[kabar]

But don't you agree that when an overt act such as kidnapping 15 British sailors in international waters is done, not to respond in-kind, in an area of the world surrounded by terrorists, will be viewed by them as a sign of weakness and thus only encourage more?

In a word, no. The terrorists are already kidnapping people in Iraq and elsewhere. The point is that it is the nation of Iran that seized these people, not a rogue terrorist group. Although, there is the distinct possibility that the Revolutionary Guard initiated the action without the approval or authority of Ahmadinejad. This could have been approved directly by Supreme Leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

[rodguy911]

Well I guess we have a minor disagreement on this one.

[MNJohnnie]

The point is that it is the nation of Iran

Which is an act of war and should be addressed as such. Funny thing, NO one messes with the Russians in the ME. Why? Because the one time they did, the Russians went directly after the leadership of the groups that did it and did not play silly Diplomatic games or waste time on front groups Resolving this diplomatically would be an utter disaster.

Failure to respond forcefully to this will indicate there are NO international standards or rules that cannot be flouted at will by rouge states. Diplomacy unbacked by a credible threat of force is simply wasted air. Here is a case where the use of Military force is not only useful, it is absolutely vital.