Any kidnapping by any forign forces of a British citizen, whatever country be involved, should be seen as an act of agression.

I think its fine we cooperate with US authorities over here, in detaining people wanted over there, providing there is no risk of the death penalty.

g, england, UK

... Ehm MaryM from Brookfield,

You are aware of the declaration of mr. Obama in which he declares to be wiling to BOMB Pakistan? I can't think of a reason ... why should he say this ... what is the kind of change we can expect from him?

Good Luck & Good Night,

Arnoud from The Netherlands

PS: We have, in a small way, the same problem here since we are part of the notorius "Coalition Of The Willing" ... and we had also a party that promissed change ... well guess what?

Arnoud, Den Haag,

America is just a big bully.

Kristian Madsen, Copenhagen, Denmark

The last 7 + years - and all of them - have been on going nightmare for us, in the United States with things only getting progressively worse. I can confidently tell you that the majority of us are overwhelmed with embarassment and shame at the actions of the Bush Administration. From an illegal war, to torture, to federal incompetence, to scandalous and corrupt pardons and deals, we are living in a world which Nazi Germany came realize. Our middle class is disappearing, our jobs have been shipped away and our govenment has turned its back on us. They've allowed our country to be taken over by huge corporate interests which own and manage everything, including the government and the entire world has been effected.

We are working for change, here. We are working from the bottom up, for a leader who will restore our constitution, our reputation to other nations and who will do the right thing by the rest of the world. Yes we will; yes we are; yes we can!

MaryM, Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA

The UK govenment should make it clear that whoever carrys out, orders or sanctions such kidnappings on British soil will be prosecuted and jailed if they ever set foot in the UK.

R Stretton, Chester,

I have to say that the US has been quite coherent in its approach. Check ou "the Hague invasion act". A little extract: "the new law authorizes the use of military force to liberate any American or citizen of a U.S.-allied country being held by the court (International Criminal Court), which is located in The Hague."

Scary, very scary

Manu, Lisbon, Portugal

I hope our brothers and sisters in the UK don't forget that millions of us Yankees happen to agree with them and would be quite thrilled if the KGB, MI6 or any other foreign intelligence service would come and kidnap both Bush & Cheney and prosecute them for crimes against humanity. BTW - They 're both fans of water boarding and don't consider it torture so we invite you to try that on them.

Please hurry though - we're dieing over here!

chris s, encinitas, ca

Come on people... chill out and think about this for a moment. How does what some American lawyer says = "AMERICA has told Britain." At best, I think this was only meant to put a scare in some people over here wanted by the U.S. A lot of times America is all bark and no bite. This means nothing...

Bobby M, London, UK

I agree with A.P. Veening. If a person breaks British laws against kidnapping they should be extradited and brought to trial. Whether kidnapping's legal in the USA is not the point. When you're in a nation you obey that nations laws.

Melchior, Brooklyn, NY

The solution to this is very easy: Enact reciprocal legislation and execute it. After all, kidnapping is illegal in the UK, so US officials kidnapping British citizens should be brought to trial.

A.P. Veening, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Interesting that so many want to get rid of Bush. Bill Clinton, in 1995 issued a directive to the CIA to use extraordinary rendition. Wait until Hillary starts eliminating her enemies.

Chrys, Greensburg,

I may be confused about the dates, but was George W. Bush in office in 1992 when the Supreme Court rendered it's decision? This "Bush Tourette Syndrome" would be funny if it weren't so sad. Whatever we might think of the decisions of the courts, not everything bad that happens is George Bush's fault. Get a life.

Marwan Nusair, Cincinnati, Ohio

Too bad Tollman got away. Better luck next time.

Leland, Tallahassee, FL

It is a sad state of affairs here in the United States when out official policy is that we can kidnap people abroad and bring them to the U.S. to face trial. It is unfathomable that our Supreme Court actually gave its stamp of approval to this behavior in the 1990's, actually holding that just because we have extradition treaties with other countries, it does not mean that is the only means by which we may acquire suspects in criminal cases. I had hoped that even with that ridiculous opinion, the U.S. would not attempt such an act again, but now that it is the administration's policy, who knows?

I cannot wait until this "president" is impeached and his VP along with him.

