Iran Held Some British Troops In Solitary

Revelation Comes As Britain Welcomes 15 Sailors And Marines Back Home

(CBS/AP)  Members of the British naval crew seized by Iran were detained in solitary confinement, Britain's defense ministry confirmed Thursday.

Lt. Col. Andy Price said some of the naval personnel had been "left alone" at points during their captivity, but said he would not elaborate until officials had held further talks with the sailors.

It followed a claim from the family of one of the crew that a sailor had been kept in solitary detention while the 15 sailors and marines were held.

Britain's defense ministry said the sailors were being debriefed about their 13 days in captivity, including questions about their treatment. A ministry spokeswoman said the debriefing sessions would continue Friday.

"There were times when they were left alone, but we will not go into any further detail until tomorrow," Price said. He said the personnel were spending time with their families and were "in good spirits," eating and drinking at a military base cafeteria.

The 15 Royal Navy sailors and marines returned home early Thursday to a nation relieved at their freedom but outraged that they were used for propaganda by Tehran.

Prime Minister Tony Blair called for continued international pressure on Iran, blaming elements of the Iranian government for backing militants in Iraq, where four British soldiers and a translator were slain in an ambush hours before the freed crew touched down.

"On the one hand we are glad that our service personnel return safe and unharmed from their captivity, but on the other we return to the sober and ugly reality of what is happening through terrorism in Iraq," Blair said outside his Downing Street office.

The liberated crew broke open champagne and changed into fresh uniforms on the flight home. After landing at Heathrow Airport, they smiled and stood at attention before being whisked by two Sea King helicopters to the Royal Marines base at Chivenor, southwest of London.

They joyfully embraced their tearful families at the base.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup met with the crew briefly and described them as being "happy and in good shape." He dismissed questions that the sailors and marines had behaved improperly because they took part in videos on Iranian state television in which they "admitted" trespassing into Tehran's territorial waters.

"They did exactly as they should have done from start to finish, and we are proud of them," he said.

The tabloid Sun newspaper wrote that "nobody emerges from this crisis with credit."

"The sight of the illegally detained British forces thanking Iranian tyrants for their freedom will sicken the nation," the Sun said in an editorial.

While Britain always said that the crew was on a routine mission, Sky News reported that Royal Marine Capt. Chris Air had said in an interview three weeks ago that the crew was gathering intelligence on Iran during their patrols. Defense Ministry officials denied the sailors and marines had an intelligence role, but said they routinely spoke to commanders of vessels using the Persian Gulf and Shatt Al-Arab waterway to determine who is using shipping routes.

Wednesday's announcement by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that the Britons had been released was a breakthrough in a crisis that had raised oil prices and escalated fears of military conflict in the volatile region. The move to release the sailors suggested that Iran's hard-line leadership decided it had shown its strength but did not want to push the standoff too far.

Richard Haass, president of the Council On Foreign Relations, said it is too soon to know the political and diplomatic motivations behind Iran's release of the sailors.

"They might have thought this was something good for them to do, to push back to the world, send a message how tough they were. They got a lot of criticism. So what they may have done is diplomatically simply change tactics," he told CBS' The Early Show.

Despite the peaceful resolution to the two-week standoff, Haass said Iran, and Ahmadinejad, comes out of the ordeal a loser because the message sent is "Iran doesn't play by the rules." (video)

Haass added, "Is this the sort of government, the sort of president, we want to have with nuclear weapons? Obviously not if they're prepared to do this kind of thing."

[djermano1]

Three cheers for President Ahmadinejad. Goes to show Britain and the US are wrong about Iran. I think he knows the trouble with oil markets and the damage it is doing to the world. That is why he is seeking Nuclear Energy for electricity. Something people get confused about in the energy issue is that we have stationary energy needs and transportation energy needs. Stationary needs should be from windpower and solar batteries, and transportation energy derived from ethanol...We should invite President Ahmadinejad to see the plan for building the first city on the ocean named SugarCityCane. There they grow Sugarcane on the Equator for Ethanol production. We can show him the new opportunities and pleasant reality to growing our energy instead of using dangerous and waste producing methods that nuclear power has.

