1. Iran Boards Marshall Islands-Flagged Ship<br>2. The Marshall Islands are In Free Association With the US; The US is Treaty-Bound to Protect Them<br>3. Obama Administration & Media Start Shouting "The Ship Wasn't US-Flagged!"

1. Iran Boards Marshall Islands-Flagged Ship
2. The Marshall Islands are In Free Association With the US; The US is Treaty-Bound to Protect Them
3. Obama Administration & Media Start Shouting "The Ship Wasn't US-Flagged!"

There seems to be a lot of shouting from the Pentagon, from the Obama Administration, and from Obama's outsourced communications shop (the media) that the ship boarded and seized by Iran is not a US ship:

Full statement on the Iran ship seizure from a senior administration official pic.twitter.com/HTuS7kM5B3
— Hayes Brown (@HayesBrown) April 28, 2015

Or see here:

American officials have denied media reports that a US cargo ship had been seized by the Iranian navy.
...
However, a Pentagon spokesman said a Marshall Islands-flagged ship had been boarded by the Iranian navy.

But funny thing, I remember seeing the Marshall Islands on maps, and whenever I see it on a map, the map says:

Marshall Islands (U.S.)

In fact, a simple look-up on Wikipedia confirms the Marshall Islands are in "free association" with the United States, and has its defense provided for, by treaty, by the United States.

In fact, citizens of the Marshall Islands serve in the US Armed forces:

The COFA allows the United States to operate armed forces in Compact areas, to demand land for operating bases (subject to negotiation), and excludes the militaries of other nations without U.S. permission. The U.S. in turn becomes responsible for protecting its affiliate nations and responsible for administering all international defense treaties and affairs...
Commentators have noted that the ongoing presence and recruitment efforts of the U.S. military in the Compact areas [which includes the Marshall Islands] may have resulted in the high level of military enlistment by Compact citizens. For example, in 2008, the Federated States of Micronesia had a higher per-capita enlistment rate than any U.S. state, and had more than five times the national per-capita average of casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan (9 soldiers out of a population of 107,000).

Though once a US territory, the Marshall Islands became independent in 1979. Nevertheless, it is still in such close "free association" with the US that the US Postal System delivers its mail.

It is true that this ship was not "US flagged." However, it is flagged by a country which was until recently a US territory, and which the US is treaty-bound to defend, particularly as regards its maritime commerce.

But I don't hear the media or agents of Obama (but I repeat myself) making that clear -- all they're shouting is that the ship wasn't a US ship.

They are acting as if the Marshall Islands are a completely different country, in order to diminish how provocative an action Iran has taken, and to spare Prince Barry further embarrassment and further difficult questions.

USA has a legal obligation to treat an attack on Marshall Islands like an attack on the USA http://t.co/FKQb1z1E9H pic.twitter.com/A9vPL0rQa6
— Arieh Kovler (@ariehkovler) April 28, 2015

Claim that seizing Marshall Islands-flagged ship isn't threat to U.S. is as plausible as claim an attack on Puerto Rico isn't attack on U.S.
— Popehat (@Popehat) April 28, 2015

More: The Pentagon, which is now simply Barry's Club for Men Who Dig Uniforms, is saying, essentially, "It was the ship's fault" for going into "Iranian waters."

However, Morgen Richmond points out that while Iran claims almost the entirety of the Strait of Hormuz is "Iranian waters," US presidents haven't accepted this claim before.

Is Prince Barry making new concessions about Iran's territorial waters now, too?

Posted by: Ace at 11:46 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Funny, they were just talking about this down below.

Posted by: HH at April 28, 2015 11:47 AM (Ce4DF)

2 Carter, take two.

Posted by: GMan at April 28, 2015 11:48 AM (sxq57)

3 So, no gay marriage thread?

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 11:48 AM (u1Xf8)

4 Losing to the Mullahs without a single shot being fired.

Leading from behind = surrender.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 11:48 AM (g1DWB)

5

Oh. snap!

Posted by: Guam

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at April 28, 2015 11:48 AM (kdS6q)

6 I figure the translation from whatever the libs say will boil down to "They deserved it because slavery."

Posted by: Biblio at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (7o8VY)

7 Carter looks like george fucking patton compared to this Indonesian douchetool.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (FMbng)

8 The Obama Administration...are pussies. And the Iranians...are assholes.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (mx5oN)

9 Carter, take two.

Posted by: GMan at April 28, 2015 11:48 AM (sxq57)

rather have Carter than Obama

Posted by: The Dude at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (SyKbw)

10 So I'm guessing that when Iran gets nukes, they will be easier to deal with.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (BZAd3)

11 Yeah, We really believe anything this Administration says...

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (Bn6aD)

12

Do I really have to say it?

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (HSmrB)

13 All those Pacific Islands we won in WW2 will be extremely valuable real estate in the -- probably inevitable -- Sino-American War. We probably should have kept them.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (ZPrif)

14 What's Precedent Davis going to do?

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (HV+oZ)

15 We will never be trusted again. Our electorate has us all nice and fucked up.

Posted by: ElKomandante at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (APQ2q)

16 Lying liars just got to lie.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (wlDny)

17 ace, two things

a) it doesnt matter. the USN guarantees open sea lanes.

b) the Marshall Islands is a flag of convenience country. Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands (between the 3) account for 40% of all ships registered to sail on the ocean.

Shipping companies do this to avoid regulations, labor laws and taxes.

BUT, i can see why the pentagon is being squirmy here. Surely our agreement with the Marshall Islands doesn't mean that we have some special obligation to the 25% of ships sailing in the worlds oceans that are registered there.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (AkOaV)

18 Obama is creating a new relationship with Iran; for instance in this relationship the ayatollah is Ike and Obama is Tina.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (hLRSq)

19 And while we're on the subject?

Texas is not the US either. I just ceded their asses to Mayheeko.

Fore!

Posted by: Barky the Magnificent at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (6BMoM)

20 13 All those Pacific Islands we won in WW2 will be extremely valuable real estate in the -- probably inevitable -- Sino-American War. We probably should have kept them.
Posted by: Costanza Defense at April 28, 2015 11:50 AM (ZPrif)

Dontcha know they're are sinking into the Pacific because of global warming/climate change? They won't be there when we need them

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (ZdA3v)

21 Is that the island that was about to flip over?

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (HV+oZ)

22 I am sure the Navy has been told to watch. Stand down. Don't be provocative. Must. Save. Deal

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (3rnd1)

23 Problem solved! We've "unfriended" the Marshall Islands...

Posted by: Marie Harf at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (FcR7P)

24 Who bitch this is??

Posted by: jmel at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (AizR3)

25
That attack on Pearl Harbor wasn't an attack against the United States.

Posted by: Another island at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (agXt1)

26 Who cares? Bye one of my bumper stickers!

Hillary!

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (Bn6aD)

27 Hayes Brown just looking at him you can tell he is a liar.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (wlDny)

28 Claim that seizing Marshall Islands-flagged ship isn't threat to U.S. is
as plausible as claim an attack on Puerto Rico isn't attack on U.S. - Popehat

This, exactly.

Posted by: Heralder at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (ECROs)

29 It also depends on exactly where the ship was sailing when it was boarded. Iran, and China have maritime claims that exceed internationally recognized limits.

Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (RCAlo)

30 Bye =buy

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (Bn6aD)

31 These are our new non adversaries!

Posted by: Thor's feather duster at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (JgC5a)

32 If the Navy guarantees sea lanes

Where were they?

It's not working

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (3rnd1)

33 Treaty-Bound"

Oh, microagressionalert, binders present!

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (KnbYp)

34 These are our new non adversaries!

BFF's!

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (Bn6aD)

35 Every ally this country used to have is taking notes.

Posted by: Brian "Sandstorm" Williams at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (Ft3+l)

36 President Pussy Fart.

Posted by: steevy at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (mGBKM)

37 Rand Paul what do you do?

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (3rnd1)

38 We don't have to honor any defense pact with the UK either now because of the Crusades.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (NHtMs)

39 Weekly Standard had it too, along with denial.

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (sj3Ax)

40 What was that pretend provocation that started the Vietnam War called?

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (HV+oZ)

41 The Pentagon supposedly claimed the ship was in Iranian waters when boarded:

http://tinyurl.com/pgn4pb6

Clearly, the Defense Dept is now firmly another propaganda arm of this administration.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (BZAd3)

42 What would president Paul do?

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (3rnd1)

43 So, no gay marriage thread?

We should be so lucky. Enjoy this one while you can.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (FcR7P)

44 Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 11:53 AM (RCAlo)

USN acknowledges the ship was in Iranian territorial water (within 12 nm of their coast).

So just like how the US Coast Guard can board ships in our territorial water...

I don't know. this may be a big fucking deal. it may not. I'm surprised at how many people are blowing up about this.

I mean... flag of convenience not setting off any red flags for anyone? There could be a legit reason, but there might not be. We don't know the crew, the cargo, or what they were doing in Iranian waters on their way to Saudi Arabia.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (AkOaV)

45 Damn racist Iranians, just doing this to make a black president look bad. Didn't do it under Bush, but now? Racists.

Posted by: MSNBC at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (CXdLL)

46 Wait until you see what the cargo is and who the "sailors" are.

Iran seized that ship for a very specific reason. There is going to be some media value for them.

But let's give them nuclear weapons because we can "trust" them.

Right.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (GGCsk)

47 The administration is now "reinterpreting" treaties, just as if they were mere laws passed by Congress.

Like laws, those treaties only mean what Obama thinks they should mean at any moment in time.

Posted by: MTF at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (FCsIb)

48 35 Every ally this country used to have is taking notes.
Posted by: Brian "Sandstorm" Williams at April 28, 2015 11:54 AM (Ft3+l)

Just add it to the list

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (ZdA3v)

49 Must do everything to protect the fake treaty with Iran to allow them to get a bomb.

Posted by: buzzion at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (zt+N6)

50 Obama is giving Iran space to destroy, you racists!

My god our country has gone off the fucking rails and the left loves it.

Posted by: Dan at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (COpZ4)

51 Surely our agreement with the Marshall Islands doesn't mean that we have some special obligation to the 25% of ships sailing in the worlds oceans that are registered there."

Sure. And we have those groups stationed around the world for what, exactly? Vacations?

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (KnbYp)

52 shorter, The U.S. administration no longer are obligated in treaties or anything pre -Obama.

hi Ukraine, sorry about that.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (nqBYe)

53 I honestly don't understand why China hasn't declared all the disputed territories with Japan mine mine mine for realsies now, no more playing, and gone in and taken them by force already. Like Obama would do anything to stop them? Please.

Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (yRwC8)

54 Gentlemorons and moronettes, this is nothing to be alarmed about. This is something to go into a blind, screaming panic over!

OMUHGAWD!!!!!!!!!

*runs around flailing wildly and ineffectually*

WE"RE ALL DOOMED!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (hLRSq)

55 My god our country has gone off the fucking rails and the left is in a tizzy over cupcakes.

There, FIFY

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (KnbYp)

56 The Marshall Islands are not owned by the United States as Puerto Rico is. The analogy is not accurate. The Marshal Is. are an independent country which is a protectorate of the United States. The United States has certain right with regard to the defense of the Marshall Is. and has rights to have military facilities in the Marshall Is.

Of the former Pacific trust territories of the United States, only the Northern Marianas became US territories. Any map showing the Marshall Is. is inaccurate, out-of-date, or all of the above!

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (NUqwG)

57 Does Iran already have the bomb?

Its the only thing I can think of to justify our actions as of late, and the SCOAMF is just trying to hide how much they've fucked up.

