Behind the Curtain

Iran has returned the British sailors, after the quiet return of an Iranian "diplomat" captured in Iraq, but without any apology from Tony Blair, and without a shot being fired.

Some have argued that this was a humiliation for Britain. I don't agree. The British government didn't grovel, and no one had to die because of this incident.

Perhaps the British rules of engagement should have been more robust, when the attempt to seize the sailor was first made. Perhaps the conduct of the captives was less than exemplary (although we don't know what was done to them).

But a relatively prompt, peaceful outcome to the crisis is more than many expected. We should be talking to these people. Perhaps we are, behind the curtain.