just like you and me. It is possible they may also want a nuke or two for defensive purposes (can't really blame them there - America doesn't invade countries like North Korea or China), but they will never never never attack a neighbor with nuclear weapons, because they know what would happen to them if they did.

I think that the real winners are the Revolutionary Guard faction in Iran. This last issue was dictated by this faction, will be read as a success and that faction will gain even more power.

I think Iran was surprised by how many people in the western world supported Iran and agreed that kidnapping and detaining 15 captives from Britain was perfectly legitimate.

I think Iran was surprised by how many forgot about the stoning to death of adulterous women, the torture and jailing of non-believers and the killing of a Canadian journalist. I think Iran was surprised that the President of Iran's anti-Semitic speeches were forgotten by so many.

I'm sure the Iranian President will be counting in the future on his newfound Iran supporters when they get a nuke bomb and use it on a neighbour. Sadly, I'm sure the same supporters of Iran will somehow justify that as well.

Iran is clearly ahead this time but Tony Blair has managed what the Americans could not have done so while very badly embarassed they cannot be seen as losers. The sailors and marines both captive and from their ship clearly have much to answer for. Duress did not seem to be an issue nor did physical harm. The captives may need to answer for being so outgoing with their admissions of guilt and lack of determination to stick to name rank and number. Their ship and its CO clearly let them down by allowing the situation to develop in the first place.

"I mean, come on! Name-calling? Berating? Childish demeaning of an alternative position or thought? What is this, grade school??"

And your fellow left-wing compatriots don't do likewise Bill Buckley?

Sorry pal but your namesake founder of the National Review was a far better fact checker than you ever can be!

Bill, by attacking the "right wing" posters and calling them names and mocking their opinions are you yourself not doing the same thing you accused them of doing?

Who won, who is right and who is wrong really should take a backseat to the fact that they soldiers are home and safe.

Who was in the wrong really is to be sorted out, most people scoff at "Terror" suspects held by the west when they confess because they assume they were "motivated"

Why is it unfair to assume the same from these soldiers till we can here from them and see if their testimony was prompted or not?

Why is it that the right-wing people on this feedback site always trot out the derogatory terms for the left-leaning people on here? (Desmond, I'm looking at you, bud)

I mean, come on! Name-calling? Berating? Childish demeaning of an alternative position or thought? What is this, grade school??

Clearly, there are some anger issues with some of these people. That would go a long way to explaining why most of these people desperately want to see Iran bombed back to the stone age.

As for this situation, the winners are the sailors, who get to go home, and their families who no longer have to fear they'll never see their loved ones again.

As for who was right and wrong in this, so far it's been nothing but a "he said, she said" thing about whether or not these sailors really were in Iranian waters or not.

I tend to believe the soldiers themselves when they said they WERE in Iranian waters. But, then again, I don't watch Fox news, and haven't heard Bill O'Reilly's opinion.

I'm sure the right wingers have a different, more credible source than the sailors themselves, who says the Iranians actually kidnapped the sailors while they were on leave in Southampton, thus trespassing in British waters, thus giving the Coalition of the Friends of Jesus the excuse to bomb Iran back to the stone age (WMD, anyone?).

Too bad Iran simply let them go. I'm sure the right wing (Desi) was salivating at the chance to spill some more Persian blood.

No one won. The British sailors will have to face a lot of scrutiny regarding their apparent behavior, the Iranians are still under the thumb of a "nazi-nut", Iraq is a mess, and millions of nice people on all sides are struggling in the middle of it.

there was a concession but it was done very quietly and efficiently, just as it should have been.

several weeks ago the iraqi's arrested an irani diplomat; tuesday morning that diplomat was returned to iran.

the irani prez gets to appear benevolent and everyone is happy.

The sailors were released without any real concessions to Iran.

It's sad that some partisans will now use the success of diplomacy with hostile regimes as a hammer against those who practice it.

As for Iran, the hardliners got their moment, and they got consular access to some of their imprisoned citizens in Iraq. (The latter may not even be related actually) Iran may have got what they wanted; but they may have negatively impacted their position on nuclear sanctions as well.

The clear winner of the event? Outlook hazy.

What I'm getting from the "Iran Won" crowd is that by engineering an incident and then coming out from the shadows claiming to be the "great hope", one can gain international respect and adoration.

Perhaps George Bush might get the same kind of new love (from some odd quarters) if the US were to bomb Tehran senseless with one air sorte and then pepper the capital with humanitarian aid and development/infrastructure aid upto and including how to build nuclear reactors in a series of follow up air drops.

If this is the lesson to be learned from the hostage incident I'd be worried, because some minds are more easily impressioned than others.

It will be hard to find real net "winners" as long as citizens in the Canada and other countries dare lend credibility to a brutal undemocratic dictatorship like Iran with their comments.