Posted by: Gaff at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (jPS2y)

58 I guess this is how you make deals in the age of Obama.

1.Give up everything in bargaining to get nothing back.
2.Ignore all future provocations to not endanger one-sided deal.
3.???
4.PROFIT!

Posted by: Heralder at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (ECROs)

59 Sometimes it's just best to give hostile navies space to destroyer.

Posted by: Fritz at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (UzPAd)

60 And, they have ZIP Codes. Majuro is 96960.

Posted by: Skookumchuk at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (/WPPJ)

61 Is it possible to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without coming within 12 nm of Iran?

Posted by: kartoffel at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (uEmgg)

62 hope china doesn't get any ideas .

hey, russia.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (nqBYe)

63 Did an entire thread get deleted?
Good grief! What did you guys do?

Posted by: chi's sandwIch (previously shredded chi) at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (c9d3D)

64 If he's not going to due his duty and protect US citizens in Yemen, O is not going to due his duty to protect a commercial ship.

Posted by: Bud Norton at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (6cOMd)

65 BUT, i can see why the pentagon is being squirmy here. Surely our agreement with the Marshall Islands doesn't mean that we have some special obligation to the 25% of ships sailing in the worlds oceans that are registered there.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (AkOaV)

Actually... it does....

We have Defense pacts with the Marshall Islands...

We kept the with no military, by guaranteeing their Safety...

And an attack on a Freighter with their flag... is just like an attack on them according to the Ancient Laws of the Sea...

We have both a Legal, and MORAL obligation to defend them...

But Barry... will cave... and his Girlyfied Politically Correct Senior Officers in the Pentagon... will agree...

Any pride I had in the once Great US Navy.... that I shed blood within... that I gave my youth to... is now pretty much gone...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (qh617)

66 WTH is that dogleg for in the plot showing vessel's movement?

Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (RCAlo)

67 Like laws, those treaties only mean what Obama thinks they should mean at any moment in time.

Red lines! Red lines!

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (hUSu1)

68 They are sure acting like they already have a nuke

And we are sure treating them like they already have a nuke

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (3rnd1)

69 As a Texan, I welcome the Marshall Islands to the fold of territories that the US government has an obligation to defend but doesn't.

We've been invaded for years.

Posted by: Jollyroger at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (t06LC)

70 Don't worry guys, Preznit P*ssy O'Cluterfark is on the case!

Posted by: Moderate Salami at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (/Ho8c)

71 Welcome to the club.

Posted by: Israel,Iraq and at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (6BMoM)

72
I've told the US Navy that we must give Iran space to commit piracy.

Posted by: King Putt at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (0cMkb)

73 Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 11:55 AM (KnbYp)

Well the reason we spend a fortune on our navy is supposedly to keep sea lanes open.

So they may have fucked up here. Although if the Tigris WAS in Iranian waters, there wasn't much the USN could do (without starting WWIII).

But my point is that the registry of this ship means nothing. May as well be registered to Liberia or Panama or another flag of convenience country.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (AkOaV)

74
I'm curious about the "flag of convenience" issue. (And I mean curious in the sense of "I don't know").

Even if you say "oh, that's just a dodge" and everyone registers their shipping in some round-heeled jurisdiction, all shipping is in fact flagged. And the flags mean that they are under the auspices of a country.

So if we turn a blind eye and let our protectorate be a little round-heeled with respect to flagging vessels, does that let us off the hook when a vessel under our military protection is seized?

Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (JtwS4)

75 61 Is it possible to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without coming within 12 nm of Iran?
Posted by: kartoffel at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (uEmgg)

"At its narrowest point, the strait is 21 miles wide, but the width of the shipping lane in either direction is only two miles"

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (ZdA3v)

76 Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (3rnd1)

Not a bad point...

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (AkOaV)

77 "Casus Belli" means "bring me another cheeseburger". Its the NBA playoffs and I don't have time for your petty concerns, peasants!

Posted by: President Fuckstick Le Premiere at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (FCsIb)

78 >>I mean... flag of convenience not setting off any red flags for anyone? There could be a legit reason, but there might not be. We don't know the crew, the cargo, or what they were doing in Iranian waters on their way to Saudi Arabia.

No. It's industry standard practice. Very few cargo ships are flagged under their country of ownership. Hell, most large private yachts are flagged in the Caymans or Bikini Atoll or some other low tax haven.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (g1DWB)

79 " I'm surprised at how many people are blowing up about this."

It is what we do best. For instance, a bunch of anonymous people make threats over the internet or on social media and generally act like asses and it becomes the Fall of Civilized Society and the Destruction of the Country.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (hLRSq)

80 That attack on Pearl Harbor wasn't an attack against the United States.
Posted by: Another island at April 28, 2015 11:52 AM (agXt1)

Japan isn't a major threat, have you seen that place? Those islands are tiny!

Posted by: Obama as preezy in 1941 at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (yRwC8)

81 But let's give them nuclear weapons because we can "trust" them.

Ooh! I just figured out how to get our ship back...

Posted by: Barack Hussein at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (FcR7P)

82 the iranians were just making sure the whales are being saved.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (nqBYe)

83 61 Is it possible to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without coming within 12 nm of Iran?

Posted by: kartoffel at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (uEmgg)

Normally the water within straights is split in half, between the two countries bordering those straights...

But some are kept international by Treaty...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (qh617)

84 Puerto Rico is not owned by the US. They can serve in the $1.97th but still are in a gray area because that is the most beneficial.

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (HV+oZ)

85 35 Every ally this country used to have is taking notes.

Posted by: Brian "Sandstorm" Williams

And every enemy is taking prisoners or heads.

Posted by: Dirks Strewn at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (TIgJq)

86 They are sure acting like they already have a nuke

And we are sure treating them like they already have a nuke

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 11:57 AM (3rnd1)

It's Barry we're talking about. That really doesn't mean anything. As long as its not England or a Republican, he acts like everyone has a nuke.

Posted by: Jollyroger at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (t06LC)

87 56
The Marshall Islands are not owned by the United States as Puerto Rico
is. The analogy is not accurate. The Marshal Is. are an independent
country which is a protectorate of the United States.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (NUqwG)

Thank you for the details, that analogy is not as apt as I had thought. Question regarding protectorates: wouldn't an attack or provocation on one of our protectorates, while not viewed as a direct attack on the U.S., be considered an attack or provocation on U.S. interests?

Posted by: Heralder at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (ECROs)

88 It's a Maersk ship ... Not exactly smugglers.

It's a big deal, mynewhandle, because it's another line the Iranians have successfully crossed - without consequences. They're testing us. And we are failing.

Shit will not stop here. They'll take more US hostages before it's all over. Bank on it.

Posted by: ScoggDog at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (UZZHo)

89 I'll put this up again - the ship was NEVER in Iranian waters:

http://tinyurl.com/pgn4pb6

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (BZAd3)

90 Did an entire thread get deleted?
Good grief! What did you guys do?"

It's the real world vs the bubble.

If you're on twit/face/space/whatever, you're being flooded with OMGRAYCISTH8TERS and cupcakes.
If you're in the real world, you're impacted by threats against the movement of goods and services.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (KnbYp)

91 A ship from a nation, so closely associated with the United States that people claim that an attack on said ship would constitute an attack on the United States itself (so basically we are taling about a colony), enters Iranian waters and the Iranians are expected not to be suspicious?

We debate making war on the Iranians in our national discourse as casualy as other cultures converse about the weather and yet you expect those who live under the terror of our threats not to notice anything and treat our allies (or colonies) as friends?

Posted by: Ella Binsburg, PhD at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (m6UP7)

92 Mikey or it might just be concern that WE have become untrustworthy to our allies.
and believing making new allies with those countries like Iran is a loser for peace.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (nqBYe)

93 Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (JtwS4)

No no, I'm not saying we shouldn't defend ANY ship. We should. No matter where they are flagged. The British Navy and now the USN has a long history of keeping sea lanes open to everyone.

But to act like this is a US ship or even semi-US ship is... I mean, cmon. It's probably never been to the Marshall Islands or anywhere near the US, and has probably never had a US citizen or Marshall Islands citizen on board.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (AkOaV)

94 Surely our agreement with the Marshall Islands doesn't mean that we have some special obligation to the 25% of ships sailing in the worlds oceans that are registered there."
--
Was this sarcasm?

Posted by: Costanza Defense at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (ZPrif)

95 So if they were in "Iranian" waters why?

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (Bn6aD)

96 @78

Good way to get around part of the Jones act.

Posted by: Jollyroger at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (t06LC)

97 An American ally? They're doomed, then.

Posted by: JohnJ at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (TF/YA)

98 Puerto Rico is not owned by the US. They can serve in the $1.97th but still are in a gray area because that is the most beneficial.
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 11:59 AM (HV+oZ)
----
Puerto Rico is in fact owned by the United States. It is not an independent country.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (NUqwG)

99 Is it possible to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without coming within 12 nm of Iran?

Posted by: kartoffel at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM

It is, but you pretty much have to be in the UAE's waters to do it.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (h4vJk)

100 Relax people, its just a deniable delivery of harmless klystron tubes and such...

Posted by: President Anal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (Ru0NQ)

101 It's not a ship ship.

Posted by: Whoopi Cushion at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (W5DcG)

102 The JEF would like to help, but there are rumors of a video.

Posted by: Bruce at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (8ikIW)

103 The Iranians have taken the proper measure of King Putt-

and are now acting to achieve their goals while they can.

I've expected China to do the same for quite some time.

Russia too.

It's going to be a rough ride for the poor suckers who depend on us for strength, defense, and stability.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (0cMkb)

104 Surrendering from behind

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (AX3vC)

105 It's all OK. ValJar says it's not a US ship. I mean, MY SENIOR ADVISORS say it's not a US ship. So it's totes cool.

Posted by: Barry Sotero at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (2L77z)

106 lol, i'll probably last no more than 1/2 an hour with news today.

major burn out.
but feeling like looky lucy , just afraidn to look away. just.in.case.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (nqBYe)

107 So they're essentially saying they own the Strait. Sounds like the Iranian Navy needs to receive some Harpoons from a Marshall Islands-flagged ship.

Posted by: kartoffel at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (uEmgg)

108 My new handle

What would President Paul do?

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (3rnd1)

109 Maersk needs a navy.

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (HV+oZ)

110 I think I accidentally put the gay marriage thread into draft when i attempted to add a very minor update to it.

Posted by: ace at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (PA7DS)

111 Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (BZAd3)

hmm...

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (AkOaV)

112 Claim that seizing Marshall Islands-flagged ship isn't threat to U.S. is as plausible as claim an attack on Puerto Rico isn't attack on U.S.

It isn't. An attack on Puerto Rico would be doing us a favor.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (oKE6c)

113 Not ...the hill.to die zzzzzzzzzzz.......

Posted by: GOP Leadership at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (6BMoM)

114 Posted by: ace at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (PA7DS)

So the Iranians hijacked a semi-US flagged thread and put it in to draft?

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (AkOaV)

115 those who live under the terror of our threats not to notice anything and treat our allies (or colonies) as friends?

Posted by: Ella Binsburg, PhD at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (m6UP7)

Who's bitch is this?

Posted by: Heralder at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (ECROs)

116 Kerry and Obama didn't even get to wave a piece of paper around and claim 'peace in our time.'

How gauche if Iran, to not even wait for a worthless agreement.

Posted by: Lance McCormick at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (wzfbU)

117 Obama wants America to be weak and everyone, including Iran, knows it. He doesn't give a damn about our allies, and everyone knows it. No surprise here.

Posted by: nerdygirl at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (5Qo1j)

118 Yo ho ho, Obama's a bum!

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (IcJmI)

119 Hell, most large private yachts are flagged in the Caymans or Bikini Atoll or some other low tax haven.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (g1DWB)

Tell me more about this? I thought I could only use a neighboring state?

