EDITORIAL: Iran Guessed Wrong on How Kidnappings Would Change Its World Image

Apr 06, 10:25 AM

Current Headlines: By The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.

Apr. 6--The 15 British sailors and marines captured by Iran March 23 arrived home Thursday, ending a tense international standoff. Iran's government might not have gotten the apology from Great Britain that it wanted, but it did make the point that if pushed, it can push back.

The crisis started when members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized the British crew as they were searching vessels in the Shatt-al-Arab waterway separating Iran and Iraq for arms smuggling. The Iranians claimed the British had "invaded" their territory, something the British never conceded.

The situation had the potential to escalate into a dangerous confrontation. However, British Prime Minister Tony Blair never made threats. Instead, he stood his ground and employed some quiet diplomacy and sought United Nations condemnation of the incident. Behind the scenes, Iran's Arab neighbors, including Syria, urged its leaders to relent.

On Wednesday, hard-line Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held one of his long-winded, ranting press conferences denouncing the sins of the West. He gave a medal to the commander of the Guards who captured the British servicemen and woman. Then he announced their "pardon" and that they would be sent home "as a gift" to recognize the March 30 birthday of the Prophet Mohammed and the approaching Easter holiday. Later, he appeared with the civilian-dressed British accepting their apologies and thanks for "forgiveness."

It played well in Tehran, where Mr. Ahmadinejad's popularity had been flagging because he hasn't been able to deliver on campaign promises to improve his country's economy. Globally, the results are mixed.

At least for the 13 days of the standoff, attention had been diverted from concerns about Iran's nuclear program. The U.N. leveled new sanctions the day after the detentions for Iran's refusal to stop enriching nuclear fuel. Talks about the nuclear program are resuming and, as they do, Iran can use the capture and release as evidence that diplomacy can produce results.

Undoubtedly, though, Iran has also proved that it won't be bullied. While Great Britain didn't apologize, it did aver that it would respect Iranian territory. That's subtle rhetoric that concedes nothing, unlike Mr. Ahmadinejad's posturing talk of pardons and gifts. If there was a wrong committed here, it was by the Iranians.

So, in the short-term, Mr. Ahmadinejad's regime can appear as tough guys able to stand up to world powers like Great Britain. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guard continues to help the insurgency in Iraq. As much as he and his government want respect, over the long haul this incident will further promote distrust of Iranian intentions, especially in regard to its nuclear program. Rather than being benevolent, they appear as rogues who pushed too far.

-----

Copyright (c) 2007, The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.