The 15 Sailors

**John Scott** · 03-28-2007, 09:08 PM

What do you think will happen?

**G10** · 03-29-2007, 03:54 AM

This one is a bit strange.

Iran knows what the US and UK are like when it comes to war and at the moment, there is just a thin line before trouble escalates over there.

The sanctions being imposed on Iran and all the US and the UK need is an excuse to go in and Iran is totally toying with the UK.

They may just release them but something doesn't feel right about this.

**John Scott** · 03-29-2007, 05:37 AM

Seems like Iran is just trying to get in trouble.

ewomack · 03-29-2007, 06:34 AM

Yes, a strange one. Iran now says if the UK doesn't admit that it was in Iranian waters it may prosecute the sailors. Iran is definitely up to something, but the US and UK are also definitely up to something as well. Iran probably feels its pride a bit shaken after the debacle over its nuclear program, and so this situation offered an opportunity to demonstrate some pride and a "we're not going to take it" attitude. Also, Iran likely feels threatened as rumors of "regime change" ring in the US government. Robert Gates said in Brussels, that a military buildup in the region is aimed at Iran. This won't calm Iran in the least, but will likely lead to more incidents like the sailor abduction. Cornered rats tend to strike out.

Has the UK released the ship's actual coordinates yet? The last I read was that they had not and were withholding that information.

This will remain one to watch...

Linda in NY · 03-29-2007, 09:29 AM

I'm not sure but it has me nervous for them. I don't trust those Iranians as far as I can throw John !!!

**John Scott** · 03-29-2007, 07:14 PM

I predict that Iran will not release the sailors. I think it cannot release them. Either Iran will have their way with the 15, or the UK goes in and gets them back.

Linda in NY · 03-29-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Scott

I predict that Iran will not release the sailors. I think it cannot release them. Either Iran will have their way with the 15, or the UK goes in and gets them back.

John,

I hope you're wrong, that would be nothing but trouble. And might not be a happy ending for those sailors. I wish them the best of luck and Godspeed in getting home !

Linda

**John Scott** · 03-29-2007, 07:32 PM

Linda, I want them released too. Can you imagine the torment their families are in?

But from what I'm reading, it seems that this was no mistake. It seems that the Iranians did this in a premeditated way, and I do not see them releasing the sailors, for two reasons.

1. If released, the 15 will talk. Faye Turney would surely retract her statements that were obviously made under duress, and impugn the (non-existent) credibility of Iran.

2. Iranians are watching. The whole world is watching, and if Iran gives in to British demands, ultra-hardcore Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would appear weak.

kristeejo · 03-29-2007, 08:11 PM

Can i just hide under a rock?

**John Scott** · 03-29-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristeejo

Can i just hide under a rock?

My rock - Japan. Seems like Japan is so detached from the whole Islamic vs The West thing. Love it here.

ewomack · 03-30-2007, 06:52 AM

Yes - scary situation, but it should be pointed out that Iran trusts us as little as we trust them, and that makes the situation even scarier. We, meaning the US and UK, have them completely surrounded. I think Iran is testing the waters with this move. Or it could serve as retaliation for the US apprehending Iranian operatives in Iraq. To add to the fun, the UK cut off all relations with Iran a day or so ago. And, not that I'm defending the Iranians in any way, I am not a fan of Ahmadinejad at all, but I thought the previous president, Khatami, had some promise, the US does have elements in its government that believe "regime change" is the only solution in Iran. These same people thought "regime change" was the only solution in Iraq. You can find references to these on the web. Whether they're right or wrong (I don't know), that stance definitely puts the Iranians on edge and on the defensive. So now we sit back and watch the power play develop.

Buskerdoo · 04-01-2007, 07:36 PM

I think Iran understands the politics of the US and Uk better than most people in these countries. Where I see poeple talking about the middle east being worried about the war mongering west, the us invading, etc. I think Iran, outside their propaganda, knows that they have won by getting the liberal press to heard the sheep into believing the west is evil, Bush is a war monger, etc etc etc. The press has paved the way for what they will do next. Becasue they know the Brits and Americans have no more political clout...they will create a series of trials to convict these soldiers of crimes against the state...blah...blah. Then they will make a demand for something like a prisoner exchange and they will get it. End of story. They win. US and UK suck wind because contrary to popular belief, the war was lost when it started because westerns don't have the stomach or patience for the long fight. The other side does have the patience for the long fight (and the help of the press) and somewhere down the road many more people will pay a horendous price for the wests lack of fortitude.

look4edmund · 04-03-2007, 11:31 AM

I hope Iran will release the prisoners. I smell Third World War happening soon if US backs UK unconditionally.

Regards,
Edmund Ng

micksss · 04-03-2007, 01:13 PM

Iran is definitely looking for trouble but I don't think that they will let it get to that point. Worst case would be like back in 1979. We can't let there be another WW!

AnaB · 04-03-2007, 10:43 PM

I'd think the sailors will be released before the end of this week. It's easter weekend...Iran has played much with them already and if truly wants to avoid much confrontation (and it looks like it does) they pretty much have to release them for easter, IMHO. If not, the whole anti-iran and the Anti-Islam sentiment will just rise..

In anyway, my prayers for the safety of the sailors and I hope they are released soon..

Zap · 04-04-2007, 07:59 AM

It's looking like they will be released after all...

Update

Buskerdoo · 04-04-2007, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnaB

I'd think the sailors will be released before the end of this week.

Good call.

And, a great move by Iran politically. Just so the 15 soldiers get released; that's all that matters right now.

Domain name master · 04-14-2007, 05:30 PM

Iran knows that they are on thin ice. now they are playing with the UK. they aren't very smart. if you ask me they are just looking for trouble. but I think they will return the troops. they have to. but I think their dumb for messing with the UK like that.

ryukenden · 05-05-2007, 10:23 AM

I am glad that the 15 British sailors were released from Tehran, Iran. We will wait and see whether those people could sell their stories to the tabloid newspaper/journals here.