Should the UK use military force to free the British soldiers held by Iran?

Question

I am an anti-war democrat in the US, but I have always been for protecting your countrymen against aggression. I think that Britain needs to toughen it's stance against Iran to get the soldiers freed. What do you think?

I am assuming mostly U.S. citizens have answered this question, so I ask this too. Would you feel the same if it were U.S. soldiers?

And to James below

I'm all for kicking some %$# when somebody messes with the U.S., but Iraq did not attack the U.S. in 2001.

Answer 1

Due to Basra being in close proximity and if there was no blatant use of the soldiers to try and spy on Iran, I think the Iranians would be playing a very dangerous game by not handing back the soldiers. From what I have read there have been several Iranian troops captured by the Brits close to the border with Basra, so if that's the case then I would say there will be a trade. If this doesnt happen I would say that the Brits will up the anti and get the SAS to intervene possibly.

Answer 2

First, Britain was provoking, not Iran. When the US flew planes over the USSR during the cold war and they where shut down, the USA provoked. Exchange of Prisoners, Spies or so followed. Maybe the soldiers, if real, where a bait, their capture to be used for political maneuvering form Britain, or maybe it was Cheney/Rove's idea, to take some heat of Bush. If Britain uses military force, they all ought be be neutered to prevent future population growth (I mean of Brits).

Answer 3

I think you suffer from 'white male syndrome' a little.

Has it occured to you that western governments being 'tough' with the middle east has resulted in nothing but disaster for nearly 100 years?

First, Britain lost its empire chasing turbans around in the WWI era. Then, the USSR lost its ability to exist fighting mullahs in Afghanistan. The US, starting with the ayatollah in Iran and now going to the mat in Iraq, has just about signed its death warrant sinking its citizens' blood into the sands along with its reputation as a military power.

Why can't we just pay them for the oil like China does? The petty warlords of the middle east have never been afraid of westerners, all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire. Why do you think that they're going to be scared of Britian now?

Answer 4

That's what Iran wants,an attack by the Brits.
Then ,they declare war,invade Iraq to fight us and take over Iraq.
Syria comes in from the west along with Hezzbullah and the palestinians,Isreal gets attacked and we're off to full scale war.

Answer 5

The old Brits would have invaded Iran and taken back the 15 men. Now the Muslims know they can draw a line in the sand and later draw a new line, then later draw a new line and before you know it they will be running the world! God help us.

Answer 6

They should by no means allow them to stand trial in Iran. Iran is just using this to gain some concessions now that the UN has placed tougher restrictions on them.

Answer 7

Yes as to both. This IS a test, and if either country fails to show stength, they know that the anti-war sissys have done their job, and they can attack us at will.

Answer 8

use it as a pretext to bomb the muzzie and bring them to heel - carpet bomb the cities - ports - rail line - all of them. Its for the oil. Thats what it is all about anyway. Just get it over with. There is no nice way to do it. They will never come out and fight on the open field. When you have rats you wipe them all out - you cannot tell the good ones from the bad ones because they hide together.

Answer 9

No. Lets send them Easter Eggs filled with chocolates.

Answer 10

I think neither you or I are qualified or experienced enough in this arena to make any judgements. It's a touchy thing with Iran, they are quick to kill, in the most horrific ways. Iran wants to believe they are a civilized country, but their actions dictate otherwise. We must tread carefully near these barbarians.