Garrett, Seattle, United States

this is a ridiculous argument and is just another example of the harm George Bush has done to America's reputation around the world/ American law only applies to American citizens. It does not apply to every single person in the world.

eddie, Miami, United States

There must still be some IRA people in the USA wanted in the UK. I wonder what the reaction of the US would be if the UK snatched them back to the UK for questioning or trial.

S Downie, london, england

If the US can send its agents around the world to “kidnap” citizens of any nationality if they are wanted for crimes in the United States, then it is high time to introduce strict visa requirements for Americans wishing to enter our countries. We live in a civilized world. Kidnapping is a crime. If no extradition agreements exist America can enter into them on a bilateral basis. And just for the record: why must we, Europeans, have our fingerprints taken and undergo iris scans, if those measures are not vice-versa?

Don Pablo, Brussels, Belgium

The problem as I see it, is that if someone commits a crime and then retreats to another country, then yes of course they should extradited and prosecuted. But that process must be done through legal channels of both countries. For the current American administration this will not happen. From reading these comments it seems that people are not defending a criminal's attempt to evade justice, but are more concerned with US taking the unilateral stance on kidnapping other country's citizens. This is administration is the most arrogant that the US has ever had. It will take a generation for the world to start to view the United States as a proper country and not a pariah bent on its own prosperity, at whatever the cost.

DJM, London,

As an expat living in the US all I can say is that this country has ceased to be called civilised, by the way the protests from the UK government are deafening aren't they.....

Ian Hendry, Boston, MA

"SHOOTOUT IN LONDON STREET"

Just imagine the headlines the first time an attempt is made to scoop someone up who has been afforded armed protection by the Home Office.

Dennis, The American Colonies,

In that case, let's kidnap George Bush. He's a criminal isn't he?

shahnaz, Basra, Iraq

If the US' view is allowed to stand, then I hope the International Criminal Court or some other public-spirited country employ the precedent to justify kidnapping Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and other neoconservative hawks so they may be tried for war crimes.

P. Wong, USA, USA

well it`s coming again boy`s and girls

The best way to take control over a people and control them
utterly is to take a little of their freedom at a time, to erode
rights by a thousand tiny and almost imperceptible
reductions. In this way the people will not see those rights
and freedoms being removed until past the point at which
these changes cannot be reversed - Adolf Hitler

martin, manchester,

I am ashamed our the US Government Congress, Courts, Judges, and how our constitution is ignored and basically the above folks have been hijacked by the International Corporations of US, Europe and other Countries.

I agree with the gentleman from Wales above. Surely the US Government won't mind if UK turns the tables on them and kidnaps US citizens who have committed similar or identical crimes against UK?

Good to get the Real News here on your Site. Listened to you on Coast to Coast last night too.
Keep up the good work.

c esterly, USA, USA

If that is the case, then surely the US won't mind other countries abducting their crooked officials and other criminals from the States? And I'm sure they would have no problem sending the people who carried out the kidnapping back to the country in which it took place in order to face charges of kidnapping?

R. Willatts, Cardiff, Wales

The United States Supreme Court has had an uneven record on international kidnapping. In Ker v Illinois, 119 U.S. 436 (1886) international kidnapping of criminal suspects was upheld. Factor v Laubenheimer, 290 U.S. 276 (1933) stated "The principles of international law recognize no right to extradition apart from treaty." In Alvarez-Machain v U.S.,
504 U.S. 655 (1992) kidnapping by federal officers was again upheld. However, other states do the same: the two most egregious examples are the Adolph Eichmann and Mordechai Vanunu kidnappings by Israel. Actions speak louder than words.

Michael J Brady, PhD International Law, Tucson,

RE: "Well..at least theres a legitimate reason for a kidnapping should it ever occur. Unlike when the British impressed/kidnapped thousands of Americans to man their ships of sail. "

Not being funny, but how long ago was that? At least we change to keep with the times. Your "bounty hunting" ways are still in effect from 1860.

America needs to grow up and stop spitting its dummy out all the damn time.