[djermano1]

SugarCityCane can be found at
http://www.sugarcitycane.com

[radiob-2009]

djermano1 Usuing this site to promote your own company.HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

[kcstan11]

15 Brits taken prisone4 by Iran and released after 2 weeks of negotiations.

2 stinking JEWS taken prisoner by Hezbollah and the next day, the lousy JEWS obliterate Lebanon to the tune of $60 billion in damages and a 1000 Lebonese lives, with US weapons.

Palestine (pre 1948 boundries) should be a UN State ... governed solely by the UN ... and ... suddenly peace returns to the mid-east.

[us_infidel]

This is SOLID PROOF that all you need to do is TALK to them.
WAR IS NEVER THE ANSWER.
Posted by leftwingnut at 07:56 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Your name says it all.

[cjhr43]

This is SOLID PROOF that all you need to do is TALK to them.

Right!!! Either we gave them "what they wanted" during the "talk" or there is some pretty good propaganda planted here... I am sure the dirt will come out in the wash

[cjhr43]

Three cheers for President Ahmadinejad. Goes to show Britain and the US are wrong about Iran.

This statement shows that the propaganda is working. Osama (or the new leader if he is dead) is probaby behind this whole "stunt" ... set up deliberately to change world opinion... wait and see

[cjhr43]

... just a thought ... are you guys planted here?

[cathaleen]

I can actually believe that there are such stupid people out there who really believe these soldiers were release because Blair talked to them.
Believe me there was alot more than talk that got these people released. Liberals live in a dream world. Send them to the caves to TALK to BinLAden
and see where their heads wind up. You can't negotiate with bad people. Europe tried that with Hitler and look were it got them and remember who had to go bail them out.

[cjhr43]

cathaleen
Way to go!!! very well put

[radiob-2009]

djermano1 trying to promote his "company" SugarCityCane which a google on only comes up with links to his site, no financial disclosures listed.Links to op-eds.

[zootallures2]

D*ck Cheney said "it was unfortunate that they were ever taken in the first place."

It's still more unfortunate that Cheney was ever born in the first place. Two million dollars on human gesture coachs and still 2% approval rating? Perhaps a job doing infomercials for Ronco is more your calling?

[zootallures2]

I can actually believe that there are such stupid people out there who really believe these soldiers were release because Blair talked to them.
Believe me there was alot more than talk that got these people released. Liberals live in a dream world. Send them to the caves to TALK to BinLAden
and see where their heads wind up. You can't negotiate with bad people. Europe tried that with Hitler and look were it got them and remember who had to go bail them out.
Posted by cathaleen at 09:05 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Speaking of dream worlds....

Did you ever see the interview with Osama's brother? When asked if he knew where Osama was, would he tell? He said "Would you tell on your own brother?"

Think about that one. Don't smoke you brains now. we're running out of mice for transplants.

[cjhr43]

Did you ever see the interview with Osama's brother? When asked if he knew where Osama was, would he tell? He said "Would you tell on your own brother?"

And you believed it??? These guys are good at what they do... putting up a false front. They speak well and are very polite and intelligent. To respond with anything else would have been too dumb. They can smile and shake hands just like any other person ... but don't turn uour back.

[zootallures2]

Did you ever see the interview with Osama's brother? When asked if he knew where Osama was, would he tell? He said "Would you tell on your own brother?"

And you believed it??? These guys are good at what they do... putting up a false front. They speak well and are very polite and intelligent. To respond with anything else would have been too dumb. They can smile and shake hands just like any other person ... but don't turn uour back.
Posted by cjhr43 at 09:32 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Oh, my!

Yea, America has phone taps, secret prisons, tortures children... but ya gotta respect a guy who won't tell on his brother who killed 3,000 Americans..LMAO!

[cjhr43]

It seems as though the younger a person is the more liberal his/her views are. Many of us started out liberal and as we gained more world experience our views changed. It like everything else... after you've been around a while you put away the rose colored glasses and see the world like it really is... Then you wonder

[cjhr43]

Our government is NOT what I'd like it to be but at least you have the freedom to post your opinions... We have a long way to go but its still the best country in the world. If the government doesnt do a lot of "sniffing around" we may find ourselves blown to bits. The enemies have already infiltrated our society and getting stronger.

