A different face in negotiating the release of captured UK servicemen
Matthew:
March 27th, 2007
Tony Blair is preparing to enter a ‘different phase’ of negotiation with Iran to secure the release of the captured British service personnel from the Iranian authorities. I am intrigued to see what this will entail. It is hard to see the UK taking unilateral military action, though there will undoubtedly be sentiments to that end swilling around the Gulf among the British forces. Sanctions and international diplomatic pressure (if Blair can persuade any sympathetic ears to act) has proved ineffectual with regards to Iran’s nuclear program, and there is little to suggest it will be more open now.
Having said this. pursuing the diplomatic negotiations is the only sensible option for the time being, with a view to securing a UN Security Council Resolution if Iran a) doesn’t provide a timetable for the captive’s release and b) if it doesn’t allow consular access to the prisoners. Once a resolution has been secured, and only then, should any military action be considered.