I'm happy the British sailors are home. I believe Iran threatened them and their families. There were people who came to the CBC website to almost cheer on Iran in this matter, or go off an tangents about matters that had more to do with the US than either the UK or Iran.

It speaks to a sick and twisted state outlook that is all too common in this country. Thank God, however, that we enjoy the freedoms that allow us to express even such idiocy. In Iran, when they're not beating journalists to death or kidnapping soldiers from free countries, they're usually busy keeping such freedoms from ever emerging.

I really wish people please stop bringing up examples of various domestic issues within Iran as having anything at all to do with the current state of relations.

It is a very old propaganda trick to have a population focus on whichever events in “enemy country X” they find distasteful rather than the actual actions by that government in regards to us but it still seems to work very well.

Of course the vast majority of Canadians would believe issues like women’s rights are a major problem in Iran but that has absolutely nothing to do with any sort of political or military decision making on the larger country.

Frankly, if that were actually the case then we would see a concerted effort by all western governments to establish immediate trade embargos, etc on at least 15 nations right off the bat (including some major western trading partners) but since this does not happen and indeed many other major offenders in the area are basically never even mentioned, it is safe to assume that the reason Iran is presently being singled out is because it makes for useful anti-Tehran media frosting.

If so many seem to believe that one of, if not the biggest reason that Iran is currently in our collective gun sights on a daily basis is human rights issues then why do we see so little attention being focused on Darfur/Sudan for one? The situation there is horrendous and far worse than nearly anywhere else on the planet right now. The reason is because it is not an issue our governments are actually concerned about.

Right or wrong, the facts speak for themselves so if you’re going to actually advocate war against any nation please dispense with the meaningless if heartstring tugging propaganda and stick to the accepted facts and procedures of the international arena. That way, you at least will have valid reasons for a position and not be fooled into thinking that we go to war based on our high moral standing or human rights concerns because that just isn’t true.

I don't understand how "we" are involved. This is not an us vs. them, this is the UK navy trespassing in disputed-over territory and being detained.

They were released, as they hadn't done anything wrong, ie. done harm to Iran.

Iran was correct in detaining the UK soldiers. They had no business being where they were, they made a navigational mistake.

Regarding the "Iran is sexist" comments, they required the lady to wear a headscarf - that is their custom. Well in N. America we require detainees to wear standard issue prison garb - that may be our custom, but I'm sure their cultural customs take issue to it.

The bottom line is, Iran, for whatever reasons, is the first nation to act responsibly in this whole Righteous West vs. Evil Middle East situation.

As much as it hurts to say, the leaders of the western nations, Tony George and Steve, could learn from this example and suck up a little of their own pride and do the right things more often.

In my opnion, Iran is the clear winner.

They made themselves look pretty bad on the international stage, but what else is new? However, my belief is that this whole thing was to whip up popular support at home where people have started to become more unhappy with Ahmadenijad's rhetoric and hardline stance with the West.

We are happy that the 15 sailors made it home. Its a victory for these soldiers and their families.

But, we haven't thought of the 3,000 American soldiers who've died in combat in Iraq and their families. The US and the UK have sent its soldiers to death on a "pack of lies", further killing 700,000 Iraqi civilians!

To this day, George Galloway seems more popular than Tony Blair... while a couple call him a "terrorist" for supporting the suppressed, the rest call him a "hero" and "the voice of the suppressed". I know I'm moving out of topic here, but how can someone call him a "terrorist" when he has so many points there? Oh, I think I have the answer for that one too... these guys don't listen to his speeches, but only listen to the news media calling him a "hezbollah-sympathiser"!

We all won. The sailors are back home. Wimpy Blair doesn't have to knock up hawkish Bush tomorrow to ask what steps to take next. The Iranian people won't be punished for something they didn't do. Bush will have to think of another excuse to illegally attack Iran, so we're safe for a while longer. Log onto the BBC and read what the Brits have to say about the matter..

The winner was Iran. Sure, going into all this wasn't a very good idea. They should have just left those Marines in the water, maybe warned them to leave, but that should have been as far as they went. But in the end, they came out on top.

Iran has now set themselves up as the compassionate nation, the caring nation, Britian is just about the same spot they were before, and President Bush looks like an idiot for making such a fuss over it a few days back. The US and Britian are now back into the waiting game, and the ball is firmly in Iran's court.

They don't have guns being pointed at them, and they look like the good ideas. Their president definitely has more up his sleeve than simply being nice and giving Britian a gift. Only time will tell us what that is.

Maybe Iran did take those sailors out of Iranian waters. Maybe the UK lied about this as well. Maybe Iran staged it for the Christians and the Muslims. The important thing is no one was killed.

I don't know if you noticed, but Mahmoud did not at any time vow to crush the non Muslim in his speech. Maybe it was politics but it was encouraging to see no blood shed and Mamoud not sounding like a complete radical.