Kate, Kent, UK

regarding:
<quote>What's next? Will fugitive US tax evader Marc Rich be kidnapped in Switzerland to face the music in a US court? </quote>

Good luck. All males above 18 in Switzerland have a military issue assault rifle in their home (as required by Swiss law).
Should you attempt send your death squads / rendition teams to Switzerland - I'm guessing that the Swiss would use these assault rifles to ensure that these teams are no more.
The US government is behaving more and more like the dictator of the country where I grew up and lived prior to moving to Switzerland. And to think that I used to think that the US was the bastion of freedom.. how times change.

z, Zürich, Switzerland

The only thing that shocks me about these comments is the Traitors in our midsts. Americans actually saying that duly elected officials should be sent to foreign countries to be tried?
The rest of them are the usual poisonous comments from men and women who hate because that is all that is left for them to do.
As for the Kidnapping of a foreigner who break laws in the US to be tried in a US court, what does anyone expect? If countries deported criminals without the usual left bellyaching this would be a non-starter. The US has always extradited its criminal class to foreign governments that had just cause. That has not been reciprocal. Foreign governments have often denied the US criminals, even if US citizens. Furthermore, when a deportation took place, often they were sent with caveats on what punishments these criminals could be given.

M, Milwaukee, USA/WI

Well..at least theres a legitimate reason for a kidnapping should it ever occur. Unlike when the British impressed/kidnapped thousands of Americans to man their ships of sail.

Whoops!!..maybe I shouldn't have said that here as all Europeans seem to be suffering from German amnesia these days.

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

Could you guys please kidnap me? I'm tired of living in a police state. :[

Dietrich, baylor, FL / USA

I would not worry too much if they come looking for you. Look how long they have been searching for Bin Laden LOL

Stephen Croft, Ranong, Ex UK, Yorkshire

First, Bounty hunting is the act of a private citizen going to Britain with the knowledge and intent of breaking your laws to get a person wanted in the United States. It is also usually a private and contractual matter as well, since most, if not all, Bounty Hunts would arrange from someone jumping bail and the bondsmen who posted the bail sending out the Hunters.
Its legal in the United States cause the Courts don't care how a bail-jumper gets to court, just that they are present.
You signed the contract, you broke the rules, you deal with the consequences.
Use of it by the United States government using it's own agents would be problematic, particularly if the party were merely a fugitive and not a bail hopper.
We have better things to do then annoy our friends the Brits, but if the jumper disappears one night in Britain, who among you is really going to care that one American you thought was a tourists, just disappears? Who will even notice?

Stephen T, Staten Island / New York, USA / NY

It is funny how people talk about bounty hunting and assume that it applies to the government doing the same thing. If a person jumps bail and then goes to another country they think are immune from deportation. However, as most people who get bail use a bail bondsman to put up a bond and pay a percentage of the actual bail. They also sign a legal contract understanding that a bailbondsman will track them down if they do not show up for their hearing.
If a bailbondsman goes into another country and brings the person back then the person has no legal recourse to claim they should be released on those grounds. However, a bondsman also risks being charged with kidnapping by the other country. There was a famous case where this happened between Canada and the US. A man jumped bail and fled to canada as the charge was not a deportable one. The bounty hunters brought him back, but then Canada charged the bounty hunters with kidnapping which was deportable for.

Ronald, College Station, TX

I find it morally repugnant that my nation should act when there are laws ALREADY in place for criminals to be extradicted to this country. Maybe they should act on changing the law and not side-stepping it. All this does is undermine the trust shared between nations who have already agreed. If the case can be proved they will be extradicted if not..... Who ever said lifes' always fair hasn't really lived it.

Hadley Scott, Lebanon, USA / Penna.

Axis of Evil .. Shock and Awe .. Extraordinary Rendition .. Illegal Occupation.. If you're Not with us you are against US... And now Government sanctioned international Kidnapping! Wow .. sit tight - This is the New World Order.

leon, Melbourne, Australia

I must apologise to Bruce Steele and his fellow Americans. Apparently they are given information about the real world and can make reasoned decisions. CNN has just reported that US intelligence agencies undercut the White House yesterday by disclosing for the first time that Iran has not been pursuing a nuclear weapons development programme for the past four years. The secret report, which was declassified yesterday and published, marked a significant shift from previous estimates. "Tehran's decision to halt its nuclear weapons programme suggests it is less determined to develop nuclear weapons than we have been judging since 2005," it said.

Hoo boy; wanna bet George W Bush will now pull his head in? Be interesting to see how the World's Policeman responds to learning it has been getting it wrong again. Superpower?? Yeah, right.

