Blair Gets Tough With Iran

Showing his great resolve, Britain's Tony Blair went from saying "Release our hostages" to Iran, to saying "You better release our hostages." Sources close to the British PM suggest things could escalate from there, moving to loud talking and possibly almost yelling some day.

Naturally Iran saw this war mongering behavior as unhelpful and replied "Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah nyah - Persian for "Ooooo, we're really scared!"

Iran gave a warning that Mr Blair’s comments would only aggravate tensions. “The media campaigns and provocative . . . remarks regarding the violation of Iranian territorial waters by the British sailors are doing nothing to help settle the affair,” Mohammad Ali Hosseini, a Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said. “The British service personnel entered Iranian waters illegally and the case will follow its legal and judicial course.”

Blair's provocative comments were immediately clarified by the British:

His spokesman later said that he had been referring to a “different” way of handling talks, such as showing why Britain knew that the two boats were outside Iran’s waters.

Oil prices spiked to five dollars a barrel over rumors that actual name calling might one day ensue. Also, current reports conflict with the original as to how the decision was made to allow the sailors to be taken hostage. Perhaps British senior command has found a convenient skirt to hide behind while hoping Dad can bail them out - IE America's naval war exercises in the region. PJM compares Blair to Carter here. Unfortunately as I said before, I doubt if we would behaving any differently. Funny, I don't believe the UN has weighed in, though this should be precisely the type of International incident they were meant to address. They are probably hoping that Iran is somehow in the right.

The decision to offer no resistance to Iran, although the Britons were said to have been operating in Iraqi waters, was down to the commander of the two boats. There was no air cover at the time because a helicopter had just returned to HMS Cornwall after watching the successful boarding of a merchant vessel.

Comments

[Hard Right]

They'd better, or what? That's what the Iranians are saying knowing he won't do anything.

[templar knight]

Blair probably had better resort to outright begging. At least he has a slim chance, and think of all the kudos he will receive from all the liberals. And he should apologize, too, now that I think about it, and get on his knees when he does. That might do it.

[scarshapedstar]

I get the sense you guys are questioning our Commander-in-Chief's (and our allies') decision not to invade. What message does that send to our troops in a time of war?

[BobinStamford]

Blair should consult Bush. As a former war hero/male cheerleader he might have some suggestions.

[templar knight]

BrainlessBob would definitely be the expert on male cheerleading, that's for sure. Cheer on!

[warrenb]

Yes if you neocons keep suggesting that Bush and Co. (and Allies) not invade, then you show that you don't support our troops and is a clear demonstration of Non-Patriotism. Because you insist that they don't invade, then you are really declaring "artificial timetables for non-invasion" since the decision not to invade has been declared by you as clearly defined. You guys are hurting the so called "war on terror" with your actions. (Does this all sound familiar to you? It should.)

[BobinStamford]

Expert? Hardly. Your brave leader on the other hand...

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blbushcheerleader.htm

[southdakotaboy]

Here is what Bush and Blair should say:

Since Iran has committed open acts of war against us and other countries we are going to take action in three days time. We shall take the following actions: 1 complete and utter destruction of all Iranian millitary bases, their industry and lastly any and all sources of transportation and communication. If by that time the Iranian people have not returned the 15 sailors alive we shall begin the systematic destruction of all population centers. If you choose not to remove yourself from those areas we are not responsible for your deaths since you have had fair warning.
If on the other hand the Iranian people return the 15 sailors, allow IAEA monitoring of all atomic energy facilities and turn over Pres. A. for criminal prosecution all will be forgiven and all sactions dropped.
The clock is now running.

[ET]

Bob is an idiot. He has proven that consistently.

[Phoenix]

Right. And the U.S. Navy is in full force in the gulf now. Wonder why the Russians have pulled out of Iran?

Don't underestimate Mr. Underestimated.

[Zifnab]

"Oil prices spiked to five dollars a barrel"

I WISH!

[Zifnab]

On a completely different note:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/070328/28dobson.htm

Thompson can't run cause he's not a Christian. Better stick with Newt.

"Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said of Thompson. "[But] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression," Dobson added, saying that such an impression would make it difficult for Thompson to connect with the Republican Party's conservative Christian base and win the GOP nomination.

Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Thompson, took issue with Dobson's characterization of the former Tennessee senator. "Thompson is indeed a Christian," he said. "He was baptized into the Church of Christ."

In a follow-up phone conversation, Focus on the Family spokesman Gary Schneeberger stood by Dobson's claim. He said that, while Dobson didn't believe Thompson to be a member of a non-Christian faith, Dobson nevertheless "has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian—someone who talks openly about his faith."

[Phoenix]

"...while Dobson didn't believe Thompson to be a member of a non-Christian faith, Dobson nevertheless "has never known Thompson to be a committed Christian—someone who talks openly about his faith."

Someone needs to shut these nutjobs up. Who the hell do they think they are?

[Hard Right]

Listen moonbats, we aren't going to invade Iran. At most we might take out their oil fields, but even that is in doubt. Odds are Israel will nuke them off the face of the earth.

Warren, stop huffing toly it kills brain cells... Well, as your a leftist, your safe since you are obviously brainless.

[bloodrage bob]

looks like the liberal idiots are terrified of thompson. see your doom in his trustworthy face, do ya, idiots?

thompson will *crush* hillary/obama/i-feel-pretty-edwards. a decent, honest guy going up against a shrill, lying control freak; or a slick, articulate marxist who's wrapped up in dirty chicago politics; or an ambulance-chasing hair-tossing egomaniac lawyer.

this'll be FUN.

[Purple Avenger]

"I get the sense you guys are questioning our Commander-in-Chief's (and our allies') decision not to invade."

Liberals are the only one talking about invading Iran.

[Zifnab]

"this'll be FUN."

You can say that again.

[bloodrage bob]

you bet it'll be fun, ziffyboy. it'll be most reminiscent of the 1984 election: in which a folksly, likable, 'not-afraid-to-answer-a-direct-question' republican went up against a shrill, fearmongering, marxist democrat.

likable, honest optimism vs. shrill, mendacious defeatism.

thompson will CRUSH hilly/barry/the breck girl.

[Rick Mills]

Pakistani strike knocks out Iranian oil fields first strike!