Blair convenes Cobra team as crisis in Iran escalates

scotsman.com ^ | 25th March 2007 | BRIAN BRADY

[RightWhale]

In the past 1/4 century or so the new thing known as political islam has become popular. Whether they are going back to the 7th century might be debatable; they are looking to recover their lost empire and they will fail two ways. What they are going for is not anything like their lost empire, and they will never bring it about anyway.

[bill1952]

LOL! What on Earth are you talking about?

The US forged unusual allies in the region, invaded Afghanistan, kicked the Taliban's @ass right out, then built up a quarter million man force in the Middle East in the teeth of overwhelming adverse world outrage, stormed into Iraq and destroyed the Iranian army in astonishing time with minimal casualties, toppled the most feared and long established dictatorial regime then in place, destroyed Fallujah until it resembled the suburbs of Hell, has held the course, despite the threshing of the media, worldwide socialists, American democrat and liberal trash, and you have the temerity to ask what we are doing there?

While I am grateful that the Brits are there - for the world pr effects that are in fact, very important, - the original question remains. - and begs the question as to just how far the Queen's Navy has fallen.

Iran is not snatching any Americans off of the fighting ships of our Navy, and no Americans remained hostage to the iranians, and you know it.

[uksupport1]

I'm not having the temerity to accuse the U.S. of anything. When the US was doing the things that you mention the British were right next you, so they have no relevance to the argument at hand. I have nothing but respect for the U.S. military.

You had the 'temerity' to question 'what are the British doing there'? This is a false argument, given that the US has reacted in a similar fashion to the British in the same circumstances. The US navy also has precedent(incidents with Korea for example).


That is all I am saying. In fact, regional US commanders have praised the British for their restraint in this recent incident. The Queen's Navy is still a fine institution.

[Danae]

It just boggles my noodle.... When is the international community, including the United States gonna get: The only thing Muslims understand is OVERWHELMING FORCE. Shove it down their throats. NOTHING else works people! Talk just PLAYS INTO THEIR HANDS! Negotiation ONLY SERVES THEIR PURPOSES. Look, its Win or Die with these animals. Kill em. Talk later.

[rahbert]

Its a FR tradition to thump ones chest from ones
BarcaLounger...

[cmsgop]

The Queen's Navy is still a fine institution

Much better than Fine my friend. Hang in there, we support you.

[ryan71]

"There is nothing to be gained in provoking a confrontation, because that would be playing into their hands"

That's exactly what the Iranians calculated you would think. And as we see here, they were right.

[ryan71]

"Make a trade with what?? What if the U.S. holds all the Iranian prisoners? You think we would just roll over like that?"

Let's trade Tomahawk missiles. Oh, that's right, they aint got no Tomahawk missiles. I guess this exchange will be pretty much one-sided, then.

[JWinNC]

Why were 15 British sailors sitting in dinghies?

How could they become surrounded by Iranian vessels?

Where was their mother ship and why would they allow the Iranians to leave with the sailors?

The mind boggles. Perhaps I'm naive and perhaps it would be the last order I ever gave, but if I were in command there would be NO WAY IN HELL my sailors would be taken without a fight.

jw

[livius]

Go back and read along the thread - the answers to your questions are explained in detail by various posters.

Very quiet today - I haven't really seen much (any) news about this. I wonder what's up.

[uksupport1]

Thanks! :-)

[ohioWfan]

Yes, we do. Without a doubt.

That is to all who have their eyes open and a knowledge of history.

Thanks for the question............glad I could clarify.

[TET1968]

Animal Farm it is......same author , sorry.

[pleikumud]

Iran has been supplying weapons being used to kill our soldiers in Iraq.

[pleikumud]

What you said reminds me of a quote I saw today:

“Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants.” —Alexander Hamilton

[Elsie]

I'm glad our country doesn't sell weapons to other nations.

[pleikumud]

There is a difference between terrorists and nations, and between free nations and evil dictatorships. Weapons are a fact of life, like automobiles and houses. Pray as much as you want, they are here to stay. Our weapons and those of allied free countries keep us safe from terrorists and rogue regimes.

[timer]

Yes, even nostradamas said in 1550 that the islamofascists will live to regret their evil. Look up the relavent quatrain. He also said that paris gets nuced and that the left suffers the greatest damage in the coming nuclear exchange. Does that mean the left on the map of the atlantic(US)or the political left in europe?

[Frank_2001]

Ahmanutjob is crazy as a loon, but even he would not wish to face the wrath of the Hildabeast. Can you imagine having that creature screaming at you?;)

[fishergirl]

"I'm also glad to read the definition of COBRA." I must admit I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I was hoping it was the British equivalent of our DELTA force and on the other, like you, I was thinking they should not be announcing this.