Allan Watson, Redland City, Australia

After reading this article, it once again makes me ashamed to have anything to do with my home country. Perhaps we should just call it the United States of George? It makes me want to apologize to the world at large. Luckily it is now impossible to have four more years of the current regime, but the damages have been done.

Michael, Sunnyvale,

Britian,

Please, please, please kidnap any/all American criminals and take them all back to the UK.

Such a non-issue but it sure pushes the button for all the ant-Americans. You guys are just too easy.

Hotspur, Atlnta, USA

"At least when Amer. goes after someone there has been charges brought in a real court and upon return to the states that person will receive legal counsel,have a trial in open court and receive all of our Constitutional protections. We are attempting to bring criminals to justice.
Bruce Steele, Tully, USA/NY"

Really?
You live in dream world.
You hit the nail on the head though when you said "We are attempting to bring criminals to justice"

Criminals? Pre trial? You call that justice?

fred, nookastle,

Its clear from reading 90% of the American comments here that you guys take this discussion very personally. In my opinion, your policy makers alienate the rest of the world (yes, there is one guys), while destroying belief in our own police and security forces. I am unsure if we (Great Britatin) are able to execute such inconsiderate facist actions on American soil. Even if we could, would we risk any more pressure on "the special relationship?"

Rupert, Torquay, England

This article makes it seem as if a US lawyer has threatened Britain with this type of kidnapping. Are we sure it should be put in this context, or was it merely that a British lawyer or judge asked an American lawyer for a legal opinion? It would not surprise me if the US Congress has not passed a law that explicitly states that the US cannot kidnap someone on foreign territory and bring them back to the US for trial.

Are you "this is why everyone hates America" folks sure that Britain has a law stating that your government cannot kidnap wanted persons here in the US or in other countries?

Josh, Arizona, USA

<<Quote>>It is a problem if is more like a global Gestapo run to serve the interest and whims of the powerful and isolated few. I don't know which way it is heading.<<quote>>

America is headed toward a global Gestapo. This behavior is not normal! I wish more Brits and Europeans would wake up to what is really happening in the US. I'm an American saying this. I moved to the UK to get away from the American brownshirts, little did I know....

It isn't clear to me that the US Supreme Court ruled that this type of rendition is legal. It was ruled legal in the Mexican case because the US had an extradition case with Mexico. The Neo-Con lawyers have a tendency to re-intepret the law as they see fit.

Erin, London,

I do hope Bruce Steele, Tully, USA/NY is kidding. President George W Bush has shown utter contempt for the US Constitution, its Congress, the Founding Fathers, and the American people in general, so how does he really know how any kidnap victim will be treated there? Problem is, the good old US of A does not have an educated public which knows the truth of what is going on in its own back yard. Try finding out how many of the poor schmuks in Guantanamo Bay are guilty of anything

Allan Watson, Redland City, Australia

Why should every other nation on the planet give two-hoots as to what congress and Bush rules is sanctioned! If those 'Bounty Hunter' laws are used to kidnap foreigners, the kidnappers have broken the laws of whichever country that was and therefore are accountable to that country.

This is further proof of the evil fascism encouraged by the Patriot Acts and just what is required for the biblical 'End Days' scenario of the 'War on the Saints' or anyone refusing their 'Mark of the Beast', when it kicks in.

Stuart Harrison, Dorset, England

Its called extradition and rendition, not kidnapping.

Maybe the UK shouldn't have signed that extradition treaty with the US then if people wanted the UK to serve as a safe haven for people to break US law?

Wait....I've changed my mind...this article is right. We should make it harder to arrest suspected criminals, not easier. /sarcasm.

Corky St. Clair, Baltimore, Maryland

Perhaps the UK shouldn't have signed an extradition treaty with the US in 2003 if they wanted to harbor criminals?

Corky St. Clair, Boise, Idaho

Sounds like Bobby Fischer needs to move to a safe house. Iceland (that's the country, not the supermarket) is no longer beyond the reach of US snatch squads. "The Great Satan", now who was it that said that? Oh right, that dead guy.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan Alps

The quote concerns America's having passed from barbarism to decadence, and it's from old G.B. Shaw. And it has proved an observation of great prescience.

JOHN CHUCKMAN, TORONTO, Canada

I think that my country should kidnap a few American politicians just for being the idiots that even americans are ashamed of.

