Agonizing Paralysis
Who hasn't heard the statement "Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it"?
Well this has happened before but apparently no lessons were learned.
A group of Westerners is taken captive, in violation of international law. They are paraded before the TV cameras and forced to write letters and make public statements that parrot their captors' political propaganda.
Brings back a lot of memories doesn't it?
President Carter wringing his hands while 66 Americans were held captive in Iran by "Iranian Students". Nightline showing daily updates while Iran used the situation to boost its standing in the region. A superpower impotent.
Now it's Britain's turn.
Iran seized 15 sailors and marines - and did so outside Iranian territorial waters, says London. It's holding them incommunicado - save for the one woman, who has been forced to publicly demand the immediate withdrawal of British troops from Iraq.
But Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has shown so much courage up till now in the War on Terror, is displaying surprising weakness and indecisiveness.
Which probably explains why Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is ignoring Blair's strangely subdued demands for the hostages' release and is playing it for full propaganda value.
And of course the United Nations proves itself worthless.
Several members of the Security Council are openly resisting the British call for sanctions, given Tehran's claim that the sailors were captured in Iranian waters. Moreover, the British demand that the council "deplore" Iran's actions was watered down to an expression of "grave concern."
Russia and China also objected to wording stating that the Royal Navy team was illegally arrested outside Iranian waters.
These countries are not our friends and we need to stop treating them as if they were.
Tony Blair's first concern is ensuring the hostages' safety. But the West can ill afford to have him turn into Jimmy Carter at this late date.
posted by American Crusader @ 7:33 AM
38 comments
38 Comments:
AC,
I agree, but our anger should be directed at Iran, Russia and China.
When your constituents are kidnapped, the kidnappers typically hold all of the cards.
We need to concentrate on knocking down that house of cards. Russia and China have made the UN into an unsuitable platform for airing grievences against aggressive rogue nations like Iran.
The last time the UN was effective was after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Of course, it was U.S. firepower that gave it teeth.
The UN is a joke and no longer relevant. Trying to use it to resolve any world crisis is more than ridiculous, it is a complete waste of time.
The UN cannot even get a consensus on Sudan.
My anger is directed at Iran, Russia and China. Tony Blair has been a good ally to United States and my anger at seeing British soldiers paraded around by Iran is almost as great as if the captives were Americans.
Everything else is just frustration.
Why do we continue to allow Iran to pull off this shit?
They need to be knocked down a few pegs.
They need to be embarrassed.
I see that great minds think alike!
http://mavericknewsnetwork.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/03/missing_mamoodl.html
Where are you at in coming to the blogger's meetup? My offer still stands to assist if you need any help, brother.
Ducky so "wisely" said, "If you stand back a little you might see that Iran has absolutely nothing to gain here and the most likely loser is Ahmedinajad."
So why did they seize these hostages? And dont give me that B.S. that they were in Iranian waters because the British have already shown that their GPS equipment put them 1.7 miles in Iraqi waters. What proof does Iran have for their claims?
I'll tell you what. They originally gave coordinates that were in Iraqi waters and when the British corrected them they issued a new set of coordinates.
You say that Iran has nothing to gain as if they were not under the threat of sanctions for pursuing nuclear weapons and they were not supplying and training Iraqi insurgents.
One of the requests for the release of the hostages was a British withdrawal from Iraq.
You didnt overlook this. I came to the realization a long time ago that no matter congenial you could sometimes be, you are not here for honest debate.
Here's the article that I referenced:
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/03/28/britain-iran.html?ref=rss
Another thing that Iran has to gain, is that they are raking in billions as gas prices have risen since they took the British hostage.
Crude Oil Near Six-Month High on Iran's Capture of U.K. Crew
By Grant Smith
March 30 (Bloomberg) -- Oil traded near a six-month high as 15 British sailors and marines seized in the Persian Gulf remained in Iranian custody for an eighth day, heightening concern the standoff will threaten oil supplies from the Middle East.
U.K Prime Minister Tony Blair said today Iran would face ``continuing isolation'' until the servicemen are freed. Iran backed away yesterday from an offer to release Faye Turney, the only woman captured, and said the U.K. must admit violating its territorial waters. Oil has risen 7 percent since Iran seized the group on March 23.
Youre spot on but hey..Rosie already proclaimed to all of America that the soldiers are guilty!..bet the Libs dont lose an iota of sleep over them!
Take out some infastructure as a warning. A nice blown bridge or better yet dam gets the point across.