Posted by: John Kerry at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (CXdLL)

120 Puerto Rico is in fact owned by the United States. It is not an independent country.

It should be.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (W5DcG)

121 Well, if Pakistan was shipping something to Saudi Arabia, the Iranians have it now.

Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (RCAlo)

122 Need to give the Iranians space if they wish to destroy a ship or two.

Posted by: Roy at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (VndSC)

123 Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:02 PM (3rnd1)

...?

No idea.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (AkOaV)

124 They may have a bomb. They will announce it the minute the JEF leaves office

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (3rnd1)

125 56
The Marshall Islands are not owned by the United States as Puerto Rico
is. The analogy is not accurate. The Marshal Is. are an independent
country which is a protectorate of the United States.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (NUqwG)

Under the doctrine of free association, the U.S. is 100% responsible for the defense of the Marshall Islands. State Dept fact sheet:

http://tinyurl.com/qz6laaj

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (BZAd3)

126 Hell, most large private yachts are flagged in the Caymans or Bikini Atoll or some other low tax haven."

Rhode Island?

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (KnbYp)

127 >>But to act like this is a US ship or even semi-US ship is... I mean, cmon. It's probably never been to the Marshall Islands or anywhere near the US, and has probably never had a US citizen or Marshall Islands citizen on board.

For those who don't remember, the ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates and turned into a Tom Hanks movie, was named the Maresk Alabama. Maresk being the key word.

Maersk is one of the biggest shipping companies in the world and employees lots of Americans.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (g1DWB)

128 You'd think He Of The Nautical Metaphors would be all over this.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (FcR7P)

129 I'm sure Marie Harf will be able to explain this . . .

Posted by: McCool at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (TQxRy)

130 Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM (RCAlo)

Yep. My thoughts too.

The last 4 ports of call for the Tigris were in Turkey though... so I don't know.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (AkOaV)

131 Well the obvious answer is to order all pre-Obama statues of Presidents defaced and all US government documents and historical texts produced before 2009 destroyed.

It's simple really.

Posted by: Neil deGrasse Tyson at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (NHtMs)

132 The Marshall Islands flag is what's known as a flag of convenience.

But why expect President Smartest Man in the World to know anything about int'l commerce and trade.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (7ObY1)

133 Surrendering ~~from~~ the behind.

FIFY.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (hUSu1)

134 Anyone thinking this is manufactured to take attention away from Gay Marriage/Supreme Court?

or am I paranoid.

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (ZdA3v)

135 Under the doctrine"

Well, isn't "doctrine" a religious concept? See, you wanting us to do something are just bitter clingers to your guns and religion.

/doireallyneedthis?

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (KnbYp)

136 Taiwan, it was nice knowing you.

(Now that our dear leader has shown his regard for allies and compacts, you're probably next to go under the bus.)

Posted by: Michael Rittenhouse at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (jdfYf)

137 I have to admit. This is making me a little uncomfortable.

Posted by: Taiwan at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (UsgHM)

138 So the Iranians hijacked a semi-US flagged thread and put it in to draft?

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:03 PM

But it wasn't a first-round draft thread, so it's ok.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (h4vJk)

139 Jobs for Iranians!

#HarfSplained

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (7ObY1)

140 The Marshall Islands Navy had better start sharpening their spears.

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (HV+oZ)

141 Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (g1DWB)

Yes, I do recall.

Like you said, they have worldwide operations. The Tigris seems to have only operated in the ME as far as I can tell looking through their last few port calls

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:05 PM (AkOaV)

142 The Marshall Islands are not owned by the United States as Puerto Rico
is. The analogy is not accurate. The Marshal Is. are an independent
country which is a protectorate of the United States.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 11:56 AM (NUqwG)

Under the doctrine of free association, the U.S. is 100% responsible for the defense of the Marshall Islands. State Dept fact sheet:

http://tinyurl.com/qz6laaj

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:04 PM (BZAd3)

---
That IS (more or less) what a protectorate is.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (NUqwG)

143 I think I accidentally put the gay marriage thread into draft when i attempted to add a very minor update to it.

See, THIS I have a problem with...

Posted by: Barack Hussein at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (FcR7P)

144 Off! misspelled choom-sock.

Posted by: chiefjaybob at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (2L77z)

145 Point of order? If they're a protectorate, and we don't do any you know protecting, we've told the world that our word is shit.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (IcJmI)

146 Carter looks like george fucking patton compared to this Indonesian douchetool.

Hell, Franklin Pierce looks like the reincarnation of George Washington compared to the dog-eating Kenyan Krackhead.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (zF6Iw)

147 Let's sum it up for those of you in the Cheep Seats (media):

This wuss with the unbearable lightness of being (including his loafers) has screwed up everything he has touched during his time as POTUS:

1. Race relations are at an all time low. Coordinated riots are now a thing. The African Americans chosen to serve in his administration have not been the best and the brightest, but, rather the meanest and dimmest.
2. Foreign policy has see the world deteriorate at an exponential rate, thanks to simply awful policies, decisions and the worst of the worst as Secretaries of State.
3. Russia, China, and Iran are not just rattling their sabers, but, sticking them gleefully into helpless people.
4. The Arab Spring and the birth of ISIS has made the world a poorer and more dangerous place for the elderly and weak, especially women and children, not to mention all religious people except those who are Muslim.
5. Health insurance is now a nightmare for almost everyone instead of just a few.

I could go on and on, but, I am too sick at heart.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (kXoT0)

148 140 The Marshall Islands Navy had better start sharpening their spears.

We can't use our bang-sticks?

Posted by: The Marshall Islands Navy at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (7ObY1)

149 145 Point of order? If they're a protectorate, and we don't do any you know protecting, we've told the world that our word is shit.

And?

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (Bn6aD)

150 Maersk and Kirby make world commerce go

Kind of a big deal

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (3rnd1)

151 >>Tell me more about this? I thought I could only use a neighboring state?

Actually, its a twofer. Kerry "bought" his yacht and had it delivered to RI, right across the harbor from my marina. No state taxes on boats bought in RI. That law was put in as a response to the Dems luxury tax bullshit which Kerry supported of course.

But I believe his bought is actually flagged in the Caymans so it isn't even considered a US yacht.

Funny how rich people can avoid the laws they make.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (g1DWB)

152 Did the Iranian Navy ask if any Sodomites were aboard and offer to bake them cakes?

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (HV+oZ)

153 Maersk is one of the biggest shipping companies in the world and employees lots of Americans."

This - ML Limited is based in Norfolk. Lots and lots of 'murrican jobs.

Not that anyone in DC cares.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:08 PM (KnbYp)

154 They may have a bomb. They will announce it the minute the JEF leaves office
----

There were a lot of Israeli reports a year or two ago that said they had a single one but it was like the first crude NK ones with no delivery system possible.

Posted by: Neil deGrasse Tyson at April 28, 2015 12:08 PM (NHtMs)

155 You'd think He Of The Nautical Metaphors would be all over this.

I guess it doesn't float his boat.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:08 PM (hUSu1)

156 Maersk Alabama.

Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at April 28, 2015 12:08 PM (Edob3)

157 Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:07 PM (g1DWB)

Yes, Kerry uses a flag of convenience for his yacht. Actually, I think used is more appropriate, since I think I saw a pic of him on his yacht with an american flag.

ANYWAYS, Kerry had the yacht registered in RI because they dont have a "soak the rich" super big personal property excise tax in RI like they do in MA.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (AkOaV)

158 Seriously, though, yeah, this us a test to see what Iran can get away with. They'll keep at it until they're slapped down.

Just like Russia vs. Ukraine, or um (as I alluded to earlier) annexing the Sudetenland.

(Sorry for the near-Godwinning.)

Posted by: Lance McCormick at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (wzfbU)

159 Every port I ve ever seen was stacked wit Maersk containers, and Hapag Lloyd, that's another one that is ubiquitous.

Posted by: LincolnTf at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (2cS/G)

160 All we need to do is tell Fredo Iran is run by Republicans. Then shit will hit the fan.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (oDCMR)

161 we've told the world that our word is shit.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo

Yeah, you kinda did that a while ago.

Posted by: Poland at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (KhFZp)

162 >>Like you said, they have worldwide operations. The Tigris seems to have only operated in the ME as far as I can tell looking through their last few port calls

So did the Alabama. But it had a US captain who lives in VT or NH and a bunch of US crew. And we sent in the Navy and SEALs to get that out in order.

We used to have a pretty clear policy on piracy. Used to.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (g1DWB)

163 Protectorate. Protect is the root word. It must mean something.

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (HV+oZ)

164
Is Prince Barry making new concessions about Iran's territorial waters now, too?

Yup

Posted by: Jimmy Gee at April 28, 2015 12:10 PM (rJfD1)

165 The JEF will turn over the straights of Hormuz like they are the Panama Canal

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:10 PM (3rnd1)

166 Next you wing nuts will say I have to protect the US, too. I don't have time for everything!

Fore!

Posted by: Barack Hussein at April 28, 2015 12:10 PM (FcR7P)

167 Mikey or it might just be concern that WE have become untrustworthy to our allies.
and believing making new allies with those countries like Iran is a loser for peace.

Posted by: comrade willow at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (nqBYe)

Concern - heck I have that. I'm just noting that the commenters here (including me - I'm not some paragon) have a tendency to fly off the handle from time-to-time.

Note: Maersk Lines is a Danish company, so they would be the ones more concerned about the seizure of the ship. I would expect the Danish government to ask the US for assistance.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 12:10 PM (hLRSq)

168 An American ally? They're doomed, then.
Posted by: JohnJ at April 28, 2015 12:01 PM (TF/YA)

Yup. Any American ally watching this is going, "Wow, that's how the U.S. treats the Marshalls. Imagine how the U.S. would deal with us, an ACTUAL different country?"

Posted by: Mainah at April 28, 2015 12:11 PM (659DL)

169 And you used to mock us!Dog eating surrender monkeys!

Posted by: The Fwench, and Bwitish at April 28, 2015 12:11 PM (hKyl0)

170 If the ship was in fact in intrrnationally recognized Iranian waters thry have every right to VBSS it...

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:11 PM (Ru0NQ)

171 Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:09 PM (g1DWB)

Well, we shall see what the deal is here.

We can't send in the SEALS yet.

Heres the thing... I don't know how many of you follow naval news, but recently Panama seized a Caymen flagged North Korean ship in the Panama Canal that had some hidden soviet military equipment in the hold (beneath a bunch of Cuban sugar). They boarded and seized the ship.

Mexican authorities boarded and seized another Nork ship, also flying a flag of convenience, that accidentally side swiped a coral reef in their territory.

We can't send in the Marines if Iran is doing the same type of thing. If that's what this is (intercepting weapons meant for the Saudis and Yemenis) then, uh... I mean, what should we do?

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (AkOaV)

172 It's less about the ship than where it happened and who took it

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (3rnd1)

173 BUT, i can see why the pentagon is being squirmy
here. Surely our agreement with the Marshall Islands doesn't mean that
we have some special obligation to the 25% of ships sailing in the
worlds oceans that are registered there.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 11:51 AM (AkOaV)

Yes. The issue here is not that the U.S. Navy should be defending a U.S. ship, but that the Navy should be carrying out its longstanding tradition of ensuring the safe passage of all non-belligerent merchant ships, particularly in areas where crazed goat-fuckers are trying to seize control of international seaways.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (V10o3)

174 We used to have a pretty clear policy on piracy. Used to."

I'd say we do have a clear policy on piracy.

As in "Don't f... with my next putt".

Ok, so it's not quite the same policy...