Joe Henderson, Gosport, United Kingdom

I can understand how Britan (a highly respected country in the US) would be upset over forced extradition. Can you understand how the US would be upset when British criminals aren't sent for trial? Bounty hunting is one of those activites that lives on the fringes of legality and acceptability. There is no way to make it pretty.

Before a person berates the US government for some of its "hidden" activites, please step back for a moment, find a realistic perspective, and ask yourself if none of that ever happens within your own government. That doesn't mean I'm endorsing it, just pointing out that soapbox you're standing on might be made of cardboard. Some of you live in countries that I know first-hand are riddled with corruption. Corruption only exists when the government allows it (and usually is at the center of it).

Carmen from Nashville: Info to surrender your citizenship is at www.uscis.gov or 1-800-375-5283 . You talk the talk; you gonna walk the walk?

Dennis, Waterloo, USA / Iowa

There is a solution. Extradition is a more valuable resource than rendition. Make it a requirement that no nation that engages in, or whose laws admit rendition shall be entitled to power of extradition.

As to recent U.S. cases, as a lawyer with over 55 years at the Bar, I am still toubled by what we did with the "President" of Panama.

The NatWest 3 case is, the gravemen being acts soley in the UK is equally unsustainable.

R. Richard Schweitzer, Atlanta, USA

So much for the special relationship. But then again what else can cousins expect?
Our neighbors north of the border do get better treatment. During the Viet Nam war U.S. police chased a draft dodger who was protesting the war on our side of the border into Canada and dragged him back to the good old USA. Canada demanded and got his immediate release.
Frederick Vaquer, Pasadena Ca.

Frederick Vaquer, pasadena, , ca, usa

I'm somehow not surprised. This seems to be a growing trend here in the states. By that i mean- ignorant, hypocritical, totalitarian WASP ethics dominating whatever ethical or political tenets we used to hold dear.

H. Johnson, Cleveland, OH

Must say, bringing up some naval press-ganging from nearly two centuries ago is a little unfair (it was pretty common practice back then, not nice but practical)

However, it does bring to mind an example of Britain acting as 'world police' and applying our laws to others. After we outlawed slavery, it became a practice of the British Navy to intercept American slaver ships and to generally harass the slave trade as much as possible. Should we have said "well, its not as if we are blameless in the past - so lets not interfere with the slave trade, its not in our country" or was it right we realised slavery was wrong and stepped in to prevent more misery?

America being the new 'world police' is not a problem if it stops wrongdoers and saves innocents - if it is a stern but friendly 'bobby on the beat' or a 30s 'untouchable'. It is a problem if is more like a global Gestapo run to serve the interest and whims of the powerful and isolated few. I don't know which way it is heading.

Bradley, Blackpool,

Just because something is legal doesn't mean it is done. America reserves the right to attack and invade Great Britain, but we're not going to do it. What the article says about the Tollman case doesn't make sense. They say he was rendered, but then they say the US "persuaded Canadian officials to detain him". That's not rendition. It's telling that the only case the US cited was from 17 years ago and involved Mexico -- not Britain.

I hereby assure the people of Great Britain that the American people and government have no desire to start kidnapping British citizens. This article is probably going to unnecessarily outrage Britons about America, which is probably the Times' intent, in the first place.

Steve, New York, NY

In a perfect world this would work but as we no a lot of innocent people are accused or convicted of crimes they did not commit. We cannot have countries allowing this to happen. There always seems to be one rule for America and another rule for the rest of the world.

There is no way that America would let one of there citizens be abducted in this way.

Mark Dallimore, Peterborough, UK

What's next? Will fugitive US tax evader Marc Rich be kidnapped in Switzerland to face the music in a US court?

No, I forgot, Bill Clinton pardoned Rich.

Red, St. Petersburg, Florida

Does anyone recollect a fine speech by President Bush (senior), circa 1989/1990, when the Soviet Bloc was falling apart, the two Germanies were re-uniting, and Saddam had not yet invaded Kuwait???. The President said some very touching words, about the dawn of a new era, and humanity progressing into "A kinder, gentler, world...". Did something go wrong along the way?.