Yes, Muslim culture is different. There seems to be as many variations with the Muslim religion as with the Christian religion. I don't agree with some of the types of Muslim religion around. I also don't agree with some of the Christian variations either.

If we want the Muslim community to embrace our culture and religion we should be open minded enough to accept theirs. By the way, there is freedom of religion in this Country. We are lucky to be here. It is not like that everywhere. What makes Canada special is if your nation does not let you do as you will you can always come live with us.

None of this would be needed if we just faced the fact that keeping a war going is a good way to keep everyone working. Then maybe we can build an economy that does not require bloodshed to keep gas in the car and food on the table.

"I am not afraid of Iran, nuclear armed or not. They have every right to detain trespassers."

Trespassers no! Victims of a kidnapping outside the sphere of influence of the perpetrator yes!

"The sad thing is watching supposedly mature people trying to defend the undefenable on this issue simply because Canada has economic ties to the two hostile nations that sparked this latest problem."

Huh?? Defend being kidnapped? Or perhaps we should forge closer economic relations with Iran, Syria, Zimbabwe, North Korea or any other nation ruled by a despot that you can think of.

I swear Brad Ulmer, you and Allan could easily find work in the Iranian Propaganda ministry!

In response to Mr. allan from kamloops,
I don't believe people are defending the United States or the United Kingdom because of economic ties, but rather a shared ideology.

I may not agree with Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair on a large number of issues including Iraq, when compared to Mr. Ahmadinejad and the Nation of Iran my choices are very simple.

Perhaps I am old fashion and perhaps set in my ways but I have a hard time backing a nation that will allow a woman to be stoned to death because she "allowed" herself to be raped.

I value freedom, and as a woman I enjoy many rights that those in Iran simply do not. Perhaps the Americans and British are not the best friends we have, but they have not threatened to destroy my country and my way or life and promised me that once they destroyed my culture they would force me to pay a "head tax" unless I converted to Islam or be killed.

So in closing the British won because no one was harmed, and if that stance makes me "immature" then so be it.

The British clearly won.

Iran held the service folk for 15 days, after picking them up in a waterway which has been disputed territory since the Iran/Iraq War.

Iran looks to the left and looks to the right and sees that the winds of change are blowing. As unpopular as going into Iran may be, I have a feeling that the tune will change once they have enriched Uranium enough to build a nuclear weapon.

Much like Saddam's Ministry of Information during the last few days before the government fell, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is putting up a brave face for the people of Iran and generally pushing the envelop enough to irritate but not provoke a response from the West.

If Iran truly felt it was right in this matter they could have taken this to the UN, since they opted not to do so it was nothing more then a stunt to given the Iranian people the illusion of some position of strength.

From a strictly socialist eggsucker point of view (like fascists don't suck eggs too?) I think the media and corporations won again. Surprise surprise.

How to make money: scare people, then make them feel all fuzzy inside.

I am not afraid of Iran, nuclear armed or not. They have every right to detain trespassers. If they are a sovereign nation like the United States, they even have the right to torture their prisoners, but only in the interests of national security.

It's funny how Iran holds 15 people for a week and is vilified, and how many so-called terrorists are our neighbors to the south holding? ten thousand? twenty? does anyone even know? At least the Iranians send their prisoners home.

Such a question only serves to inflame, and is pot-stirring journalism.This wasn't a game, or a battle where there should be a winner and a loser. Diplomacy was the method required, and, such as it was, it worked.
a.ridley.

I completely agree with John Koshy!

UK and the US have flexed enough muscles and have killed enough people. They have also been successful in getting their people's attention and get to see Iran as "the bad one".

We on the other hand, are renowned peace-keepers, who've gone to fight only when ordered by the UN. Then why are we not doing something in this situation to ease tensions between the two nations?

A strike on Iran will be deadly. It might as well lead to the third world war! UK and US will come under the worst attack ever, while we will be sitting here in the north without any harm.

To end it all up, the winner here are the 15 British sailors, but the losers will forever be the ones who show military might, and in this case UK and the USA!

It's not over people. Not by a long shot.

Iran got away with blatantly kidnapping and holding innocent British citizens against their will. Those who see this as a "win" for diplomacy are deluding themselves. Any act of unprovoked aggression that doesn't attract serious negative consequences simply encourages an escalation in their lawless behaviour. Watch the news. There's a lot more to come from Iran.

Of course, the left wing, socialist, bleeding heart, liberal faction will continue to believe that it's our own fault and we deserve to be terrorized.

Iran won!

Someone below claims Iran tweeked Britan's nose and poked a stick in America's eye.

Very true from a British and American point of view, but I suspect after years of having two beligerant and hostile militaries pushing up against your borders for years you might feel like your being stuck in the eye also.

The sad thing is watching supposedly mature people trying to defend the undefenable on this issue simply because Canada has economic ties to the two hostile nations that sparked this latest problem.