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (KnbYp)

175 >>ANYWAYS, Kerry had the yacht registered in RI because they dont have a "soak the rich" super big personal property excise tax in RI like they do in MA.

Bought, not registered. It's all about where the boat was purchased. You must keep the boat in RI waters for 6 months after purchase and then you can take it anywhere.

Trust me on this one. I have a boat in RI and am a part owner of a boat company. This game goes on everyday.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (g1DWB)

176 My friends, you have nirhing to fear from BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN

Posted by: John McCain at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (wzfbU)

177 I'm sure Marie Harf will be able to explain this . . .

Now you will witness the firepower of this fully operational hashtag.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (0HooB)

178 We'll protect them like we protected the Ukraine!

Posted by: Bruce J. at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (iQIUe)

179 And we sent in the Navy and SEALs to get that out in order.
------

And the reports then were that Barry dithered and fretted until someone in the WH told the commander on site to use his own judgement.
Only then did the Seals do their thing.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (NHtMs)

180 Because Panama and Iran are the same thing.

And the straights of Hormuz are only as important as the Panama Canal

Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (3rnd1)

181 PRESIDENT CLASSY

@blakehounshell 55m

Obama thanks Japan for karate, karaoke, anime, 'and, of course, emojis' http://politi.co/1KpZQb4

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (KhFZp)

182 It's totes cool if Cuba starts eyeballing Puerto Rico. It's just a protectorate. It's not America.

Posted by: Marie Harf at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (GgxVX)

183 *nothing

Posted by: John McCain at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (wzfbU)

184 Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (V10o3)

Yes, I totally agree.

But once the ship was in "iranian waters" and being rerouted, our obligation would seem to have ended and it now becomes a Danish problem. Unless we were going to start shooting at Iranian coast guard ships.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (AkOaV)

185
4. Blame Bush.

Posted by: Fritz at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (UzPAd)

186 Why can't Hormel patrol their own Straits?

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (HV+oZ)

187 Maybe Hillary has another RESET button? She could win hands down by delivering it to Iran. Word!

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (oDCMR)

188 Looks like even though it's not an American ship per say,the most troubling aspect is teh Administration claiming it was in Iranian "waters." So looks like We are ceding the straits to Iran...

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (Bn6aD)

189 I believe the Danes were threatened by Russia a little time ago if they joined Nato missile defense etc..

Posted by: willow at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (nqBYe)

190 Posted by: Thunder B, Shapeshifter at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (3rnd1)

I'm saying that we can't just make up the rules as we go along. Theres procedure for all of this shit.

And it's done that way on purpose. Because it benefits the US and the Brits and the civilized world WAY more then it harms us.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (AkOaV)

191 Nevertheless, our hands remain tied to approve the President's deal with Iran. One third of one sixth, etc, etc

Posted by: Boner and McDouchenozzle at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (hKyl0)

192 You mean, we could just waltz into the Marshall Islands and...

Posted by: China at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (FcR7P)

193 186 Why can't Hormel patrol their own Straits?
Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (HV+oZ)

Too busy making Spam

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (ZdA3v)

194 Why can't Hormel patrol their own Straits?

Posted by: Boss Moss

Because it's too chili there.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 28, 2015 12:15 PM (KhFZp)

195 They can totes be trusted with nukes.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (7ObY1)

196 Unless we were going to start shooting at Iranian coast guard ships."

You do know that "shooting" isn't even close to being a requirement in moving ships and dissuading those wishing to seize another...

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (KnbYp)

197 So when do we get the new Mariel boat lift to Florida. It would seem a rerun of the Carter admin is on order for the next two years.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (oDCMR)

198 I read an analysis a while back that there is a pretty significant faction within Iran that wants to avoid better relations with the US at all costs because that would introduce cultural influences that would weaken the power of the ayatollahs who run the country today. It is kind of a variation on the theme of "Coca Cola Imperialism" that the US is such a powerful cultural influence that whether it wants to or not, it will have a significant effect on any place it interacts with. One aspect of this theory is that the Iranians might not have been all that serious about acquiring nuclear weapons but having a program in place made it impossible for the US to improve relations under normal Presidents.

This faction, according to the theory, has been able to derail any attempts at better relations between the US and Iran since the Iranian revolution in 1979.

In any event, the Iranians do not want better relations and it seems that they are willing to do whatever it takes to insure that there will not be better relations between the US and Iran. The more Obama capitulates, the more extreme the Iranians have to be in order to avoid any deal.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (KDbAT)

199 >>Why can't Hormel patrol their own Straits?

They would make a hash of it.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (g1DWB)

200 flying a flag of convenience eh ?

Well we just happen to have a President of Convenience !

Who better to save them ?!

Posted by: McCool at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (TQxRy)

201 What's the big deal here people? The commodore and his crew just won an all expensive paid vacation to Iran and while they're at it the mullah's will give them a tour of their nuke facilities. I wouldn't be surprised if obama praises the Iranians for their hospitality.

Posted by: Ifernal optomist at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (UnJ7w)

202 To most here.... those are far away waters... meaning little or nothing to them...

To me? I spent years in those waters. Patrolling them.

Shit, when my Twins were born, I was in the middle of a Boarding Operation in those exact waters...

I've felt betrayal by our own Government before... as they give away a victory we fought and died for....

I guess this is just another in the long string.... yet for some reason, this one is hitting me very hard...

Maybe because it was the one I never believed they COULD fuck up....

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (qh617)

203 Maybe we can negotiate a release of the ship and then mount a military operation to recover it.

Posted by: Jerri Ford at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (NUqwG)

204 Well, the accountants at Loyds of London will be recalculating their insurance rates for that area.

Posted by: Larry Nobody at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (RCAlo)

205 Dammit, now I want some eggs with corned beef hash.

Time to raid the prepper pantry.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (7ObY1)

206 Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:12 PM (g1DWB)

Yeah, I don't know the exact details. But I do know a lot of Massholes play around with ship registrations (or where they purchase them). Lots registered in RI, NH, CT, DE...

You see it in NJ, too, but I think that's for different reasons.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (AkOaV)

207 So looks like We are ceding the straits to Iran..."

Shhh. Don't be so obvious. Some here don't get it.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (KnbYp)

208 Obama thanks Japan for karate, karaoke, anime, 'and, of course, ~~emojis~~ bukkake'

Fixed

Posted by: Reggie at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (FcR7P)

209 Point of order? If they're a protectorate, and we don't do any you know protecting, we've told the world that our word is shit.
______________________

Anybody who has been paying attention since 2008 already knows our word is shit. And that Obama is the biggest pussy on the planet.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (lmdHn)

210 Rush isn't saying anything about it.

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:18 PM (sj3Ax)

211 Several of my yachts fly the flag of the Marshall Islands so I can avoid taxes. Power to the people!!!

Posted by: John Kerry at April 28, 2015 12:18 PM (OD2ni)

212 So ... does Iran have the bomb?

It would fit.

No need for negotiations any longer. They've bought enough time.

Nope. Instead ... some direct confrontation in a place of maximal impact. Designed to put the other side -- that's us folks -- in our place and show who's boss.

Once you've lost the initiative, getting it back is going to be tougher than tough. We've seceded from the world, that's for sure.

Posted by: Frankns at April 28, 2015 12:18 PM (UQxLo)

213 "Unless we were going to start shooting at Iranian coast guard ships.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (AkOaV)"

You say that as if it were a bad thing.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:18 PM (KDbAT)

214 BB Wolf,

Join the club.

Now you know how we OIF vets feel regarding Iraq.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (OsWis)

215 Sooooo....
We have the most powerful navy in history and we're not stomping Persian ass?
Uggggh

Posted by: Navycopjoe Playing bass at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (wyDcL)

216 Iranian waters = every right to take it in for customs and safety inspection.

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (Ru0NQ)

217 And I bet all our eastern European NATO partners ears perked up a bit with this news. I bet the spring breeze was just a bit chillier for them today.

Posted by: allenlou at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (tQQeX)

218 213 "Unless we were going to start shooting at Iranian coast guard ships.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:14 PM (AkOaV)"

You say that as if it were a bad thing.
Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:18 PM (KDbAT)

Operation Praying Mantis II

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (ZdA3v)

219
"They would make a hash of it."

Ba-dum-tash

Posted by: The Snare Drum at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (OD2ni)

220 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (kff5f)

221 Oh, come on! You know that our President will not let this go without drawing a line in the sand! He's a man's man! A Socialist Warrior of the Duh Clan, and not to be nose-tweeked at any time. You go, Barack! Show these people what kind of pudding you are made of!

Posted by: goon at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (A53Jp)

222 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (kff5f)

223
It's a Maersk ship ... Not exactly smugglers.

It's a big deal, mynewhandle, because it's another line the Iranians
have successfully crossed - without consequences. They're testing us.
And we are failing.

Shit will not stop here. They'll take more US hostages before it's all over. Bank on it.

Posted by: ScoggDog at April 28, 2015 12:00 PM (UZZHo)

Iran is in the wrong, regardless of which flag is flying from the stern of the vessel in question. They are effectively engaged in piracy. And that is why the U.S. Navy should open up a can of whoop-ass on them. The Marshall Is. flag of convenience is a red herring.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (V10o3)

224 First off its good that the government and press are correcting a misunderstanding and rumor: this wasn't a US flagged ship. That really is a critical point in terms of maritime law and tradition.

However, the treaty and binding agreements is a significant issue, I agree. The US needs to take action here, but President Obama is facing a bit of a quandary: he's planning on seizing and forcing into harbor Iranian ships with weapons for bad guys, so how can he tell Iran they shouldn't do it with our friends?

I mean, if he had some concept of good vs evil and bad actors, the war on terror, and so on, sure he could. But given his worldview, statements, and policy, he has no standing or basis for doing so. He has to treat every nation as functionally equal if not superior to the US in a demented United Nations sort of perspective both morally and in world importance.

So: they get away with this, because he can't say no. And besides, it was some cracker that made the treaty, not Obama the Great.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (39g3+)

225 "209
Point of order? If they're a protectorate, and we don't do any you know
protecting, we've told the world that our word is shit.

______________________

Anybody who has been paying attention since 2008 already knows our
word is shit. And that Obama is the biggest pussy on the planet.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (lmdHn)"

I'm pretty sure that the Ukrainians and the Russians know.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (KDbAT)

226 Trivial Pursuer,
Yes, zero is a pussy.
His word is nothing.
U. S. Has lost its power under that Frank Marshall Davis prot�g�e!!

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (sj3Ax)

227 Posted by: mynewhandle
----
I don't think you are seeing the historical context.
This wasn't the Iranian DEA pulling over a fast boat or (so far as we know) enforcing a weapons embargo and as for the "territorial waters", well that seems to mean wildly different things to different nations.
Much more information is certainly needed though before any kind of action is contemplated.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (NHtMs)

228 In Obamaworld, allies are enemies and enemies are allies.

Posted by: Marmo at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (QW+AD)

229 You see it in NJ, too, but I think that's for different reasons.
Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:17 PM (AkOaV)

They want to claim their from New York and not Jersey?

Posted by: buzzion at April 28, 2015 12:21 PM (zt+N6)

230 Fuck the Shah!

Posted by: Jimmy Carter at April 28, 2015 12:21 PM (UnJ7w)

231 However, the treaty and binding agreements is a significant issue, I agree. The US needs to take action here, but President Obama is facing a bit of a quandary: he's planning on seizing and forcing into harbor Iranian ships with weapons for bad guys, so how can he tell Iran they shouldn't do it with our friends?

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (39g3+)

Who has the bigger stick?

