Iran Hostage Crisis Continues

In my previous article, Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Cancels Trip to United States and United Nations, I reported that Iran had captured 15 British Navy personnel and cancelled his trip to the United States and the United Nations. I also conjectured that maybe Ahmadinejad had instigated this capture to use the British hostages as bargaining chips with the United Nations to stop sanctions against Iran. As the days have passed, I believe this hypothesis is coming near to being proved.

Hostage Crisis Continues

Iranian television has released video footage of Faye Turney saying, "obviously we trespassed into their waters", a supposed acknowledgement of guilt. (YouTube Video Here) This video also contains footage of some of the British hostages eating and looking well, though not all fifteen of them could be seen. Even though the hostages look okay, we have no idea when this footage was taken. Nor do we know if the comments Faye Turney made were her own.

As of today, March 29, 2007, Iran still hasn't released the British hostages even though it had pledged to release the female hostage, Faye Turney. Instead, Gen. Ali Reza Afshar, Iran's military chief, said that her release has been suspended due to "wrong behavior" by the British government.

Fortunately, Britain, after marathon negotiations today, was able to convince the United Nations Security Council to issue a press release stating "grave concern" over the hostage situation and Iran's actions. Unfortunately, however, that is all they could get the United Nations Security Council to do. With both sides ratcheting up the rhetoric, there is no guessing what might happen in this situation.

Two Letters: Real or Fakes?

Two letters, supposedly written by Faye Turney, have been released to the media. One letter, yesterday, was to her family and said:

"Dear Mum & Dad,

I am writing to you from Iran where I am being held. I will try to explain to you the best what has happened. We were out in the boats when we were arrested by Iranian forces as we had apparently gone into Iranian waters. I wish we hadn't because then I'd be home with you all right now. I am so sorry we did, because I know we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't. I want you all to know that I am well and safe. I am being well looked after. I am fed three meals a day and have a constant supply of fluids.

The people are friendly and hospitable, very compassionate and warm. I have written a letter to the Iranian people to apologize for us entering into their waters. Please don't worry about me, I am staying strong. Hopefully it won't be long until I am home to get ready for Molly's birthday party with a present from the Iranian people.

Look after everyone for me, especially Adam and Molly.

I love you all more than you will ever know.

All my love,

Faye".
(Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262013,00.html)

Another letter, released today, was sent to the Representative of the House of Commons and stated:

"Representative of the House of Commons

I am wriitng to inform you of my situation. I am a British Serviceperson currently being held in Iran

I would like you all to know of the treatment I have received whilst here. The Iranian people are kind, considerate, warm, compassionate and very hospitable. They have brought me no harm, but have looked after me well. I have been fed, clothed and well cared for.

Unfortunately during the course of a mission we entered into Iranian waters. Even though our wrongdoing, they have still treated us well and humanely, which I am and always will be eternally grateful.

I ask the representatives of the House of Commons after the government had promised that this type of incident would not happen again why have they let this occur and why has the government not been questioned over this? Isn't it time for us to start withdrawing our forces from Iraq and let them determine their own future.

Faye Turney
27/3/07".
(Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262485,00.html)

British sources think this last letter, if not the first, is fake and most likely propaganda. They also feel that Faye Turney was forced to confess against her will.

Great Britain

Britain officials say their Navy personnel were legitimately in Iraqi waters. They also maintain to have satellite images to prove this claim. They have asked the United Nations to issue a statement condemning Iran's taking of their British sailors, but all fifteen participating nations must agree and, so far, they haven't. After viewing footage of their sailors on television, Britain broke off relations with Iran and condemned them for wrongly showing the hostages on television. According to the Geneva Convention, it is unlawful to show captives on television.

Iran

Iranian officials say the British sailors were in Iranian waters. They also assert that they have satellite images to prove their claims. Iranian officials have stated that the only way the hostages can be released is if Britain admits to having crossed into Iranian waters. They also state that Britain's actions since this situation began have been harsh and unacceptable which could result in tougher measures for the British sailors. They claim that Britain's "bullying" tactics are the reason they have not released Faye Turney.

Who's In Charge in Iran?

In an interesting article, Iran Crisis Reflects Growing Isolation, the BBC tackled this situation from another angle. Sadeq Saba writes about Iran's mental state in the midst of all this. Saba also states that circumstances seem to hint that the Ayatollah Khamenei is in control of the hostage situation instead of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Does any of this sound familiar? Think about the Iran Hostage situation when Jimmy Carter was president.

Conclusion

It is important to note that we have not heard anything from Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, since this situation began. In fact, the people we are hearing from are ambassadors and other Iranian officials, none of which is the head of Iran. This is peculiar. Another peculiarity is Russia's and Indonesia's reluctance to approve anything stronger than a press release to be issued by the United Nations to Iran.

The President of the United States, George W. Bush, has pledged the United States' full support to Tony Blair and Great Britain. To most countries, including the United States and Great Britain, this situation looks to be a terrorist action. Why the rest of the world isn't treating it as such is a mystery.

Sources:

Fox News Channel: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262540,00.html#
Fox News Channel: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262013,00.html
Fox News Channel: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262485,00.html
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6507451.stm
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6508039.stm
The Independent: http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article2401721.ece
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBlG1_9UAg
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkxtWzQAS8Q&mode=related&search=