Those of you who think this is over are being naive, and I assume through no fault of your own since the prospect of war can be a frightening one.

However I am afraid that Great Britain's decision to negotiate to save the lives of their soldiers spells a greater threat than we have been led to believe by the many hopefuls and euthopian idealists.

The word is out, the west is soft. The bickering from within is an omen to be heeded, as long as our many great citizens stand with others who fantasize our doom, the seed of our destruction begins find a niche in which spring upward. Be warned.

I think that the Iranian Government profited the most by releasing the British sailors as a gift, because they appeared merciful in the eyes of their own people in a situation that may otherwise have escalated.

By offering these sailors back to Britain as a gift, they also showed the international community a merciful side in the face of a potentially very serious standoff.

The British government, on the other hand, appeared as a regime unwilling to negotiate with another country which was protecting its interests, and unwilling to admit that it MAY have made a mistake.

I agree with others that the clear winners are the sailors and their families, but on the other hand Iran won as well because it got it's point accross. The point being that they proved to the world that they can do this kind of terrible thing and actually gain support from so many.

I still think this was a test by Iran to see what kind of action a western country would take in a time when their president wants the rest of us wiped off the face of the map. Years ago when Iran held hostages they kept them for a very long time. As we all know things are different now and this crisis would not have gone on that long. But remember, don't adjust your tv sets folks - this is just the beginning!

The only "winner" [I find that choice of wording in this question odd] are the 15 captives and their worried families. Thankfully, they are safe.

Desmond from Toronto - why must your comments include things like "...as no doubt alot of the socialist eggsuckers who frequent this site would proclaim...."? Are you not able to make your point without having to take a juvenile poke at others? Come on, man, try and be a mature adult.

I am really happy to know that the sailors are back home safely!

The clear winners will always be PEACE makers.
The clear losers will always be those who "flex muscles", bully others and show might and strength.
Those who want to fight to achieve peace, will always be losers.

People are good, but the policies they make especially "Foreign policies", need to be re-engineered.

The only way to achieve PEACE, is by demonstrating/showing PEACE!

"The light (of GOD) shines through the darkness (of evil), and the darkness can never extinguish it"

Happy Easter!

Yes, there was a clear winner! Great Britain was a clear winner.

Nevertheless, not because of what they did rather the Iranian government. Don't take my word for it, ask the soldiers! Thank God, sanity prevailed!

I am glad to see the end of this and as expected it was characterized by Cold War tactics designed to create much huffing and puffing from either side but little else. No one was hurt, the incident is over and both sides gained degrees of what they had originally wanted. Now, it will be forgotten within weeks as anything else but a minor brouhaha.

For all of those who were calling for immediate military “lesson teaching” to be dolled out on Iran, I am certainly glad that cooler and more thoughtful heads prevailed. Despite the disappointingly quick call to arms in the western world these days, because the British and Iranians did not in fact follow that path, the sailors are well and home, no bombs have been dropped on innocent people, no ships have been sunk and we are now not engaged in yet another hot war against another unsurprisingly similar enemy.

I am sure that both the British sailors and the people in Iran are relieved that the swallowing of a small amount of pride by both governments in return for useful propaganda (again for both) was chosen over knee jerk militarism more suited for beer hall discussions than national government policy.

In case anyone is wondering, diplomacy is a field based in compromise and patience, and war indicative of the failure of the process. It is nice to see that the it is still an option today because I was beginning to wonder.

The Iranians poked the Americans in the eye and tweaked the British nose. They got back their diplomat and some other officials who were captured in Iraq. They got world wide publicity and were able to drive a small wedge between the USA and Britain.

We ended up paying a higher price for gas.

I do not think that we won.

There is one clear winner in this case - the families of the captured crew who got all their loved ones back safe and sound. That is the only victory that counts in the long run

It wasn't a game, although the Iranian president saw it as such and himself as the winner as no doubt alot of the socialist eggsuckers who frequent this site would proclaim. I was struck by the comments that the Iranian leader made in reference to the only woman captive. He questioned her being there so far way from home and her child.

Now take that comment and put it together with the fact that they forced here to wear a head scarf and some kind of traditional gown. Now since it is mostly the left who have been voicing support for this guy citing the "evils" of the west, they've got to reconcile his attitude towards women with their support for him and their intense hatred of Britain and the US.

Perhaps a little sexism can be overlooked so long as the Brits and the Yanks are getting dissed in the process.

I guess in the end Iran wants quiet and annonimity to pursue nuclear weapons and holding hostage 15 British sailors stimies that plan.

Personally I think we all loose if this guy is thanked in any way or gets off scott free. It also shows Nancy Pelosi (US House Speaker) that you don't have to go "cap in hand" and personally pay compliments to these tyrants when you want them to comply with the rule of law.