What initially seemed like a relatively minor spat in the Gulf has developed into one of the most precarious situations that the Blair regime has encountered. Ten days have passed since Iran seized 15 British navy sailors from a cargo boat at a disputed location and we seem to be no closer to resolving the issue now than we were on day one. In fact, the deterioration in relations between Britain and Iran has been so dramatic that it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how the matter will draw to a close.
There are always two sides to a story and while both countries remain adamant they are right about where the sailors were when they were captured, one of them must be wrong. If Britain is in the wrong, then the time has come to admit it, apologise and end this stand-off once and for all. It would be embarrassing to back down, but it would be a small price to pay. A few sailors straying into Iranian territory equates to a blunder, an error, but not an outright act of aggression against Iran and it should not be treated as such. If, on the other hand, it is the Iranians that are in the wrong, then the implications are much more serious.
Actions amount to terrorism
If Iran took 15 British sailors, who were working under a UN remit, from Iraqi territorial waters by force, it is guilty of making an aggressive and unprovoked attack on Britain. Given the long-running dispute over territory in that part of the world, the Iranians could be forgiven for the initial mistake. It is quite possible that when they captured the British sailors they fully believed the Brits were trespassing. If that was the case, then by now they would know if they were wrong and should have taken steps to rectify the situation. If from the outset they knew they were taking British servicemen and women from Iraqi waters, then their actions surely amount to terrorism (I wondered when the 'T' word was going to be used in the media MJ).
Whatever the initial motive, the way Iran has carried on since March 23, when it seized the sailors, is inexcusable. Its behaviour has more in common with the actions of terrorist groups than it does with the way respected nations are expected to conduct themselves. Although the sailors are being held against their will, there is no evidence to suggest they are being badly treated and that is a positive sign, but it doesn't score any brownie points for Iran. The British government has been keen to avoid using the word "hostages" to describe the sailors but George Bush has not, and, on this occasion, the US President appears to have got it spot on. However the British government tries to gloss over it, 15 of its sailors are being held hostage by Iran. Not only that, but the Iranians are using them as political pawns – unacceptable behaviour from a nation that is rapidly losing all its credibility and respect.
It is very difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend the logic behind these "confessions" that are being churned out. It seems like a futile attempt to convince the Iranian people and the world that Iran was right and Britain was wrong, but who do they think they are kidding? It is an insult to people's intelligence that Iran expects them to take the admissions of guilt at face value. An average child could probably see through the charade and determine that these sailors are being forced to make the confessions.
There is more to this episode than a debate over whether British sailors were in Iranian waters. Iran is using the "hostages" to put pressure on the British government. One of the sailors held, Leading Seaman Faye Turney, wrote a letter urging the government to withdraw its troops from Iraq. If it wasn't such a serious situation, this approach would actually be laughable. The Iranians apparently expect us to believe a written confession from a sailor who then has the presence of mind to start advising her own Government on its foreign policy strategy, after spending a few days enjoying generous Iranian hospitality. The whole situation is ridiculous. Imagine if the tables were turned - British sailors went into Iranian waters, captured 15 Iranians and held them captive until Iran admitted its people had trespassed into waters they shouldn't have been in – it just wouldn't happen.
Show of strength So if Iran has acted illegally why is a strong response taking so long? On March 27, Tony Blair said that if diplomatic efforts failed, Britain would enter a "different phase" with its efforts to get its sailors back. The diplomatic efforts have so far proved fruitless, so where is this different phase? Iran is effectively a bully and bullies are notorious cowards. The British government is being tested and so far it has not responded with the necessary show of strength. This saga must not be allowed to drag on much longer and it is up to Tony Blair to show that Britain will not be pushed around.
As he comes towards the end of his time as Prime Minister, the crisis in the Gulf could be his final test as Britain's leader. How Tony Blair handles the situation in the coming weeks will go a long way to shaping his legacy. He has the chance to go out with a bang. The country seems to be up in arms at what the Iranians have done, with few exceptions, so whatever course of action Blair decides to take, if he gets the sailors back safely he'll have the support of the people – something his foreign policies have not had for a long time.
An opinion piece by Tom Reed - MSN News Editor
