[lbo-talk] Brits' shit fit over seized sailors misfires

[Carl Remick]

[I'm amused to see that the UK's sanctimonious outrage over Iran's seizure 
of British naval personnel who allegedly trespassed on Iranian waters has 
stiffened Tehran's determination to delay release of these personnel.  I 
agree with Iranians' contention that their videotapes of these prisoners 
tend to affirm Iran's contention that the prisoners are being treated in a 
civilized way -- in contrast, say, to the way the UK's staunch American 
allies are treating Gitmo prisoners.  And I'm quite sure the UK Foreign 
Office issued no statements of haughty outrage about the manifestly forced 
confessions of US prisoner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.  You'd think after 
several hundred years of strutting around the world making imperial pests of 
themselves, the Brits would, in their own interests, get a clue and stop 
antagonizing the locals wherever they go.]

Sharp words from UK have hardened Tehran's resolve
By Angus McDowall in Tehran
Published: 30 March 2007

When Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, revoked an offer to release 
Faye Turney while accusing Britain of escalating the crisis, he was living 
up to his reputation as his country's tough-as-nails nuclear negotiator.

His comments also showed how sharp words uttered in Britain have upped the 
ante in this crisis while allowing a unity of purpose to grow among Iranian 
leaders.

"They have created a lot of noise over diplomatic ties and raised the issue 
with the UN," Mr Larijani said. "This will not help solve the issue. British 
leaders are miscalculating the case."

Analysts in Tehran believe the vocal pressure coming from Britain - 
including fierce criticism in the press - has made it harder for Iranian 
leaders to back down without appearing to give in to the West. Some reports 
from insiders suggest the Iranians were preparing to ease tensions on 
Wednesday, but changed their minds after the tough comments from Tony Blair 
and Margaret Beckett and the British threat to raise the matter at the UN 
Security Council. ...

Although the footage of the captive Britons has provoked outrage in the UK, 
many Iranians saw it as proof they were being well looked after. Azadeh, 20, 
a student, said: "The British woman said they were in Iranian waters and 
they were all eating food and talking together. Why shouldn't I believe they 
were well treated?" ...

<http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2405137.ece>

Carl

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