R.I.P to the 15 british sailors
May they be avenged.

Still alive, and long may they stay that way.

For those who believe that a brits in bad mood can surender easily to blackmails, just ask Bobby Sands!
Pretty much. Note also that the IRA got most of what they were after pretty much just by asking nicely some time after they stopped the hunger strikes and started behaving themselves.

c) take this great opportunity to expand british influence for the next 200 years. Like invade a island owned by Iran in the area, call it Hong Kong II, build a big harbour, make it tax free and install a bunch of chinese shop keepers here... then just wait a decade.
I think Dubai got there first (less the Chinese shopkeepers).
All that is necessary for the triumph of New Labour is for good men to say nothing whilst CGS.