Ahmadinejad has been a bad boy again and the grown ups have had enough. It's high time he's punished. Stategicly take out the nukes if he doesn't turn over the hostages.
The Carter comparison came to mind at my blog too, and Ahmadinejad was around for that little episode as well.
I think we ought to let the Iraqi Kurds occupy Iran's 3 western most provinces... The British can than exchange any Quds Force fanatics they take alive for their own soldiers.
Before they do it to us.
Good find farmer.
I cannot wait to watch British House of Commmons on Sunday C-SPAN, it should be worth it
I think that Ahmadinejad is playing economics to save his own butt...
It is far more expensive for Iran to pull oil out of the ground than it is for Saudi... And that means when oil prices are down, their already perilous economy suffers even more.
Ahmadinejad needs to pull some crap every now and then to keep those prices up.
At one time I thought the U.N. was a good idea that might have out lived it's purpose. Then a Korean War Vet, told me the truth about the U.N.'s role in that conflict. The U.N. has always been a communist organization and always will be.
God Bless America, God Save The Republic.
How long until the forced conversions of the kidnapped servicmen and woman? And what are these 'positive changes' coming from the UK that Eichmannijihad is talking about? Bluffing? Saving face?
The Iranians have been yanking our chain for the last 30 years. If nothing is done, it will go on for another 30, easily.
All this jerking around with Iran is doing nothing but making the UK and the US look like paper tigers, and I'm beginning to believe that we are, AC! It's so damnably frustrating. There are many ways we could deal with Iran if we'd just get off of our butts and do so.
When hostages are seized and in the wake of terrorist attacks it is always the victim that is blamed.
That is what we must stop.
Urban Infidel...this has been all about "saving face" after Iran didn't immediately release the hostages.
Although I believe a military strike is justified, no way will we jeopardize 1/4 of the world's oil that travels past Iran's reach.
"no way will we jeopardize 1/4 of the world's oil that travels past Iran's reach"
And that's why Iran gambled that they could get away with it. And why one day...they will do it again
Thank you FJ for the Time article
I feel safe knowing that all you warrior patriots are looking out for me, and I would feel even safer if all you of military age were on the front lines, in uniform. What better place for those who love "firepower" to be?
I really don't care that Britain only said their people "were not captured in Iranian waters". It was probably an oversight that they omitted the statement "and never were in Iranian waters". And even if they had trespassed, we all know that only the U.S. has the right of hot pursuit, so that wouldn't matter anyway.
And it doesn't make me wonder that those Brits were hung out there all alone and then captured by a bunch of guys in small boats. We all know that the Brits and the U.S. don't keep track of where everybody is, all the time, especially in such non-controversial waterways as the Shatt al-Arab, a disputed territory in the Persian Gulf.
Nor would it be unusual for a lightly armed "search" force to have no backup that could save them. It's common practice for our commanders to send people out unprotected - everybody knows that! There's just no way this capture could have been a set-up, no matter what Rosie O'Donnell says.
Those lying, treacherous Iranians need to be punished severely now that the impartial court of "Yankees Go Home" has concluded its deliberations. A few nukes should do the job, I agree. Iranians aren't really people anyway, don't you know? And we would earn the respect of the whole world.
While some of you may cite me as some sort of a turncoat, Ducky has a point:
Iranians want to wash their hands of him..
'tis true, VERY true indeed. I don't see much of a future for Ahmadinejad. He's not only gotten the US and UK's panties in a bind (let's face it, what a true analogy here) he is also pissing off the Mullahs.
I wouldn't give him a year left in power. I also predict that the Iranian government will cave in and implode much sooner than we attack Iran.
But let me add this: I am greatly disappointed in my homeland, Britain. Not one single Brit that I know of has called out foul against the Iranians for taking their navy men and women hostage.
Where is this fucking "Queen" of England, and her pansy son? I have not heard one iota of a comment from the "prince" either.