Piggy Kruger, Bridgwater, UK

Let's see, we once were a Brit colony and learned from the best that if you want someone just take them. During the war of 1812 Amer. sailors were impressed by the Crown(DNA challenged individuals) to serve in the Brit. navy. At least when Amer. goes after someone there has been charges brought in a real court and upon return to the states that person will receive legal counsel,have a trial in open court and receive all of our Constitutional protections. We are attempting to bring criminals to justice. Many countries around the world protect these alleged criminals since they are either connected or are paying off local officials for protection. One quick question; if the U.S. is such a pirate nation and is so disliked around the world, then why are most people trying to get in rather than get out? Maybe the America haters just hate a winner!

Bruce Steele, Tully, USA/NY

In western Europe it is understood that sovereign state is the only that can in that territory in legitimate manner exercise actions of violence, for punishing people, this since medieval political philosophy seen very central for the idea of sovereignty. How can it then be that Americans suppose they might exercise acts of physical violence, obviously necessary for the act of "kidnapping", in somehow legitimate manner? Maybe there is some notoriously vague language in this article, some central terminology undefined, or references to some sayings that are highly disputed in American discussion and thus not really representative for their thought or practise? Even in the current EU judiciary practise the process of extradition is very complicated process, and especially, that must go through the legal process of that country.

Larry Greenfield, Manchester,

LOOK........... We are the SUPERPOWER in the world. So, long as we are the SUPERPOWER, we will do as we please. End of story. We do not care about the opinion of others and nor should we. This is the benefit of being the supreme economic and military superpower in the world.

What don't you people in Europe understand??? We are the Superpower. And here is another bit of news for you........ We will be the only superpower in the world for generations to come, even in the lifetime of your great-grandchildren. So, please teach them young not to mess with the U.S. of A.

All American, New York, USA

Wrong, your thirst for oil will eventually break you of this notion. You're already a lacky of several middle eastern countries you fool. In regard to sugesting you can do what ever you want, I would say that so can we, and once we have Bush on the war crimes list at the Hague, maybe we'll be coming for him, you lot aren't very good at the whole border control thing anyway!

Chris, Stamford,

THis is simply part of the slow incremental chipping away of the last vestiges of liberty. It's invisible when you are on your knees but combine that with the increase use of tasers, the cctv cameras, the false war on terror - more correctly named the war on behalf of terror and you see a picture of enslavement and servitude that is only missing the slave master on the painted porch .

David, Vancouver, Canada

OK, the US can do what they like and the victim will have no rights in a US court. However, as kidnap is illegal in the UK, what should happen to those who undertake the kidnap? Surely they should be arrested and locked up if they ever set foot in the UK, or Europe again. Europe has its laws and the US must live with that.

If the Iranians kidnapped a US citizen from the US to face trial in Iran on crimes against Islam, presumably the US would go along with that?

Ian, Vancouver, Canada

A few thoughts, not that I'm a defender of the current administration but the court ruling precedes them, so don't blame them for this one. There's more then enough to blame them for, but do stop the knee-jerk "it's Bush" response. Don't take it though, that I think this is a good idea. I thought this was the purpose of extradition treaties, you make em..you live with em. that doesn't mean you always get the results you want.

To Bill from Oz, just a thought ..the reason we don't "win" wars with third world countries is quite simple. Unlike the last WW we no longer wage war against a "country", by devestating it's infrastructure, and killing off massive numbers of the population. According to Iraq Body Count, their estimate is around 85,000..less then the estimated 100,000 killed in Tokoyo in March 45. I'm not advocating such an approach but history tends to demonstrate that "total war" is effective. Perhaps if only waged war when willing to do so, we'd do it less often.

Jon, LA, CA, US

Why is everyone so shocked - America has been doing this for years! They pick up people from all over the world and pack them off to guantanamo bay. And yet they think theyre the most civilised country in the world. Well..... what goes up must come down. Britain was the worlds superpower at one stage, and fell and now it is a matter of time before America falls too - its just nature.

nikki, london, uk

Sorry, folks, but America has long ceased to be "a civilized nation". It is a near-theocratic corporate-owned and operated fascism. Very shortly you will also begin to see American citizens occupying internment camps for disagreement with the government, the old and disabled - and those screwed by the corporations - starving and freezing, and so on. It has become a place where only power and connections count, and "justice" is only for those who can afford to buy it..