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 12:21 PM (ZdA3v)

232 >>Yeah, I don't know the exact details. But I do know a lot of Massholes play around with ship registrations (or where they purchase them). Lots registered in RI, NH, CT, DE...

It was a direct response to the 10% luxury tax that assholes like Kennedy and Kerry pushed for. RI had a lot of small to medium sized boat builders here before that but the tax put a huge crimp in the boat buying public (where did all those jobs go, a mystery I tell ya) so the state responded by making the purchase of a boat in RI tax free so long as the boat stays here for 6 months.

Naturally, people have been very creative in trying to use that law to save some serious tax liabilities. Nobody much cares save for when an asshole like Kerry who helped kill the boat industry here uses it.

Even the liberals here wouldn't defend him.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:21 PM (g1DWB)

233 http://tinyurl.com/mzya7tn

This website tracks marine traffic.

Click on "Show Track" to see where it was.

And someone email this to Barry and the Pentagon as proof it was right in the middle of the straights.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 28, 2015 12:22 PM (so+oy)

234 Another thought - I doubt the Iranians are going to be grabbing hostages right now. Assuming they want their nuclear deal with Obama to go through and get past Congress, seizing a bunch of hostages would be the fastest way of scuttling any agreement.

Obama would still go for any agreement because he is desperate to have a d�tente with the Iranians as a legacy, but I think it would be politically dead in the US.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 12:22 PM (hLRSq)

235 222 Burn it down.
Scatter the stones.
Salt the earth where it stood.
Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at April 28, 2015 12:20 PM (kff5f)

Tough to do on the water.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 28, 2015 12:23 PM (vgIRn)

236 We have the most powerful navy in history and we're not stomping Persian ass?

Collaboration makes us more powerful. Our Iranian Partners In Peace will patrol for us.

Posted by: Barack Hussein at April 28, 2015 12:23 PM (FcR7P)

237 Alsp doubtful it has Americans on board, although possible. Euro officers, Filipino deck apes and Chinese snipes would be the most common crewing.

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (Ru0NQ)

238 Tepid Air says it may have been released...

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (Bn6aD)

239 Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:16 PM (KnbYp)

Okay... but we and the brits before us expending a LARGE amount of energy creating and enforcing the laws of the sea.

If we IGNORE those treaties that we signed and twisted a lot of elbows around the world to get them to sign, isn't that sending the wrong message?

I'm not talking about Iran per se, but I mean... We can't be sending US military ships in to other nations territories. That's an act of war.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (AkOaV)

240 @markknoller 10m
On defense issues, Pres Obama says US commitment to Japanese security is absolute.

* tugs collar *

Posted by: Japan at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (KhFZp)

241
As stated, doesn't really even matter, agreement or not, letting Iran control that strait seriously hampers international shipping.

but Ofeckless is a pussy, which makes him and Mooch gay married.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (ODxAs)

242 Click on "Show Track" to see where it was."

Damn. If that data stream is correct...

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (KnbYp)

243 214 BB Wolf,

Join the club.

Now you know how we OIF vets feel regarding Iraq.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (OsWis)

Yeah.... Lebanon in 83 was bad, when we retreated... and let Iran get away with it.

Desert Storm? I still remember the shock when we were suddenly told to stop...

Missed all the stuff post 9/11....

But control of the Seas, and keeping the sea lanes safe for traffic was the Core Mission of the US Navy the entire time I was in...

Now I guess its just letting LGBYEKS eieio sailors have Sex on ships, and being Green...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (qh617)

244 As recently as 30 seconds ago the State Department website, state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26651.htm , on US relations with the Marshall Islands is saying, "The United States has FULL authority and responsibility for security and defense of the Marshall Islands. .." (emphasis added)

Posted by: fred at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (urOyD)

245 Every day is a good day for an asteroid to hit Iran. Plausible deniability, and I like it!

Posted by: goon at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (A53Jp)

246 They should still sink the Iranian Navy.

Posted by: Boss Moss at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (HV+oZ)

247 Thank goodness for our '1000-ship navy' concept.

Posted by: Global Force For Good at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (NUqwG)

248 240 @markknoller 10m
On defense issues, Pres Obama says US commitment to Japanese security is absolute.

* tugs collar *
Posted by: Japan at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (KhFZp)

They've increased their spending on the military, they are now 5th worldwide

Posted by: MikeH at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (ZdA3v)

249 145 Point of order? If they're a protectorate, and we don't do any you know protecting, we've told the world that our word is shit.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at April 28, 2015 12:06 PM (IcJmI)

There you go again, being logical.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at April 28, 2015 12:25 PM (oKE6c)

250
234 Another thought - I doubt the Iranians are going to be grabbing hostages right now. Assuming they want their nuclear deal with Obama to go through and get past Congress, seizing a bunch of hostages would be the fastest way of scuttling any agreement. Obama would still go for any agreement because he is desperate to have a detente with the Iranians as a legacy, but I think it would be politically dead in the US.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Ice-Cold Contempt and Fiery Furies Together at the Outrage Outlet! at April 28, 2015 12:22 PM (hLRSq)

Iran doesn't give a shit about the nuclear deal. They just love using it to play Obama and act like they are bringing the US to heel. You think they care about the nuclear deal? Really? Ok. Tell me, what difference would there be between there being a nuclear deal or no nuclear deal?

Posted by: buzzion at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (zt+N6)

251 Presidenting is hard - ask Valerie Jarrett.

Posted by: Miley's Tongue at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (4bCZC)

252 We can't be sending US military ships in to other nations territories"

Welcome to the real world.

BTW, check out the link in 233 and tell us how that works again?

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (KnbYp)

253 I'm trying to see what the Iranians gain by this. Hold the ship hostage to passage of the non-treaty? Remind Barky of who the top dog is in this relationship? They're quite clever and they have Barky's measure, so what's the endgame?

Posted by: joncelli at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (RD7QR)

254 Damn. If that data stream is correct...
Posted by: anon a mouse
..........
Yeah.. right in the middle until the Iranians diverted her.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (so+oy)

255 "214
BB Wolf,

Join the club.

Now you know how we OIF vets feel regarding Iraq.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at April 28, 2015 12:19 PM (OsWis)"

You mean the way Vietnam veterans feel about the Democrats cutting off all aid to South Vietnam so that the war, which had been won, was lost? Does anybody notice a pattern?

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (KDbAT)

256 I'm not talking about Iran per se, but I mean... We can't be sending US military ships in to other nations territories. That's an act of war.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:24 PM (AkOaV)

so its OK to use drones to assassinate Goat Herders in a Neutral Country...

But not OK for the US Navy to do its traditional Mission...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (qh617)

257
Assuming they want their nuclear deal with Obama to go through and get past Congress, seizing a bunch of hostages would be the fastest way of scuttling any agreement.

i really don't think iran cares if they get a deal or not.they know they'll get a nuclear weapon they know no one will stop them and they know once they get one people will start doing business with them

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (lKyWE)

258 The ship was in Iranian waters.....and Ukraine was dressed provocatively.

Taiwan, you've been acting a little saucy lately, so if something happens to you....sorry!

Posted by: Department of Defense at April 28, 2015 12:27 PM (JoIcn)

259 Iran is at war with us, has been for decades. Fuck their shipping lanes, the nation continues to exist solely because of American forbearance.

Posted by: LincolnTf at April 28, 2015 12:27 PM (2cS/G)

260 Thanks Jimmy Carter!!

Posted by: Reza Shah Pahlavi at April 28, 2015 12:27 PM (UnJ7w)

261 Up up and away!

Posted by: Gas Pricea at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (cgnjR)

262 You mean the way Vietnam veterans feel about the
Democrats cutting off all aid to South Vietnam so that the war, which
had been won, was lost? Does anybody notice a pattern?

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole

Democrats want the commies/totalitarians to win? Hmm.

Posted by: Moderate Salami at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (/Ho8c)

263 Mikey ... I do not think Iran gives a flying fuck about any deal. They see an 18 month window to stump break a US president. That's all.

They're going to use those 18 months to humiliate us in all ways possible ... and hope some of it sticks after Barry is gone.

It's pretty logical, really.

Posted by: ScoggDog at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (UZZHo)

264 If you like your Compact of Free Association, you can keep your...

Posted by: Barack at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (urOyD)

265 Did the ship actually enter Iranian waters?

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (0LHZx)

266 There were a lot of Israeli reports a year or two ago that said they had a single one but it was like the first crude NK ones with no delivery system possible.

Eh? How is this possible? It's built into an immovable object?

I suppose that means you can't strap it to a missile. But you could put it on a 18-wheeler's flatbed. Or on a ship. Or on a cargo plane.

Posted by: bonhomme at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (jhqr1)

267 It's totes cool if Cuba starts eyeballing Puerto Rico. It's just a protectorate. It's not America.
Posted by: Marie Harf at April 28, 2015 12:13 PM (GgxVX)

Puerto Rico has more in common with Cuba culturally than they do the US, West Side Story and Nuyoricans an decades long Cuban embargo aside. Luckily Cuba is in no position to do anything...yet. And the Puerto Ricans that want independence are still a small minority, the big debate I believe is still remaining commonwealth vs becoming a US state.

Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (yRwC8)

268 Moar Arab Spring? And with boats too!

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (oDCMR)

269 Posted by: mynewhandle
----------

It's cute that you don't want the US to keep shipping open anymore and I'm sure Russia will be more egalitarian.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (NHtMs)

270 255,

Yep.

Posted by: SMFH at it all at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (OsWis)

271
merchant vessalstransiting the straits don't stray outside the shipping channels.there are only two of them

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (lKyWE)

272 Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at April 28, 2015 12:28 PM (0LHZx

Fuck off you dishonest amoral lying scrotum sucker.

Posted by: buzzion at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (zt+N6)

273 Or China more likely.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (NHtMs)

274 There were a lot of Israeli reports a year or two ago that said they had a single one but it was like the first crude NK ones with no delivery system possible .

Eh? How is this possible? It's built into an
immovable object?

Fat Man & Little Boy.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (hUSu1)

275 I want to say right now though, I don't want the US to ever get involved in another war ever again, no matter what. I don't care what happens anywhere. No war.

The left has proven they will stoop to anything, commit any treason, will use any tactic no matter how evil or underhanded to betray the troops and turn victory into humiliating, crushing defeat. Every time.

We must not put soldiers into this situation ever again, not ever. We should pare back the military to a small US-only force, pull out of every country, and only fight if invaded, period. No matter what.

I'm tired of seeing soldiers fight and win and defend and engage in heroism only to be betrayed and ruined so that everything they fought for is taken away and all their acts are mocked, attacked, and smeared. Its just wrong, and we cannot allow it any more. We owe them so much more and it isn't possible as long as the left has any power in any sector of any part of American culture, law, politics, education, entertainment or any other part.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (39g3+)

276 I'm not talking about Iran per se, but I mean... We can't be sending US military ships in to other nations territories. That's an act of war.

Posted by: mynewhandle

Hi,

A ) It was, get this, not in their water.
"@PatMegahan 1h
Maersk Tigris was clearly in international waters and diverted by Iranian navy "

tinyurl.com/pgn4pb6

B ) How do you think we supplied our troops in Afghan?

Posted by: Japan at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (KhFZp)

277 Did the ship actually enter Iranian waters?"

Sure.

Oh, you mean "under it's own will"? Not so much. Cargo ships tend to turn when facing guns.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (KnbYp)

278 277 Did the ship actually enter Iranian waters?"

Sure.

Oh, you mean "under it's own will"? Not so much. Cargo ships tend to turn when facing guns.
Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (KnbYp)

__________

You know what I meant.