So much for my hatred of British royalty. They are about as useless as tits on a boarhog if you ask me.
tragically, the prince is going al gore
Interesting...
http://www.debka.com/headline.php?hid=4006
AC: I must apologize for the misunderstanding between us. In no way did I mean to offend you or harm the great relationship that has developed between Zionist Christians and Zionist Jews. I just commented on MZ's site:
"folks: I believe I have some explaining to do. I was told Islam comes closer to Judaism than does Christianity. So what!? Christian Zionists number in the thousands if not in the millions. I've yet to as much as hear of a "Muslim Zionist." Yes...that will be the day
Christians have taken and have been taking Israel's side, have volunteered in the IDF, have born the brunt of anti-Semitic critism. Programs like "On the Wings of Eagles" have brought thousands of new olim to Israel from Ethiopia and the former USSR. While some Jews reject Zionist claims to a Greater Israel, Zionist Christians have supported us the entire way: from 1880 to '47, to '56, to '67, to '73, to '81, and till this very day.
Having said that, I apologize to our many Christian friends if they were offended by my comment.
life Hiker feels safe knowing that Ahmadinejad is build nukes to "Wipe Israel off the face of the earth", and would feel even safer if we just appeased our morally superior enemies. I suggest he immigrate to Iran, what better place for those who love peace to be?
I appreciate the astute comments that FREEDOMNOW and KEVIN posted after reading my comment on the ineptitude of the Brits who were captured and the possibility that they really had crossed into Iranian territory.
Rather than deal with these matters, they chose to call me names. That says volumes.
I apologise for being a pseudo-humanitarian. I guess my 1,000 volunteer hours each year taking care of people in the back of an ambulance doesn't count for much. Hey, it's only blood, pain, and death - what's the big deal? Tell me about your great contributions to humanity, please.
And for your information, Kevin, I don't like anything about Ahmadinejad. It's clear that the major powers will do whatever it takes to keep him from getting a nuclear weapon. All this diplomacy is just the run-up to an ultimatum if Iran does not come around. Not to worry.
My last military post was as Battalion S-2 in the 327th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Division. I jumped and I humped, I froze my ass off in foxholes and my ears still ring from the shocks of way too many howitzer rounds. I earned my right to criticize our boneheaded president and his draft-dodging assistant. How about you? Speak up, big boy!
life hiker said..."A few nukes should do the job, I agree. Iranians aren't really people anyway, don't you know?"
Even considering that your response was meant to be sarcastic and mocking (which also speaks volumes) it seems you have taken this conversation in a different direction. I don't believe anyone has suggested that Iranians are a subspecies of humans. Maybe this is a reflection of your personal beliefs.
I am not the only former member of the armed forces here but one of the reasons I served was so that ANYONE (even Rosie) can express their opinions. I don't believe that prior service is a prerequisite.
Draft dodging Clinton didn't have any...which probably explains why we took the wrong side in Bosnia
I've always had a policy of allowing all opinions as long as they aren't abusive towards other commenters.
If you want to find me, I usually spend one day each weekend at the Hudson Valley VA volunteering to work with paralyzed veterans.
I'm sure Nancy will appreciate your vote of confidence ducky.
Exactly how she contributed is beyond me but maybe you have and inside source.
All I see is someone out of her league, being used by Syrian President Assad.
Unfortunately, she is too arrogant to realize she is being used.
If she is such a skillful diplomat, why didn't she secure the release of the three Israeli soldiers still being held?
Was Bush shut out or did Bush stay out?
I believe he purposely stayed out. This was Tony Blair's show.
Ahmedinijad orchestrated this event for both regional and internal politics. Iranian TV covered all the "confessions" and he milked every minute of it.
Hopefully the lack of any type of apology will hurt Iran's standing in the region...
Ducky are you privy to some information that no one else is aware of? If so...
What concessions did Pelosi give to Syria?
-Or-
are you just pulling this out of your ass like you usually do? Replacing facts for what you hope for.
Either scenario is disturbing...
Life Hiker,
You come here to insult people and then cry when you bit.
Tough luck...
And for the record - Ducky said that Pelosi's diplomacy helped free the British hostages from Iran.
I was reading an interesting article on Boston.com. It says that the issue of the British hostages never came up during Pelosi's visit.
http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/04/05/british_sailors_arrive_at_tehran_airport/
So Ducky just made that fact up.
Nice going, propaganda doesnt have to be true.
British navy crew leaves Iran for London
Fox News got the story right. They said that Syria was trying to claim credit for the hostages (notice HOSTAGES not PRISONERS) release and that it wouldn't be long before Prime Minister Pelosi was credited.
Fox News...1
Ducky......0
Iran wouldnt have released their hostages without any conditions if they were really caught in Iranian waters.
Their hostage taking episode was a complete failure, but the press is too sympathetic to rub it in.
At least we can hope that some hardliners take the fall for what they have done.
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