[zootallures2]

you put away the rose colored glasses and see the world like it really is... Then you wonder
Posted by cjhr43 at 09:38 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Maybe you are senile?

"Would you tell on your own brother?" ...LOL! No way dragging him to Gitmo, ya gotta respect the bond and trust between brothers. Even if he blew up the WTC complex and killed 3,000 Americans. Hands off when it comes to brothers...LOL

[dallison7]

I can actually believe that there are such stupid people out there who really believe these soldiers were release because Blair talked to them.
Believe me there was alot more than talk that got these people released. Liberals live in a dream world.
Posted by cathaleen

NO ONE DIED!!!
YOU DUMAZZESS CAN'T GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS, CAN YOU??

WHAT IS A HUMAN LIFE WORTH TO YOU?? PROBABLY NOTHING, UNLESS IT BELONGS TO YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR RETARDED FAMILY!!

[cjhr43]

No... I wouldnt tell on anyone... not even my neighbor unless someone's safety depended on it. These people don't have families like we do... so you can't really compare. Many wives... many children. I only wish I were senile then I wouldnt worry so much about the future of my kids and grandkids under Islamic rule.

[kimlindy1]

DJERMANO1,,,SUGARCANE? WHAT THE HE-- ARE YOU TALING ABOUT? BUY YOURSELF A WEB SITE TO SELL YOUR SURGER...I DONT CARE...WHAT I DO CARE, IS YES THEY ARE HOME, THEY GOT REAL LUCKY..GIFT? MAN, TO SAY HERES 15 LIVES AS A GIFT TELLS US WHAT A SICK PERSON HE IS.ITS EASTER, HAD A GOOD DAY TODAY,HECK GIVE ME WHAT I WANT THIS TIME AROUND AND WHAT THE HEL- WE WILL CALL IT A GIFT..THIS MAN IS SICK... AND THOSE 15 ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE TODAY....BUT THEN WE CAN TURN THIS AROUND AND ASK OURSELFS WHAT DO WE THINK OUR SO CALLED LEADERS WOULD OF DONE AND FOR HOW LONG? I FEEL HAPPY FOR THOSE 15 KNOWING THEY WILL OR ARE HOME WITH THE FAMILYS THEY MOST LIKELY THOUHGT THEY WOULD NEVER SEE AGEN.. THE GIFT OF LIFE IS GREAT... BUT FEEL THE REASON THE 15 HELD WAS FOR REASONS WE WILL NEVER GET TO FULLY UNDERSTAND....

[zootallures2]

but its still the best country in the world.

Posted by cjhr43 at 09:43 AM : Apr 05, 2007

#1 in prisons with 2 million incarserated and who can beat 75,000 homicides a year? Also #1 in mass school shootings, 3rd in child abductions, 2nd in kiddie porn, 20th in education, and #1 in causing death by war.

You got a long way to go to be the best.

[cjhr43]

NO ONE DIED!!!
YOU DUMAZZESS CAN'T GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS, CAN YOU??

not those soldiers... and not yet anyway... give them time and see what happens. The trust of the Brits and Americans need to be gained first. If you read the History books you will see that "the other Hitler" was loved... he had everyone's respect and the rest of the world turned their heads the other way when he "cleansed the world"

[cjhr43]

#1 in prisons with 2 million incarserated and who can beat 75,000 homicides a year? Also #1 in mass school shootings, 3rd in child abductions, 2nd in kiddie porn, 20th in education, and #1 in causing death by war.

I have to agree with this... the US has become way too Liberal... This is what happens when the ACLU gets too much power and looks for "root causes" for everything and protects and defends the wrong people

[zootallures2]

the rest of the world turned their heads the other way when he "cleansed the world"
Posted by cjhr43 at 09:57 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Ahmadinejad donated a million dollars to a Synogogue in Tehran. Did Hitler do that too? Iran has the world's second largest Jewish population. No one paints swastikas on the grave stones there like they do in France. Maybe you are talking about Chirac?

