Iran today seized three British military vessels.
The ships seized were going to Iraq’s new Riverine Patrol Service - Iraq hasn’t had a navy since Iran sunk it all during Saddam’s idiotic wars with the country. They had a skeleton crew.
So… What the crap? The mullahs are engaging in piracy now? Could they be fearful that a democratic Iraq might actually get their hands on Non-French munitions of decent quality?
This comes after they started building up forces on the border with Iraq.
If my memory serves me correctly it doesn’t take long for a nearby Royal Navy detachment to reach the Gulf - The HMS Invincible’s Flotilla ought to still be in range.
I’m guessing the prudent government line would be: “Give back the ships and sailors and maybe you won’t be strafed.”
I’m interested to see how this develops.
(Update: Thank frik, No decent boats taken)
Further: The Belmont Club suggests that Blair give the mullahs something of a political ass-handing. I concur.
Later
John
Posted by John Swaine at June 21, 2004 07:13 PM | TrackBack