Ian

Ian MacLeod, Madras, Oregon

Cuba had an interesting way of dealing with America's sideline of kidnapping criminals.They sent thousands of their convicts to American shores in the Mariel boat lift incident.Perhaps if other nations could see their way to empty their prisons by sending them all to America,it could be justified as "business as usual."It was an ingenious idea he perpetrated on the USA and now it seems all to fitting an idea for others to follow.

kleo, Miami, Florida,USA

The Archbishop was right, this is manifest imperialism in a hostile form. I recently flew to New Zealand via LA, and even though we were just in transit the yanks finger printed and photographed a whole Jumbo-full of us, and then checked us on the way back. It is not a warm welcome when you visit the "Land of the Free".

America seems oblivious to how this sort of behaviour does little to endear democracy to the rest of the world, particularly the dictatorships they are so keen to prosecute. Even Putin seems less unreasonable in this sort of light.

Anwar, Bromsgrove,

The simple solution to this next time it happens is to round up a 100 U.S tourists and keep them till they give the individual back.

There are many reasons not to like yanks now we just have one more, and they sit at home and wonder why nobody likes them, are they blind?

MR W B Jones, Liverpool,

Lets try scooping up a couple of Chinese from China and see how they deal with us.

Barbara, Seattle, USA

I wish someone would kidnap the teddy bear teacher safely out of Sudan.

Stanton, Oregon, US

I think you should fly some Nimrods over the U.S. Supreme court and leak fuel on them. And If anyone comes to Sun Prairie to kidnap me could I at least have fish and chips across from Downing st. and get a tour of Westminster Abbey (coolest place in the western world) and get hurled into the Tower?

Mike Leahan
Sun Prairie, WI USA

Mike Leahan, Sun Prairei, Wisconsin USA

Bounty hunters in America can and do enter your house without a warrant to bring you to justice.The police are not even allowed to do that.I once heard a copper giving a bounty hunter the where abouts of a wanted criminal over a scanner,exclaiming "exclaiming never anyone I told you this".I suspose it was against the law because of that.

Fletch, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

It is the good old US of A 's golden rule of democracy in action, once again - do what we say, not what we do.
Enjoy it while it lasts, comrades, because your days are surely numbered.

P Stewart, Kent, UK

Thank goodness our liberal society has grown out of such barbaric practices. When will the rest of the world catch up with us.
This is why Britain is great.

Ro, Cheltenham,

Sir,
Surely in the Post 11/9 world, winning the GWOT depends upon upholding the values of our civilisation?
The US appears to want to be behave like a mafia state, paraphrasing Samuel Huntingdon's words.
Hopefully with a wizened head, we can point them in the right direction. It is really embarrassing to see such a pea-brained lumbering giant with a lynch mob system of justice, remember legal jurisdiction? The abused becoming the abuser. The world does not need such puerile narcissism and jingoism-fuelled hubris. The law of the jungle is only as useful. as one is powerful.

SC, London, United Kingdom

Time we ceased this special relationship as it is proving too damned one sided and expensive for the U.K.

Ken, Chorley, UK

Why is it that the United States go after people in other countries??? why dont they detain their own citizens who have got US citizenships through forged papers and fradulant ways.
Do the US authorities never check the past and confirm the documentations that its fake or ligit?????
The Unites States only terrorise innocent citizens of other countries but they fail in all of their doemstic policies and teachings.

Steve Kan, Central, Hong Kong

stuart, the us gov't is no "paper tiger". It's got control of the largest military machine in all of history. The US spends more on it's military than China, Russia, and the next 17 members of NATO combined. Add the entire world's military expenditure up and over 50% of that expenditure is US. Couple this with the fact that the US is DEEPLY in debt and essentially bankrupt and you can see why our "family business" is now the MILITARY. Though we owe EVERYONE practically now, we have recently gained control/ownership of the world's oil supply. That's a powerful bargaining chip and a lot of collateral... Paper tiger, no, desperate, yes.

Patrick, Mesa, AZ

Atten: David Leppard. Re: Your column of 12-2-07.
I am certain that all of this will be settled in a U.S. court of law, in an honest and just manner, sooner or later. Our courts are usually very painstaking and just in their examination of the circumstances of any particular case. If there is prior case law, it will be examined, in detail, and probably will not survive the scrutiny. It might even end in the U.S. Supreme court,
if there is some one who has "standing", to appeal the case. Sincerely yours, Kenneth B. Smith, P.E.
former Naval Person, WWII.