[radiob-2009]

Ahmadinejad donated a million dollars to a Synogogue in Tehran. Did Hitler do that too? Iran has the world's second largest Jewish population. No one paints swastikas on the grave stones there like they do in France. Maybe you are talking about Chirac?
Posted by zootallures2

The art of political deception and manipulation, this coming from the same man who doubted the holocaust and called on Israel to be wiped off the map.Anyone calling for ANY NATION to be wiped off the map is not a friend to the world.The release of the 15 British sailors and marines is a pr game for the world as is the "donation" of a million dollars.

[zootallures2]

I have to agree with this... the US has become way too Liberal... This is what happens when the ACLU gets too much power and looks for "root causes" for everything and protects and defends the wrong people
Posted by cjhr43 at 10:01 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Na. That is what happens to a selfish empire in decline. Does the ACLU protect the banks who make low income people pay to keep their money in there? All the jobs go to China, so you have no pride or morale. ACLU too? The government is a totally corrupt example to the people. Then comes the ACLU to finish it all off.

[rohink-2009]

Syria, Iran's close ally, said it played a role in winning the release.

Way to go Ms. Pelosi. Keep up the good work.

[dallison7]

If you read the History books you will see that "the other Hitler" was loved... he had everyone's respect and the rest of the world turned their heads the other way when he "cleansed the world"
Posted by cjhr43

The 'other Hitler' is Bush. Name one current world leader who has attacked another nation without provocation.

[rohink-2009]

Pelosi's visit coincided with Iran's announcement that it would free 15 British marines and sailors captured in the Persian Gulf last month. Syrian officials claimed their country, an ally of Iran, played a key role in resolving the standoff. But they did not offer any specific details.

Can't we elect her president?

[radiob-2009]

Can't we elect her president?
Posted by rohink


Depends on your state and write in's or if she wants to run.

[zootallures2]

The art of political deception and manipulation, this coming from the same man who doubted the holocaust and called on Israel to be wiped off the map.Anyone calling for ANY NATION to be wiped off the map is not a friend to the world.The release of the 15 British sailors and marines is a pr game for the world as is the "donation" of a million dollars.
Posted by radiob at 10:09 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Are you sure you know which is the pr?

[nolalou]

I don't see Ahmadinejad as any kind of hero in this. I have no idea if Great Britian made a deal for their release, or if Ahmadinejad figured he'd already milked the situation for as much as he could get out of it. Ahmadinejad is not very popular amoung much of the population in Iran, especialy among younger citiziens. I see this as a way for him to try to boost his popualrity at home.

It will be interesting to find out how the British sailors were treated, and if their 'appolgies' for violating Iran's waters were coereced. It is unusual to see in video clips, that they were joking and seemed in good spirits. Usualy, when a hostage is forced to make a political statment, you can tell they are just reading words they were told to say.

[rohink-2009]

HOUSE SPEAKER Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered an excellent demonstration yesterday of why members of Congress should not attempt to supplant the secretary of state when traveling abroad. After a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Ms. Pelosi announced that she had delivered a message from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that "Israel was ready to engage in peace talks" with Syria. What's more, she added, Mr. Assad was ready to "resume the peace process" as well. Having announced this seeming diplomatic breakthrough, Ms. Pelosi suggested that her Kissingerian shuttle diplomacy was just getting started. "We expressed our interest in using our good offices in promoting peace between Israel and Syria," she said.

Only one problem: The Israeli prime minister entrusted Ms. Pelosi with no such message.

Oops, nevermind.

[radiob-2009]

Are you sure you know which is the pr?


Posted by zootallures2


Yes

[cjhr43]

I knew someone would give her credit... give me a break... political ploy... she knew what she was doing alright. She "timed" her visit to co-incide with the release. Iranians have no respect for women... she got away with the visit because Iran was smart enough to leave her alone.

