If Iran Puts Those British Sailors on Trial. . . .Will There Be War ?

Question

After reading all the articles about what happened, it's clear that even if their 'raft'(boston whaler I think) strayed a few feet into Iranian waters, they weren't armed enough to start any trouble, let alone go looking for it . They only had side-arms . But on a waterway that is basically divided down the middle. . .one half Iraqi waters, the other half Iranian. . . .it would be easy to stray off course . AND all other sources are saying that they didn't stray, and they were in Iraqi waters !!

The penalty for espionage is Death. . . .. If Iran prosecutes them, will there be a war ?

Fraginal - You've made the mistake of assuming that the sailors were actually in Iranian waters . Nobody except the Iranians are claiming that . Nevermind the fact that usually minor waterway incursions are typically resolved diplomatically !!

Digger - Where can I find that story ?

Answer 1

Earnest ... I guess you may have already found an article regarding the border clash with U.S., Iraqi, and Iranian forces. If not, see my U.S. News & World Report link below. The Iranians seem to be itching for a fight.

My feelings: Unless the diplomatic discussions are making great headway, it seems Iran may indeed put the captured 15 on trial. Similar inappropriate treatment of prisoners was reluctantly endured during Operation Desert Storm when Iraq captured and "displayed" a handful of U.S. servicemembers (see 2nd link below). That conflict was already in progress when those servicemembers were captured, so it's a bit different than the situation with the 15 from the U.K.

This situation with the U.K. captives is another matter, of course. There are so many possible scenarios, I prefer to not venture a guess as to what might happen.

One thing is certain, though: If Iran keeps "messing around," it can only strengthen the case against them. The only friend (for lack of a better word) they'll make by throwing their weight around in this way is North Korea, perhaps. If Ahmadinejad pushes too hard, he's going to regret it.

Answer 2

I doubt America will stick there noses in Syria considering the fact that there may be not anything to thieve like oil, and whether it is for a peacekeeping challenge they would possibly not threat sending troops in view that it'll be an additional struggle among navy forces and there is not any plan for a assault. Remember they suffered slightly in iraq. With Iran, its doubtful however its extra viable considering the fact that Iran skilled earthquakes toppling its navy so the Americans could get there arms at the oil there, however it is going to be significantly dicy to assault a high-quality vigor even after the earthquakes don't forget that they've Russia as its best friend and it could re act severe to this challenge in view that they Iran and Russia border each and every different so if a missile influences the russian border then this will likely be taken as a act of struggle. And as for North Korea it would possibly not occur Kim is making an attempt to exhibit off and if they're going to each interact in a struggle which I doubt America will undergo extraordinarily in view that they wont be capable to assault with missiles plenty considering the fact that its best friend SK probably affected and neither the united states desires to invade a nation that is in a position for them, don't forget they took severe casualties in Vietnam by means of a unprofessional military like viet cong but when they battle the Koreans they are going to battle a major and tremendous navy considering the fact that it has protecting positions in a position, so the united states would possibly not threat it.

Answer 3

I personally think it is unlikely. The Iranians I think are looking to barter them for the Revolutionary Guards and an Iranian General captured in Iran or just to make the west look stupid and weak for a little while and then magnanimously let them go.

Highly unlikely, but if they did put them on trial and executed them, first, there would be heavy sanctions levied against them. They would then complain that the Brits were the aggressors and were found guilty through a fair trial and in accordance with their laws were executed. They would also increase their activity in Lebanon and in Iraq as well as sponsor terrorist acts on Western interests around the world. I don't think that will happen, but it will be a possibility which I hope does not pan out.

Answer 4

What....no music today?

Anyway..to answer your question....according to all those involved....the Brits were in Iraqi waters (Iraqi fisherman, HMS Cornwall commander and the Commander of the US Fifth Fleet). BUT...the Iranians do not accept the way the waterway was split.

This is just more political posturing by a country that is truly just seeking attention (think child having a temper tantrum in the store).

The British are too civilized to start a war over this when they realize WHO they are dealing with.

Answer 5

The answer is yes and no.

The world have been facing war since this last 10 years, and the world doesnt want to have another war. Wars are being prevented at the moment.
If the Iran Government prosecute the 15 soldiers yes their will be a war but they wont prosecute them. They will detain the soldiers for a miximum of 15 days and after tht they will be free as form of goodwill.
Mistakes happen afterall we are all humans. The Iranian Government have to capture the soldiers as they were on their teritory, any country will do the same thing but some countries are more flexible compared to others.

At the moment war with Iran is a NO NO. We are already facing a war in progress with Iraq.

War will be prevented.

I m pretty suprised tht users who say tht there shld be a war they are getting thumbs up for it, dont people realise tht WAR SHLD BE PREVENTED NOT ENCOURAGE?
WAR CREATES ALOT OF DISADVANTAGES AND THE MAIN DISADVANTAGE IS LOST OF HUMAN LIVES, WE ARE ALL MADE UP OF THE SAME FLESH AND BLOOD, WE ALL HAVE FAMILY OR SOME1 WE CARE ABT AND WAR WILL CREATE MORE WAR GIVING NO END TO IT. PEOPLE DIE, ALOT OF SUFFERINGS WHICH CREATE MENTLE DISTURBANCE.

WE SHLD LEARN FROM OUR PAST NOT REPEATING THE SAME MISTAKES.

Answer 6

The only people saying that those fine men confessed to being in Iranian waters is the Iranian government. It's clear at this point that Iran is trying to piss someone off. They waited until the Brits had finished searching the vessel in question and were on the way back to their frigate. That's not spur of the moment.

Answer 7

My gut tells me that the Iranian government is doing this as a show of strength. They want to be a force to be reckoned with. They are obviously delusional but I don't think that they are stupid enough to poke Britain with to much force. They must know that their first name isn't GREAT for a good reason.

Amaddinnerjacket wants some bargaining room for his nuclear aspirations. He has that now with the Brits Sailors, he needs them alive and well for his negotiations to work.

Answer 8

There will be a show trial. there will be intense back-door negotiations and they will be released (eventually).

But first we'll have to watch the news feeds from al Jazeera showing bug-eyed, unshaven, crazed zealots dancing in the streets proclaiming "death to the great Satan's".

You'll want to puke, but then it'll be over. This is a political ploy for Ahmadinejad to strengthen his standing at home and divert attention from the unanimous UN sanctions vote that just occurred.

Unfortunately, it will work.

Answer 9

Iran has been pushing the west's buttons for decades. They take great pleasure in taking nations to the brink of war, as they did when they held our embassy workers hostage for 444 days during the Carter administration. I don't think this will preclude a war because the UN is scheduled to vote on further UN sanctions against Iran for their nuclear power program. They will not want to further inflame passions against them because current sanctions in place are definitely hurting their domestic economy. They don't want to look like a rogue state (even though they are). I think this problem will be remedied within a week.

Answer 10

It may come to nothing but we all think that Iran is pushing it. It could be over in a week.

What is the point of bombing Iran it would damge them, but the allied troops cannot afford a Iraq 2 next to Iraq