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (0LHZx)

279 President Carter I have been deposed and have cancer, may I enter the US for medical help?

Posted by: Reza Shah Pahlavi at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (UnJ7w)

280 Just keep in mind everyone. If you say Obama is a muslim you might be a whack job. He most assuredly is NOT a muslim. Nope no chance of that. There is NO WAY Obama is a muslim.

Posted by: james at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (rVEMe)

281 We told them not to go in that area...

Posted by: Marie Harf at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (FcR7P)

282
It is humorous, in a way, that Oblahblah uses the same strategy for Iran thuggery as do the mayors of Ferguson and Baltimore. Stand back and let them do it.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (ODxAs)

283 And the Puerto Ricans that want independence are
still a small minority, the big debate I believe is still remaining
commonwealth vs becoming a US state.

Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 12:29 PM (yRwC

Do we get any say in this? I'm all for Puerto Rican independence. Haiti needs a dopplegaenger.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (oKE6c)

284 "253
I'm trying to see what the Iranians gain by this. Hold the ship hostage
to passage of the non-treaty? Remind Barky of who the top dog is in this
relationship? They're quite clever and they have Barky's measure, so
what's the endgame?

Posted by: joncelli at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (RD7QR)"

The people running Iran do not want a treaty. They do not want improved relations with the United States. For the people in charge, having the US to serve as The Great Satan is far more valuable than having their people subverted by US cultural influences. They are already fighting a losing battle on the cultural front but so far they are still in charge even though their economy sputters along, emigration rates soar and birth rates plummet.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (KDbAT)

285
Eh? How is this possible? It's built into an immovable object? bulding a bomb is easy,bulding one small and light enough to put on a missile has always been the tricky part

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:32 PM (lKyWE)

286 I'm busy right now, here talk to billy.
*sound of someone cracking open peanut shells*

Posted by: Jimmy Carter at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (UnJ7w)

287 Do we get any say in this? I'm all for Puerto Rican independence. Haiti needs a dopplegaenger.
Posted by: Jay Guevara at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (oKE6c)

_________

Strike a deal. PR becomes a state. In exchange, California is split into two, with 1 CA from the ocean, to 50 miles inland, and the other CA everything else.

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (0LHZx)

288 On the other hand, imagine the response if I boarded a John Kerry-flagged vessel.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (FcR7P)

289 What if it turns, for once in their history, Iran actually acted within the correct international laws, did a c&s inspection, cited whatever was found to be a violation, and sends the ship on its way?

You wingnut internet chest beaters are gonna look pretty stupid.

Wait for the FACTS before invoking your inet commando ape hooting...

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (Ru0NQ)

290 I've got to stop keeping up on current events. Doing so just pisses me off too much. Am I the only one who experiences this phenomenon?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (oKE6c)

291 Drudge Headline
Iran Siezes Cargo Shop
Pentagon Sends Destroyer

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (sj3Ax)

292 The U.S. is bending over for Iran in order to get an agreement while not honoring an agreement with the Marshall Islands.

This whole idea of agreements is nearly as hard to understand as "is" is.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (BZAd3)

293 Did Ace use the title: President Kickass? Because that applies here.

Posted by: Seems Legit at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (A98Xu)

294 Dear Vets,

You need to do your duty and die.

You're putting a strain on the VA, and you should consider your oath you took and die for your country.

Love,

Robert McDonald
VA Secretary

http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=59529

Posted by: SMFH at it all at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (OsWis)

295 The captain acted stupidly.

Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2015 12:34 PM (6xtq3)

296 I think that B, Hussein Obama should just ask Hassan Rouhani of Iran to the prom he evidently has such crush on him.

Can we impeach him now? Nope-not our historic first.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 28, 2015 12:34 PM (DXzRD)

297 Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (qh617)

No, I don't think we should be using drones in countries we dont have declared wars with either.

But there's a reason we have relatively safe seas, and thats because damned near every sovereign nation on earth plays by the rules.

We made the rules. We can't then violate the rules we made if we expect everyone else (ahem China) to continue to play by the rules

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (AkOaV)

298 Wait for the FACTS before invoking your inet commando ape hooting...
Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:33 PM (Ru0NQ)

------

Yes, just as the administration needs to wait also before saying, "NOT OUR PROBLEM!"

Posted by: Seems Legit at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (A98Xu)

299 Maybe Fredo should send the Navy to Baltimore?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (oDCMR)

300
@289

what law would they legallybe acting under?

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (lKyWE)

301 Al Jiz is saying freighter has been released.... waiting on confirmation...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (qh617)

302 Jay Guevera,
I'm better off outside & listening to,talk radio than keeping current news! It raises my BP too.

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:35 PM (sj3Ax)

303 Strike a deal. PR becomes a state. In exchange, California is split into two, with 1 CA from the ocean, to 50 miles inland, and the other CA everything else.

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN

So about Pendleton and SD ...

Posted by: The Marine Corps at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (KhFZp)

304 building a bomb is easy, building one small and light enough to put on a missile has always been the tricky part

Yeah, I assumed that meant "you can't strap it to a missile". I'm just pointing out that there are plenty of delivery systems other than missiles.

Posted by: bonhomme at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (jhqr1)

305 I suppose that means you can't strap it to a missile. But you could put it on a 18-wheeler's flatbed. Or on a ship. Or on a cargo plane.

Posted by: bonhomme

Well yeah, that's what I meant. The stories I read said it was basically not even buttoned up like Trinity but could certainly be assembled into the hold of a ship. Maybe a big transport aircraft for a martyr mission. remember though that some of the first Nork bombs were semi-duds.
I never said it wasn't incredibly alarming but nothing has ever been confirmed.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (NHtMs)

306 Next Week, Iran invades Guam. President claims is not actual U.S. State.

Posted by: SGTYork at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (/yNLK)

307 You mean the way Vietnam veterans feel about the Democrats cutting off all aid to South Vietnam so that the war, which had been won, was lost? Does anybody notice a pattern?
Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:26 PM (KDbAT)
-----
Technically a 30% reduction in aid and a prohibition of the use of force by the U.S. Even more disgracefully, the U.S. pressured IRAN not to replace withdrawn US aid and fuel shipments.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (NUqwG)

308 Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at April 28, 2015 12:31 PM (0LHZx)

Moo-moo, for those who aren't up to speed.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (V10o3)

309 We can't then violate the rules we made"

Where's the "rule" that says "we're totes OK w/you seizing ships"

I missed that one.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (KnbYp)

310 Looks like the gay squirrel thread is back up.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 12:37 PM (FcR7P)

311 I am reminded with this news the way Thatcher handled the Falklands War. Thatcher was more of a leader--dare I say it more manly?--than Obama will ever be. And she wore pearls and a skirt!

Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 12:37 PM (yRwC8)

312 Posted by: Japan at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (KhFZp)

I saw the ship tracker. I'm not an expert on sea lanes, I'm just going off what the Navy said, which was that the Tigris was in Iranian waters when confronted by Iranian coast guard.

Also, uh, we didn't send ships in to any hostile ports for Afghanistan. We have treaties with countries on where we can park our warships when they're deployed. Iranian ports is not one of those places.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (AkOaV)

313 311 I am reminded with this news the way Thatcher handled the Falklands War. Thatcher was more of a leader--dare I say it more manly?--than Obama will ever be. And she wore pearls and a skirt!
Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 12:37 PM (yRwC

So does Barry, at least until just before Michele comes home.

Posted by: joncelli at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (RD7QR)

314 And she wore pearls and a skirt!

And did it backwards in high heels.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (0HooB)

315 We will fight to the last enfant!!!!!!!

Posted by: Saddam Hussein at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (UnJ7w)

316 And she wore pearls and a skirt!

So does my boy

Posted by: Reggie Love at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (KnbYp)

317 SGT York,
Guam would tip over with all that extra weight!

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (sj3Ax)

318 Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:36 PM (KnbYp)

Sure, all nations can seize and inspect any ship in their territorial waters.

The US Coast Guard does it regularly, as does every country on the planet.

If Iran refuses to release the ship or crew, that's a different story.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (AkOaV)

319 300 internal laws of the sea give a country the right to enforce customs and safety in their own waters. We the us do it every day.

Thas why we need the FACTS. If the ship was NOT in iranian waters its a whole differnet bucket of fish.

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (Ru0NQ)

320 I never said it wasn't incredibly alarming but nothing has ever been confirmed.

Understood.

Posted by: bonhomme at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (jhqr1)

321 Run away! Run away!

Posted by: Brave Sir Barack at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (8ZskC)

322 Al Jiz is saying freighter has been released.... waiting on confirmation...

It'd be funny if Obama dithered so much that the Iranians got nervous. "Holy fuck, what is he planning?"

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (FcR7P)

323 Shockingly, Obama's presidency isn't turning out well.

Posted by: Washington Post Editors at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (FCsIb)

324 I bet ValJar has pix of TFG in pearls and a skirt.

She calls it "employment insurance."

Man's Country, baby!

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (7ObY1)

325 But but but the Crusades! The Inquisition! Slavery! The Holocaust!

Posted by: Grampa Jimbo at April 28, 2015 12:40 PM (V70Uh)

326 You wingnut internet chest beaters are gonna look pretty stupid.

Wait for the FACTS before invoking your inet commando ape hooting...
Posted by: President Janal Queef
-----

Why don't you wait for the facts before your assholery insult baiting?
Just STFU already.

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:40 PM (NHtMs)

327 Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:38 PM (AkOaV)

Reports are the Iranians fired warning shots across her bow...

That is a huge escalation... normally, even if you enter territorial waters by a few hundred yards, you are warned off.... told to turn back... not seized.

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (qh617)

328 I bet ValJar has pix of TFG in pearls and a skirt.

She calls it "employment insurance."

Sucker bet. Not taking it.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (hUSu1)

329 The Marshall Islands is one of the largest "flag of convenience" nations there is. If we let Iran start seizing ships from there it will put a big dent in trade in that part of the ocean.

But Obama doesn't give a shit and Congress will do nothing.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (wlDny)

330 Hey, that liquor store was in our territorial waters!

Posted by: Baltimore Yoots at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (FcR7P)

331 Shifty Joo false flag! Remover the U.S.S. Liberty!

Posted by: Luap Noor at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (MzU3W)

332 Commando ape hooting?

Count me in!!!!!

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (7ObY1)

333 "275
I want to say right now though, I don't want the US to ever get involved
in another war ever again, no matter what. I don't care what happens
anywhere. No war.

The left has proven they will stoop to anything, commit any treason,
will use any tactic no matter how evil or underhanded to betray the
troops and turn victory into humiliating, crushing defeat. Every time.

We must not put soldiers into this situation ever again, not ever.
We should pare back the military to a small US-only force, pull out of
every country, and only fight if invaded, period. No matter what.

I'm tired of seeing soldiers fight and win and defend and engage in
heroism only to be betrayed and ruined so that everything they fought
for is taken away and all their acts are mocked, attacked, and smeared.
Its just wrong, and we cannot allow it any more. We owe them so much
more and it isn't possible as long as the left has any power in any
sector of any part of American culture, law, politics, education,
entertainment or any other part.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:30 PM (39g3+)"

That is much too negative an attitude to take. You are correct that we cannot morally send troops into harm's way any more because the Democrats will betray them and their sacrifice and try to undo the results of military victories.

However, there are limits to what the Democrats can do. The Democrats cannot bring our enemies back from the dead. The democrats cannot raise broken enemy ships from the bottom of the ocean. It will take years for Democrats to rebuild a country after we have smashed their infrastructure and they can't pay attention that long. And, ultimately, Democrats cannot unnuke cities.

So, yes, we can still go to war. What Democrats have done is to make it impossible to go to war in a way that will minimize casualties and collateral damage in enemy countries. Oh, well. Sucks to be them. Any survivors can send a strongly worded letter to the DNC.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:42 PM (KDbAT)

334 326 hoot hoot hoot!