[zootallures2]

Zootallures Isn't America great a whining pi$$y little D!ld@ like yourself is able to sit behind a computer and comlain about its government. God Bless America.
Posted by superchez1 at 10:15 AM : Apr 05, 2007

Big deal. You can do that in 100 other countries. And they don't even have free speech zones. In Palestine you can take up arms and complain with bullets.

[radiob-2009]

superchez1 So the 5 republicans who met with Assad should be charged with treason also?

[radiob-2009]

Big deal. You can do that in 100 other countries. And they don't even have free speech zones. In Palestine you can take up arms and complain with bullets.
Posted by zootallures2

Try free speech in China, or did you forget about Tiananmen Square.

[zootallures2]

Big deal. You can do that in 100 other countries. And they don't even have free speech zones. In Palestine you can take up arms and complain with bullets.
Posted by zootallures2

Try free speech in China, or did you forget about Tiananmen Square.
Posted by radiob at 10:28 AM : Apr 05, 2007

So why are they getting all the American jobs? Why are such patriotic busineses running over there and abandoning their own American workers?

[irishbitch1]

hey superchez, so bush's alcoholic, cocaine damaged little brain is better than a woman who might be too emotional? give me a break!!! It is way past time for a woman to take charge cause you men have tottally screwed everything up!
You go Nancy, put bush to shame!

[gwagener]

Just as I suspected! They sent the service people back to the UK instead of resuming their duties in Iraq. This is Blair's exit strategy form Iraq. They will have a few Britons captured by Iran and then release them to return to the UK and before you know it, the UK will be out of Iraq!

[cjhr43]

So why are they getting all the American jobs? Why are such patriotic busineses running over there and abandoning their own American workers?

sadly... its all about "the Benjamins"

[radiob-2009]

So why are they getting all the American jobs? Why are such patriotic busineses running over there and abandoning their own American workers?


Posted by zootallures2

Tax breaks and tax incentives, to a nation that practices mandatory abortion.They are not the only nation that is getting all of the US jobs. This practice has been going on since the late 70's.It is wrong no argument about it so was Tiananmen Square .

[cjhr43]

You go Nancy, put bush to shame!

Bush doesn't need her help ... he has all you liberals. Go into any other country and try slamming the pres and see what it gets you... Talk about "losing your head"

[radiob-2009]

Just as I suspected! They sent the service people back to the UK instead of resuming their duties in Iraq. This is Blair's exit strategy form Iraq. They will have a few Britons captured by Iran and then release them to return to the UK and before you know it, the UK will be out of Iraq!
Posted by gwagener

7000 British troops right,LMAO

[radiob-2009]

You go Nancy, put bush to shame!

Bush doesn't need her help ... he has all you liberals. Go into any other country and try slamming the pres and see what it gets you... Talk about "losing your head"
Posted by cjhr43

What people need to realize is that the vast majority of Americans are not liberal or conservative.Objectivity as I asked before is it okay for 5 republicans to meet with Assad and Pelosi it is not? Where is the logic in that?

[cjhr43]

no one... republican, democrat, liberal, catholic, jew, white or black has any business going as an ambassador... anywhere ...without consent/permission. Bush is the boss for now... like it or not. You do not choose to do as you wish. This country is free and until we get a new president it has remain his choice.

[zootallures2]

What I've learned from the neo-cons today.

Patriotism is for low income earners. China is the fatherland to the rest.

Even though there are 75,000 homicides, school shootings, tons of pedophiles, 2 million in jail, free speech zones, 15% debit interest and 0% - 8% savings rates, illegal wars, a secret American Union, 4 trillion missing from the Pentagon, FBI admitted and taped bombing of the WTC in 1993, destroyers that are no match for motor boats, ... I get to complain on my computer! OH HOW LUCKY WE IS!

We beheaded the Irainian government in the 50's, shot down their passenger airliners in the 80's, they never did anything to the US and haven't attacked another nation in almost 200 years, but I should just hate them.

[cjhr43]

We beheaded the Irainian government in the 50's, shot down their passenger airliners in the 80's, they never did anything to the US and haven't attacked another nation in almost 200 years, but I should just hate them.

This is a joke... correct?