What if they were American?

[Knowltok]

If so, why would Blair turn down that offer?

I doubt he has. It is likely on hold. He is going to try this and that to get them released diplomatically. At the same time he will be laying the groundwork to 'sell' military action if it comes to that. UN involvement, failed diplomatic actions, possible sanctions, etc.

 

[Phlegmak]

Yer darn tootin' Iran would have kidnapped US soldiers.

 

[Oruc]

I really don't understand why we aren't laying waste to Iran right now.

 

[warpus]

Whereas based on the assumption that Iran believes the reports of Islam taking over Europe

I don't think they're that stupid.

 

[Babbler]

They wouldn't have; they are smart enough to know that it would only provide a Casus belli for a wider war with the US.

 

[History_Buff]

Assuming they maintain that the Marines were in Iranian waters, hell yes they would have. With all the anti-Iran talk floating around, having soldiers in Iranian waters doesn't look very harmless.

But by the same token, if the US were to actually prove that the Marines were in Iraqi waters, Iran is gonna have a tough situation on their hands.

 

[Leonel]

I don't think they're that stupid.

Maybe. Maybe not. Who's to say? I don't know. I'm not a psychologist.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

but there are plenty of scenarios where a group of US Marines could have been forced to surrender.

Maybe you'd like to back that one up? And then you can explain where the parallel between British SAILORS and US MARINES comes in?

 

[Azale]

Iran is run by psycho maniacs, but they are not stupid psycho maniacs. I doubt they would have taken US sailors.

 

[GinandTonic]

I really don't understand why we aren't laying waste to Iran right now.

Because -

I doubt [Blair]has. It is likely on hold. He is going to try this and that to get them released diplomatically. At the same time he will be laying the groundwork to 'sell' military action if it comes to that. UN involvement, failed diplomatic actions, possible sanctions, etc.

Yeah Iran would have done the same. The US marines might have tried to leave and "forced" the Iranians to fire on them, but otherwise same difference.

 

[Head Serf]

If this had been Israeli troops there probably wouldn't be any Iran left to negotiate with.

 

[plarq]

Iranian government will be happier when they captured US marines.

 

[AAHZ]

sorry to go against the grain... but for Iran to take U.S. soldiers hostage would be political suicide. LOTS of bad consequences for the already troubled nation would soon follow, especially seeing who is in the U.S. White House right now... I am just not convinced the Iranians would do it...

 

[Gogf]

I'm not sure that Iran would have done it, but I am sure that we would have responded by now.

 

[PrinceOfLeigh]

Maybe you'd like to back that one up? And then you can explain where the parallel between British SAILORS and US MARINES comes in?

The US public prides itself on having "screaming badasses" as marines whereas the British looks favourably upon it's "professional soliders". Little Raven's comments demonstrate the stereotype, whereas we are quite chuffed our fellas didn't waste all that training we spent on them getting themselves killed for no apparant gain.

 

[Ingvina Freyr]

Do you think that Iran would have dared to apprehend them if they had been part of the US Navy instead of the British Navy?

Absolutely. The only difference is that the British soldiers will be released sooner rather than later, whereas US soldiers probably would have to endure a longer captivity.

 

[AL_DA_GREAT]

Why wouldn't they stopn forgein troops roaming their waters.

 

[Little Raven]

The US public prides itself on having "screaming badasses" as marines whereas the British looks favourably upon it's "professional soliders". Little Raven's comments demonstrate the stereotype, whereas we are quite chuffed our fellas didn't waste all that training we spent on them getting themselves killed for no apparant gain.

Little Raven has a brother that is Marine, and knows quite a few Marines personally. Trust me, it's not the US public that holds the stereotype....it's the US Marines.

 

[PrinceOfLeigh]

Little Raven has a brother that is Marine, and knows quite a few Marines personally. Trust me, it's not the US public that holds the stereotype....it's the US Marines.

Fair enough. Whoever it is, our Army prides itself on professionalism, yours on it's "screaming badasses". In a War such as the one we are in, I know which I prefer to have my back.

 

[joycem10]

The US public prides itself on having "screaming badasses" as marines whereas the British looks favourably upon it's "professional soliders". Little Raven's comments demonstrate the stereotype, whereas we are quite chuffed our fellas didn't waste all that training we spent on them getting themselves killed for no apparant gain.

I dont think its a stereotype talking, its our history with Iran. Im old enough to remember the embassy hostage crisis. As an American, I would rather take my chances, call for support, run like hell and shoot it out with Iranians than be put through something similar to what was done to the poor bastards in 1979.