Iran to Release British Captives

The 15 British soldiers captured by Iran back on March 23 will be freed today according to
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (picture). In a press conference earlier today Ahmadinejad said, "I declare that the people of Iran and the government of Iran -- in full power to place on trial the military people -- to give amnesty and pardon to these 15 people and I announce their freedom and their return to the people of Britain." Ahmadinejad also said that the Britons were being released as a goodwill gesture in connection with the Iranian new year. We may never know if that is the real reason, but I really doubt it is. There is some speculation that the release is connected to Iran's attempt to recover five Iranians being held by the US in Iraq. I would not be surprised to see those Iranians released in the near future. The fear of course is that releasing the Iranians right after the release of the Britons could encourage future hostage taking.