Did the British Military hostages act like cowards?

Question

Think about it, they surrendered without a fight, they did anything their Iranian captors told them to do, and they gave Iran a Propaganda Victory by giving in so easily. Why does Britain even bother to send troops to Iraq and into these waters if they have no backbones? It seems to me they would be better off following the likes of Germany or France and just give up, rather than half-heartedly showing a weak display of force in the Middle East. What do you think?

I don't think the question, "What would YOU have done?" is a fair one. I am not in the military, it's not my job to fight wars or protect ANY country. But I do my job and do it well, and I expect the military personnel to do THEIR jobs. Even those personnel in other countries who are allied with us.

I think after this incident the British shouldn't even have a military, they should just disband theirs, bring their troops home and unconditionally surrender, how about you?

Answer 1

I bet if it would have been U.S. Marines being approached by the Iranians, they would not have just given up without a fight.

So by the logic of many people here. Our troops should allow themselves to be taken prisoner by any hostile military force in international waters so that it does not cause a war with the hostile country? Wow... where were you guys before we invaded Iraq!!!

Answer 2

I don't think a strong display of force there would have solved any problems. As it was, there was propaganda involved on both sides. I'm actually much more interested in the result - which is WE WILL PROBABLY NOT HAVE TO PULL OFF A DUMB STUNT NOW LIKE BOMBING IRAN. So I am very happy that we seem to have averted a disaster. Have you noticed that the British government does not seem unhappy either. Maybe we don't know everything about this situation. But we do know that Bush is an idiot, Rumsfeld was an evil liar and the US has shown it has either no foreign policy or extremely defective foreign policy, ever since September 11, 2001.
Even Israel would not benefit from the expansion and escalation or war in the region.
I am sure the British military knows what they are doing. Who am I to criticize them for not acting rashly or stupidly in this case?

Answer 3

Hey butt munch, until you've walked in their shoes, you have no right to criticize them! PUT UP A FIGHT? Sure, small arms against Iranian GUN BOATS! What are you smoking?
You'd probably have brown stains in your pants if you were in that situation. They did just what they were supposed to do.
You civilians think you can comment on what the military does, but you don't know squat. You're worse than the Lazy Boy foot ball coaches on Monday mornings!
(USN, retired/in-country Viet Nam vet)

Answer 4

I have no doubt that this type of situation is covered in their military training. They were put in front of a firing squad, thrown in cells, blind folded, and handcuffed. I would say they did not wish to take responsibility for causing another war or for causing the deaths of their fellow captives. Sometimes bravado is actually stupidity in disguise. I think they did the right thing. This may even lead to some diplomatic relations with Iran.

Answer 5

First i do not think that they were supposed to hover over Iran and enter their country without Iran's permission. secondly, if they were to use weapons the en tier world will be against them , the Brits are not in a state of war against Iran. third of all , what you should be asking in my opinion , is that what do we think of how Iran handled the situation? which i think , was the best way ever done by a notorious leader known for his gang ho behavior. this time he proved to be sane ...

Answer 6

I dont think that they acted like cowards at all. Thats good that they just didnt fight because that would have caused Britain to go to war with Iran and that is not good. I say that because we dont want another world war

Answer 7

They were strapped into the Comfy Chair and worked over with the fluffy pillow. If they had been taken to Abu Ghrahib or Gitmo they would have confessed to bombing the World Trade Center.

Answer 8

What will do you are out guned, out numbered and if they did fight spilling some Persain blood WW3 will start since Hugo Chavez, Columbia, Iran and Syria hates USA and allies so their choice was pretty smart.

Answer 9

I think that they were put into a war that was based on lies. They realized it. I believe that they were told to do a job. They were doing what they were told and they got caught! They acted just as someone would act if they didn't want to be doing the job they were doing. Or if they had improper training etc.
We are all to intelligent for the mess to be happening.

Answer 10

They handed Iran a major propaganda coup