[maquiladora]

Oh there's no doubt that things would change rapidly if they were killed or tortured. But that's not going to happen. The Iranians don't want a a military responce from the West. They'll use this situation to their advantage while still keeping their asses safe.

Now if they were US forces, things would be a lot different. But that's why they picked UK marines. They're playing it safe. Easy target, satisfactory propaganda and humiliation. No fear of retaliation.

[mutley]

"The Iranians don't want a a military responce from the West. They'll use this situation to their advantage while still keeping their asses safe."

If this is true, then I wonder if it's all the more reason something should be done militarily. Rendering their calculations of our (the wests) response, to UNSURE and likely UNWISE.

[pangaea6]

I think we, or the Brits, should do the unexpected like Israel did to Hamas. Hamas was surprised Israel responded how it did and it cost Hamas lots of soldiers and equipment. This is a good opportunity to sink an Iranian ship per day the prisoners are held and claim we're just responding to an act of war? I wish of course

[Vinnie]

Now if they were US forces, things would be a lot different.

Really?

Remember the Pueblo?

Remember the recon plane forced down in China?

[Rembrandt]

"Now if they were US forces, things would be a lot different. But that's why they picked UK marines. They're playing it safe. Easy target, satisfactory propaganda and humiliation. No fear of retaliation."

Ever hear of the SAS? They are a fearsome group, certainly the equal of the SEALS, slightly different specialties.