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:42 PM (Ru0NQ)

335 I'm just going off what the ~~Navy~~ THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION said,
Posted by: mynewhandle

FIFY, and is there a chance that maybe, just maybe, Obama's crew might be full of shit?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 28, 2015 12:42 PM (KhFZp)

336 Like I said in the last thread, this could be a big deal, or it might not be.

For all we know, Iran had a "legit" reason to want to inspect this ship. Maybe they suspected that the ship going from Turkey to Saudi Arabia was loaded with weapons to be used in Yemen against Iranian proxies.

If the ship entered Iranian waters (which the USN says it did, but we'll have to wait for confirmation. The tracker looks like they didnt to my untrained eye, but I don't know), then Iran would have the right to seize the ship and inspect its cargo. If there were weapons of war, then Iran has the right to seize them and charge the crew with, essentially, gun running.

That could be all this is. Small proxy war shit, having nothing to do with the flag of convenience being flown or the world headquarters of the company or anything else.

It's way too early to know for sure.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:42 PM (AkOaV)

337 BTW, you're relying on CNN.

Good luck, that.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (KnbYp)

338 Sure, all nations can seize and inspect any ship in their territorial waters.

The US Coast Guard does it regularly, as does every country on the planet.

If Iran refuses to release the ship or crew, that's a different story.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:39 PM (AkOaV)

Things is, Straits of Hormuz are defined as international waters. There are defined shipping lanes, marked on the charts. Does anyone really think that a vessel carrying goods which Iran might consider to be "contraband" would risk arrest by straying out of those well-defined shipping lanes into what is legitimately recognized by the world as Iranian waters?

Iran claims the entire strait as its territorial waters, but that claim is rejected by the world at large. Except, apparently, for Obama.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (V10o3)

339 Tick, tock, tick, tock, counting the minutes until my first baseball game. Only two more hours before I head to the field. Not enough time to watch The Sandlot, but I'll watch a few clips on Youtube, get in the spirit of things.

Posted by: LincolnTf at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (2cS/G)

340 Navy guarantees sea lanes

No, no, no. The Navy guarantees seal anus.

Posted by: wooga at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (Er2Gd)

341 I don't often ape hoot.

But when I do, I do it commando.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (7ObY1)

342 Posted by: weft cut-loop at April 28, 2015 12:42 PM (KhFZp)

Yeah, definitely could be.

I'm just saying I'm not an expert on sea lanes and territorial claims in that part of the world. I assume the Navy employs some experts, who determined the ship was in Iranian waters.

I could be wrong, they could be wrong, they could be lying... i don't know.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (AkOaV)

343 Didn't the Ukrainians have a piece of paper that guaranteed their defense, too? Signed by another Democrat, no less?

Posted by: TD at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (OKdWS)

344 which the USN says it did"

funny. I can't find a USN release making any such claim.

The WH, OTOH...

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (KnbYp)

345 All this pleasant moron comraderie has made me depressed now.
I blame all of you that don't agree with my point of view.
I wonder where I can get Polish vodka for lunch in La Grange, Texas?

Posted by: Hopped Up On Something at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (NHtMs)

346 HEY HEY HEY watch it anon a mouse!

Posted by: Wolf Blitzer at April 28, 2015 12:45 PM (UnJ7w)

347 Iran claims the entire strait as its territorial waters"

Shhh. Caption oblivious hasn't figured that one out yet.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:45 PM (KnbYp)

348 Navy guarantees sea lanes

No, no, no. The Navy guarantees seal anus.
Posted by: wooga at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (Er2Gd)
-----
Gender equality - Mission 1 !

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:45 PM (NUqwG)

349 Vic,
You're right! Congress will do nothing. We have no opposition party.

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (sj3Ax)

350 So, yes, we can still go to war. What Democrats have done is to make it impossible to go to war in a way that will minimize casualties and collateral damage in enemy countries.

That's a point: we are reduced to only a total war that obliterates the enemy then we walk away and brush our hands saying "good luck rebuilding, don't piss us of again." Get it over with fast and incredibly furious, then walk away.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (39g3+)

351 Gender equality - Mission 1 !
Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:45 PM (NUqwG)
----
No wait, that is now Trans-gender equality. My mistake.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (NUqwG)

352 RMI uses US currency as well.

Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (j1Wvr)

353 Wait for the FACTS before invoking your inet commando ape hooting...

***************

Are there crunchy figs involved?

Posted by: A better poet than my poetry directors at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (vgIRn)

354 310 Looks like the gay squirrel thread is back up.

Chip and Dale. #ChipHunkPride

Posted by: wooga at April 28, 2015 12:47 PM (Er2Gd)

355 On the plus side, it may give the intel we, the Hoarde, need to invade and capture the Marshalls, for our very own country...

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:47 PM (Ru0NQ)

356 Tick, tock, tick, tock, counting the minutes until my first baseball game. Only two more hours before I head to the field. Not enough time to watch The Sandlot, but I'll watch a few clips on Youtube, get in the spirit of things.
Posted by: LincolnTf at April 28, 2015 12:43 PM (2cS/G)

Rip the covah off! Good luck, man.

Posted by: Mainah at April 28, 2015 12:47 PM (659DL)

357 I don't recall the figs that I've eaten being that crunchy, btw.

Posted by: Moderate Salami at April 28, 2015 12:47 PM (/Ho8c)

358 Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (KnbYp)

Actually, fair enough.

I just re read some of the latest in my news feed, you're right. It was the WH, not the Navy that said that.

Looks like the Navy is saying the ship was in a commercial shipping lane when they were ordered to divert and had shots fired across their bow when they originally refused to.

So... we'll see what that means I guess.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:48 PM (AkOaV)

359 RMI uses US currency as well.
Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (j1Wvr)

-------
Anyone interested in some nice Elvis stamps. They are sure to increase in value immediately!

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:48 PM (NUqwG)

360 I wonder where I can get Polish vodka for lunch in La Grange, Texas?"

Dunno. German style beers though...

Texas morons may enlighten - wasn't that town famous for, er, ignoring the Prohibition?

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:48 PM (KnbYp)

361 Enough of this Iran talk. So Senator Cruz tell the American people if as president you would burn alive all the gays or just crucify them?

Posted by: Wolf Blitzer at April 28, 2015 12:48 PM (UnJ7w)

362 IowaHawk is pining for Jimmah to return:

http://tinyurl.com/kdfaq4m

That would certainly be a step up.

Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:50 PM (BZAd3)

363 361,

Heh.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 12:50 PM (KnbYp)

364 Weasel Zippers: Another "Purge" attack threatened against another mall today in Baltimore.

Those kids had better pray they don't come up against a "purge" type environment.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:50 PM (hUSu1)

365 Thanks, Mainah.

Posted by: LincolnTf at April 28, 2015 12:51 PM (2cS/G)

366 I could be wrong, they could be wrong, they could be lying... i don't know.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (AkOaV)

I sailed those waters for years... I've boarded ships there...

Unless we had a positive Radar track on the ship in question, its impossible for us to know exactly where it was when first encountered.

Ships also often turn to get out of the way of other traffic if it is getting too close... as larger ships have the right of way (unless they are military ships)...

It does not sound like the Farragut was close enough to intervene... which means to this old radar tech, that unless we had eyes in the sky... we don't have Radar coverage of the incident.

Ships are constantly going over lines in the Gulf... as they are constricted waters with LOTS of traffic...

I find it very hard to believe that the US Navy came to any conclusion that rapidly... and then TOLD THE PRESS....

This has Susan Rice's finger prints all over it.... next we'll be told there is a video...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:51 PM (qh617)

367 Remember when Ronaldus Magnus sank the Iranian navy and shot up half their oil platforms? Good times.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at April 28, 2015 12:51 PM (659DL)

368 YER DERN TOOTIN!

Posted by: Jimmah Carter at April 28, 2015 12:51 PM (UnJ7w)

369 Some riots just aren't bloody enough.

Posted by: RioBravo at April 28, 2015 12:51 PM (NUqwG)

370 343
Didn't the Ukrainians have a piece of paper that guaranteed their defense, too? Signed by another Democrat, no less?

Posted by: TD at April 28, 2015 12:44 PM (OKdWS)

They have a notice of agreement that is so open ended it means nothing. Basically it says we will help them IF we want to.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (wlDny)

371 Iranian claims to the SOH! and daily reality are two different things. Was the ship in internationally recognized sea traffic lanes, or not? If Iran snatched every ship in the SOH, there would be no shiping there. Get the FACTS. For some reason the Iranians decided to pick on that ship at that moment.

Cui Bono...

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (Ru0NQ)

372 Also, the Maersk statement is kind of weird. The ships on a "time charter" (???) to "Singapore-based Rickmers Ship Management" (???)

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (AkOaV)

373 Texas morons may enlighten - wasn't that town famous for, er, ignoring the Prohibition?

LaGrange? Whorehouse. Chicken Ranch.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (hUSu1)

374 Preznit Present is now waxing poetic about the heroic Baltimore Rioters while at the same time throwing the Balto PD under the bus. What a reprehensible boil on the Ass of America.

Posted by: Truck Monkey is a Mime..... Serious at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (fLKzW)

375 "329
The Marshall Islands is one of the largest "flag of convenience" nations
there is. If we let Iran start seizing ships from there it will put a
big dent in trade in that part of the ocean.

But Obama doesn't give a shit and Congress will do nothing.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at April 28, 2015 12:41 PM (wlDny)"

Back during the Iran-Iraq War the Iranians were sending Zodiac boats out that would shoot RPGs at ships in the Persian Gulf. In response a number of ships owned by Arab countries registered them in the United States. The US Navy then convoyed them in to be loaded and escorted them safely in and out of the Persian Gulf. When US oil companies complained that the US Navy was not protecting US owned ships a Navy spokesman said that the US Navy was protecting US flagged ships and that the oil company could ask the Liberian navy for protection.

The owners can register their ships in the United States if they can pass the safety inspections. There is probably some Obama crony who can arrange that for enough money. The ships will then need an American master if not an entirely American crew which would please the Seafarer's Union.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (KDbAT)

376 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (AkOaV)

377 Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (KDbAT)

It's not the inspections that cause the most problems its the labor laws

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:53 PM (AkOaV)

378 It's about time....

"Texas professor fails his entire class for 'lacking competence"

http://tinyurl.com/petfxed

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 28, 2015 12:53 PM (F2IAQ)

379 Early Education is the key. What a complete idiot.

Posted by: Truck Monkey is a Mime..... Serious at April 28, 2015 12:53 PM (fLKzW)

380 USS Pueblo and Teheran Embassy all rolled into one! Yay! Just imagine what things will be like when they get (or admit they already have) their nukes. Thanks, ubama.

Posted by: Eromero at April 28, 2015 12:53 PM (go5uR)

381
i am really starting to believe this obama fellow loves iran more than he does america

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:54 PM (lKyWE)

382 376 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

From what Court?

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:54 PM (Bn6aD)

383 I'm just surprised that he hasn't handed the entire Marshal Islands, Micronesia, and Palau to Iran... yet.

Posted by: The Political Hat at April 28, 2015 12:54 PM (0Ew3K)

384 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

Why?

Is it gay?

Or Jewish?

Or both?

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at April 28, 2015 12:54 PM (659DL)

385 Well, at least the sailors aren't wearing red heels
Got that going for us at least

Posted by: Navycopjoe Playing bass at April 28, 2015 12:55 PM (et5qN)

386 Preznit SJW.... Even indicted congress in this because they won't spend the money necessary. All the while Japan's PM looks on. Someone stop this thing... I want off.

