Good news from Iran. Confusing, but good news none the less.
(...) hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had dramatically freed them as an Easter "gift" to Britain.
The slick, stage-managed performance provided the final flourish to a spectacular PR coup for Tehran which left Britain humiliated in the eyes of many.
The hostages, held captive for almost a fortnight, are expected to fly home today to the delight of their families and "profound relief" voiced by Tony Blair.
Mahmoud, why so rational?
The Government strongly denied any deal with Tehran to win freedom for the seven sailors and eight Royal Marines. But Britain was left looking weak and vulnerable in the Gulf after being outplayed and out-thought by Iran.
Quite apart from the embarrassment over how - and why - Iran was able to seize the servicemen and young mother Faye Turney without a shot being fired, the Government had to endure the nightly parade of hostages making "video confessions" shown around the world.
Although Iran does gain a bit of international credibility by releasing the hostages so soon, the political advantages of holding them were far greater.
Iran’s avid bloggers raced to their computers to trumpet their satisfaction. Their views were summed up by one who wrote: "Iran has won the PR game.
In the eyes of the Muslim world , I'm sure this is true. Iran appears both aggressive and magnanimous. Britain, clumsy and humbled. Most troubling, this little episode will only embolden the rogue state, and the West is in an appeasement mood these days.
