The argument keeps being put forward that we should scrupulously follow the Geneva Conventions so that our enemies will be compelled to do likewise. Question is, when is this reciprocity supposed to kick in, if ever? So far the Iranians have committed the following violations of the Conventions:
- Threats to try the kidnapped fifteen Royal Navy sailors and Marines for espionage.
- Interrogating them.
- Parading them before cameras
I won't even go into how the Iranians have exploited Leading Seaman Faye Turney by making her wear a hijab, having her write "personal" letters to her family, making her "confess" on camera to invading Iranian territory, and dangling promises of her release. Some bloggers have been
rather unkind to her about her co-operation with the Iranians, but this seems unfair, as in this situation she operates under the standing orders given to her and she must be judged accordingly. The true responsibility lies with the lunatics who knowingly put a woman (and
a mother!) into harm's way for the sake of some wretched political orthodoxy that would have made Cromwell blanch.
Meanwhile, the British government is responding by
cutting off bilateral relations with Tehran.
The Mullahs must be quaking in their sandals by now.
2 comments:
Of course the Geneva conventions don't apply; whatever country is more politically, militarily, economically and culturally powerful is always wrong…at least in the eyes of the relativists…
What the Iranians are doing is morally reprehensible. But despite the fact that she is a mother, she chose to join the army, knowing that anything could possibly happen.
Apparently, the people who have the most power over Iran in this scenario are the EU: they make up 40% of trade with the country, and are in the best position to threaten economic sanctions. If they could be bothered, that is.
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