[Cicero]

I sympathize with Derbyshire, but I’m not sure he’s right.

Apparently the Rules of Engagement were to surrender immediately rather than defend themselves. So they were taken hostage not because of any failure on their part, but because they followed instructions. The captain of the backup ship, too, followed direct orders not to defend his men.

And I’m far from sure what the rules are now for prisoners.

It used to be name, rank, and serial number, period. But I suspect that like the rules of engagement those guidelines may have been changed by the British politicians, so they are instructed to do whatever it takes not to get themselves killed. I’m not at all sure about that, but I suspect it. In any case, when your leaders refuse to let you defend yourself in the face of the enemy, it undermines the kind of resistance Derbyshire calls for.

[Rummyfan]

Apparently the Rules of Engagement were to surrender immediately rather than defend themselves. So they were taken hostage not because of any failure on their part, but because they followed instructions. The captain of the backup ship, too, followed direct orders not to defend his men.

If they are not going to defend themselves, or be defended by their fellow RN personnel, what the hell are they doing out there other than providing themselves as a target?

[JimSEA]

Apparently the Rules of Engagement were to surrender immediately rather than defend themselves.

You would appear to be correct. Likely the individuals were instructed to be "cooperative". Otherwise, at least one of them would have resisted.

Now, we are abandoning the GWOT. Islamic radicals are good and, according to the UN, immune to any criticism. Pelosi is having her sensitivities enhanced in Syria. It's all part of the surrender folks.

[prairiebreeze]

You are correct I believe. The ROE for surrender is abominable. And I did read an article that supported your contention of:

so they are instructed to do whatever it takes not to get themselves killed.

It's a shame that NRO doesn't even publish pertinent details like the ROE in this piece. Their credibility plummets on stuff like this.

[Dr. Frank fan]

It used to be name, rank, and serial number, period. But I suspect that like the rules of engagement those guidelines may have been changed by the British politicians, so they are instructed to do whatever it takes not to get themselves killed.

I don't know if you're right (and neither do you), but if so, that reflects a wimpiness on the part of the British leadership, and Derb's point stands.