Can someone explain to me what Iran is thinking?

[SteelBlue]

Nobody in the Western world has any interest in continuing the war in Iraq and the US govt would have an incredibly difficult time selling any kind of conflict with Iran to Americans let alone the rest of the world. So what does Iran go and do? They basically "abduct" 15 British soldiers and threaten to begin a trial. What can they possibly be thinking?

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Nobody in the Western world has any interest in continuing the war in Iraq and the US govt would have an incredibly difficult time selling any kind of conflict with Iran to Americans let alone the rest of the world. So what does Iran go and do? They basically "abduct" 15 British soldiers and threaten to begin a trial. What can they possibly be thinking?

They are counting on the wuss Democrats to fold even more than they have so far. They're also counting on the American people electing a Democrat to the White House so the terrorists in the mid-East can get back into power, because the Dems don't have the guts to go on the offensive.

[Detroitdad]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

They are counting on the wuss Democrats to fold even more than they have so far. They're also counting on the American people electing a Democrat to the White House so the terrorists in the mid-East can get back into power, because the Dems don't have the guts to go on the offensive.

Tex is that you? Or is it Snipe?

[MikeWaters]

Because their audience is the middle east. They don't care about sending a message to the West. They are sending a message to other Muslims "Only we will stand up to the West. Only we will be able to lead you to the promised land. Your govts are corrupt and bow to the West. We do not."

They are willing to take a hit in order to gain points among Muslims.

[Detroitdad]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Nobody in the Western world has any interest in continuing the war in Iraq and the US govt would have an incredibly difficult time selling any kind of conflict with Iran to Americans let alone the rest of the world. So what does Iran go and do? They basically "abduct" 15 British soldiers and threaten to begin a trial. What can they possibly be thinking?

It is intended for a domestic audience and to draw attention away from some of the internal problems that the country has. That is what almost all of the Iranian bluster has been about.

[UtahDan]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Nobody in the Western world has any interest in continuing the war in Iraq and the US govt would have an incredibly difficult time selling any kind of conflict with Iran to Americans let alone the rest of the world. So what does Iran go and do? They basically "abduct" 15 British soldiers and threaten to begin a trial. What can they possibly be thinking?

I'm certain that this problem can be resovlved with the involvement of more allies and the passage of a few resolutions by the UN. Stop being such an alarmist.