Posted by: Truck Monkey is a Mime..... Serious at April 28, 2015 12:55 PM (fLKzW)

387 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

Or a judge on the docks with a rubber stamp.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:55 PM (hUSu1)

388 383 I'm just surprised that he hasn't handed the entire Marshal Islands, Micronesia, and Palau to Iran... yet.

But wait, there's more!!

Posted by: Barack Obama at April 28, 2015 12:55 PM (UnJ7w)

389 From what Court?>>>

Sharia.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at April 28, 2015 12:55 PM (aVYsC)

390 Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (g1DWB

Flagging a US ship is a giant pain in the ass, which is why only one cruise line operates a US flagged ship in Hawaii.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) rogue bioethicst at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (HDwDg)

391 And why would I play bass?
EEEEEEE

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (et5qN)

392
courts don't control ships at sea

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (lKyWE)

393 *Hands over Iran Hawaii*

Posted by: Barack Obama at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (UnJ7w)

394 A 600-ship Navy with 16 carrier battle groups, four surface action task forces, and 100 attack submarines.

Good times.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (659DL)

395 >>Also, the Maersk statement is kind of weird. The ships on a "time charter" (???) to "Singapore-based Rickmers Ship Management" (???)

Again, SOP. When the Alabama was taken, it was under charter to a different company. Not unique in the world of sea shipping.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (g1DWB)

396 nood.

Posted by: rickb223 at April 28, 2015 12:57 PM (hUSu1)

397
382 376 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

From what Court?

Posted by: hello, it's Me Donna ....again at April 28, 2015 12:54 PM (Bn6aD)

Sad part is that we set the Legal Precedent for them being able to seize that ship even in International Waters, if it has a Court order...

As we declared US Law has Worldwide Jurisdiction and enforcement...

And you can thank GW Bush, a REPUBLICAN for that, as the precedent was set when we went after Norriega in Panama...

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 12:58 PM (qh617)

398 390. You mean the Pride of America?
Nope it's Norwegian

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 28, 2015 12:58 PM (et5qN)

399 392 yes, they do.

Posted by: President Janal Queef at April 28, 2015 12:58 PM (Ru0NQ)

400 393. Hey!!!!

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 28, 2015 12:59 PM (wyDcL)

401 Texas professor fails his entire class for 'lacking competence'

I love the response of the students quoted in the article: he lacks empathy! Sure we suck and know nothing but he's mean!

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:59 PM (39g3+)

402 It's like a community organizer is running the country.

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 28, 2015 12:59 PM (UnJ7w)

403
As we declared US Law has Worldwide Jurisdiction and enforcement...

not over maritime law.

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:59 PM (lKyWE)

404 Ace,
I just sent you WSJ article!

Posted by: Carol at April 28, 2015 01:00 PM (sj3Ax)

405 376 Iranians also claiming they had a court order to seize the ship, which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.
Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (AkOaV)

Dispute with Maersk, maybe, or with the company to which this ship was leased. Still, going out into shipping lanes to grab it is kinda unusual.

Posted by: joncelli at April 28, 2015 01:02 PM (RD7QR)

406
maritime courts do.but not a countries court system

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 01:02 PM (lKyWE)

407 Virtually every modern U.S. owned offshore drill rig is Marshall Islands flagged. There are several in the Med and at least three off Israel right now.

Posted by: Dave at Buffalo Roam at April 28, 2015 01:02 PM (Zv4WA)

408 USA has a legal obligation to treat an attack on Marshall Islands like an attack on the USA

Obama *is* treating it like an attack on the USA.

Posted by: t-bird at April 28, 2015 01:03 PM (FcR7P)

409 @405 and piracy

Posted by: lurkingestlurker at April 28, 2015 01:03 PM (bW0yY)

410
this is about iran putting the screws to saudia arabia

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 01:04 PM (lKyWE)

411 "350
So, yes, we can still go to war. What Democrats have done is to make
it impossible to go to war in a way that will minimize casualties and
collateral damage in enemy countries.

That's a point: we are reduced to only a total war that obliterates
the enemy then we walk away and brush our hands saying "good luck
rebuilding, don't piss us of again." Get it over with fast and
incredibly furious, then walk away.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 12:46 PM (39g3+)"

The advantage of this is that the amount of domestic opposition to a war tends to be related to 1) the number of news stories 2) the number of Americans killed, wounded or inconvenienced.

If the war happens quickly, there will be fewer news stories. If, instead of hunting down people and taking them down one at a time you blow up the entire zip code, a lot fewer Americans are involved at all, although it is kind of tough on the locals.

Think of it like the ban on DDT. Democrats get to feel all smug and warm and morally superior and a whole lot of dark skinned people in third world countries die.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 01:05 PM (KDbAT)

412 which would seem to suggest that they had their eyes on this particular ship long before it entered the Straits.

That is suggestive that something else is going on behind the scenes.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at April 28, 2015 01:05 PM (39g3+)

413 And to think Captain Kickass had an opportunity to help the Iranian people overthrow the Ruling Inbreds after Nadia was shot dead in the street like a fucking animal. Obama Nahst!

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 28, 2015 01:07 PM (UnJ7w)

414 *Neda*

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 28, 2015 01:08 PM (UnJ7w)

415 IowaHawk is pining for Jimmah to return: http://tinyurl.com/kdfaq4m That would certainly be a step up. Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at April 28, 2015 12:50 PM (BZAd3)

Mr Rogers vs Urkel...lord preserve us now that we live in a time when Jimmah sounds like a decent swap.

Posted by: LizLem at April 28, 2015 01:09 PM (yRwC8)

416 "407
Virtually every modern U.S. owned offshore drill rig is Marshall Islands
flagged. There are several in the Med and at least three off Israel
right now.

Posted by: Dave at Buffalo Roam at April 28, 2015 01:02 PM (Zv4WA)"

Better think about reflagging them right away.

Here's a thought...how about reflagged to Israel?

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 01:09 PM (KDbAT)

417 403
As we declared US Law has Worldwide Jurisdiction and enforcement...

not over maritime law.

Posted by: kj at April 28, 2015 12:59 PM (lKyWE)

Maritime law is nothing but a bunch of treaties we all agreed to... and enforce through the might of the Navies of the various signatories.

Apparently they are no longer concerned about that might however...

reports are now out that there were numerous small craft which intercepted the freighter... and shots fired across its bow...

If true??? sounds a lot like a set up to me....

Posted by: BB Wolf at April 28, 2015 01:09 PM (qh617)

418 This is what happens when you allow the state/government to be in charge of defense. Everything becomes subservient to politics.

Posted by: DocMerlin at April 28, 2015 01:10 PM (OvvRq)

419 Excuse me sir..directions to the stadium? Ew oh oh ouch! Not the brick!

Posted by: Orioles' mascot at April 28, 2015 01:11 PM (UnJ7w)

420 Excuse me while I kiss this guy.

Posted by: Jimmy Hendrix at April 28, 2015 01:13 PM (UnJ7w)

421 "390
Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2015 11:58 AM (g1DWB

Flagging a US ship is a giant pain in the ass, which is why only one cruise line operates a US flagged ship in Hawaii.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) rogue bioethicst at April 28, 2015 12:56 PM (HDwDg)"

I bet it goes a lot smoother if you pay off an Obama crony.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 01:14 PM (KDbAT)

422 That is suggestive that something else is going on behind the scenes."

Remember when comments were made about how to deliver a rather clumsy (but effective) nuke, and that it'd be "too heavy" to deliver via airborne capacity?

Good times, good times.

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 01:16 PM (KnbYp)

423 I bet it goes a lot smoother if you pay off an Hillary! crony"

There, FIFY

Posted by: anon a mouse at April 28, 2015 01:17 PM (KnbYp)

424 I bet Hillary's loving Baltimore right about now.

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 28, 2015 01:19 PM (UnJ7w)

425 "377
Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 12:52 PM (KDbAT)

It's not the inspections that cause the most problems its the labor laws

Posted by: mynewhandle at April 28, 2015 12:53 PM (AkOaV)"

It seems like there is a market niche for a country that will flag ships with a minimum of inconvenience but also provide naval protection for them in dangerous parts of the world.

India might be a candidate. The revenue from the ship flagging might pay for them to build up their navy which would help them assert dominance in the ocean named after them, especially off the coast of Pakistan.

Another possibility might be Israel. It would give them an excuse to have some guided missile cruisers a few miles off the coast of Iran. Heck, maybe the Israelis would buy that retired British aircraft carrier and keep it in the Persian Gulf.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at April 28, 2015 01:25 PM (KDbAT)

426 7
Carter looks like george fucking patton Ronald Reagan compared to this Indonesian douchetool.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at April 28, 2015 11:49 AM (FMbng)

FIFY

Posted by: jimmytheclaw at April 28, 2015 01:31 PM (dNYE1)

427 I love all of you in the Horde. Have a good day and remember those Nike's aren't going to throw a rock through the window and jump on your feet all by themselves!

Posted by: Arson Wells at April 28, 2015 01:32 PM (UnJ7w)

428 There are straights in Hormuz? Not buying it.

Posted by: Fred Phelps at April 28, 2015 01:35 PM (cIoI4)

429 I wonder if this isn't a doable route to secession. Might the Republic of Texas have a separate existence but maintain such a 'close relationship' with the United States? Hmmm...

Posted by: nobreakfast at April 28, 2015 01:56 PM (QEjbR)

430 President Obama, dude, do you even treaty?

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at April 28, 2015 02:02 PM (NB0Mu)

431 Now they're just slapping Barry around for laughs.

Posted by: HAL at April 28, 2015 02:10 PM (OmBeX)

432 War! War! War! War! Permanent war! At any excuse for war, let's go to war! WAR!!!

Posted by: The truth at April 28, 2015 03:05 PM (ibvmu)

433 When it is okay to call Obama the "Pussy-in-Chief"?

Posted by: Adjoran at April 28, 2015 04:02 PM (QIQ6j)

434 Remember the Pueblo!!

Remember the Pueblo?

January to December, 1968: yeah, we had a Democrat President then, too. Naval assets all over the theater, but LBJ (Lack of Balls Johnson) decided that talking was the way to do it.

If we went in and blasted an Iranian ship, who would do what about it?

Posted by: I lurk, therefore I amn't at April 28, 2015 04:53 PM (15/oZ)

435 The Straits are so narrow that by definition one must pass either through Oman's or Iran's territorial waters. Maps I have seen suggest the ship was sailing right on the border between the two. This is essentially an act of piracy, and once the Danes pay the Geld they will get their ship back. The SCFOAMF will do nothing.

Posted by: Ed ;Mahmoud' Moran at April 28, 2015 05:02 PM (4mrXD)

436 True story, I have drunk beer in the territorial waters of Oman near the island of al-Masirah. Like having sex with Kate Upton but without the huge knockers.

Posted by: Ed Mahmoud at April 28, 2015 05:05 PM (4mrXD)

437 Can we expect a Ben Ghazi like response from the demorat/Obama regime ?
rhetorical

Posted by: ron n. at April 28, 2015 08:16 PM (YVQn/)

438 NPR hasn't even MENTIONED the incident.

Posted by: Steve O at April 29, 2015 12:21 AM (YzrrX)

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1. Iran Boards Marshall Islands-Flagged Ship2. The Marshall Islands are In Free Association With the US; The US is Treaty-Bound to Protect Them3. Obama Administration & Media Start Shouting "The Ship Wasn't US-Flagged!"

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1. Iran Boards Marshall Islands-Flagged Ship
2. The Marshall Islands are In Free Association With the US; The US is Treaty-Bound to Protect Them
3. Obama Administration & Media Start Shouting "The Ship Wasn't US-Flagged!"