Kenneth B. Smith, P.E., Wilmington, U.S.A./ Delaware

Another American writing to say that for the last 6+ years I have been ashamed of my government and terrified for my country. Paranoia, fear and illogic run rampant; reason is denounced as "unpatriotic." The structures of the government have been attacked from inside by the insidious cancers of corruption, ideology and incompetence; then the government turns on its people and we are all "suspects" to be monitored. Someone once said that if fascism ever comes to America it will carrying the cross and wrapped in the flag. He was right I do not recognize the America I have lived in all my life. The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave is nether. Sadly, I've even hesitated to use my real name on this e-mail; it's that bad, something which was unthinkable and beyond my imagination in 2000. We'll see what happens....

Shari Lieber Silverman, South San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

there are better things to worry about. How paranoid everyone around here is. Fascist dictatorship? what hogwash

scott mccall, valencia, Spain

I totally agree with Having My Say from Paris! Arrest Bush, Cheney, and ALL their Zionist cronies once this failed presidency is ended, and hand every one of them over to the ICC at the Hague for trial. In addition, hand over the Zionist leadership in Israel to boot! Try all of them for war crimes and crimes against humanity! Guilty all! Lock them forever in a supermax prison and fit them all with assorted iron masks! This should be a warning to all dictator wannabes who want world domination!

eileen kuch, hyattsville, USA, MD

As an American, I am utterly ashamed that this administration has sunk to this level. American was once the inspiration to the world and a champion of human rights, Now the US government is kidnaping people! These so-called “pro-American” neo-cons and their ilk have undermined America’s standing in the world.

George Arndt, Norwalk, Ohio, USA

With out army in tatters and tied up in the Middle East, why don't you Canucks do us all a favor, invade the U.S. and restore some civility.

Never to old to learn God Save the Queen

Dave, tampa,

and why did we go to war in 1812? i believe it was because british were 'kidnapping' or impressing u.s. sailors. what is the difference here? let me know i thought i knew my history.

paul quinlan, oakland ,,

This comes as no surprise. America is a banana republic ruled by people who apply one standard to the US and another to the rest of the world.

Hendrik de Weerd, Utrecht, Netherlands

It is abundantly clear (by the comments from Americans) that the majority of us are sickened (at best) by the current administration -err- regime. They should have been impeached, and they most certainly should be tried as war criminals. Oh if only Pelosi had a spine.

As for the posters Marcella Smith, Ohio, USA and k, Houston, USA I'm happy to report they're in strict minority.

check this out:
http://thinkexist.com/quotation/naturally_the_common_people_don-t_want_war/339098.html
... sound familiar? I know it was Göring at Nuremburg, but boy howdy doesn't it just reek of a Bushism?

Amberlynne LaStrega, Minneapolis, MN / USA

Who wants a free trip to sunny Cuba?

Free room and board!

Free orange jumpsuit!

24 hour security!

Free drugs!

Waterboard... er Watersports!

Courtesy of the US taxpayer!

Wow!

Francis Freeman, Culver City, CA

Israel is exempt from this 'law'.

G. Lauren, Sacramento,

well, let's just hope someone can kidnap gwb the next time he leaves the country and send him to the hague for war crimes.

and as far as the person who says "we won't kidnap brits," guess again. we've imprisoned brits in gitmo without trial. and there is currently a canadian citizen being held there who will now be tried in a secret court with secret witnesses. (google it if you don't believe me, the story is one day old)

as a military brat i grew up in a divided berlin. i was taught that these were the tactics of totalitarian states like the soviets. now i live in a country that does the same...

i'm sorry world. i'm fighting every day against this maniac. let's hope we all survive long enough to see him out of office and getting his due punishment

cassandra complex, los angeles, ca

I really hope you were being humorous jj from Memphis, otherwise you have done your fine country a disservice.

In case you were serious, a little info: Britain does not have Congressmen to complain to because we do not have a Congress and why on earth should we read up on US law!! It is not global or international law, just the law of one nation.

Its a sweet thought that a change of party in the states will bring a change but lets face it, laws will remain and neither side is that different from the other. Representative democracy, republics and so on are just like any other oligarchy - just one where you can swap the face on every few years. Still, beats a single party state I guess - just not by as much as people think.

Whether the US has right, hmm. In the case of a war criminal (like Eichmann) hiding in a country which has little likelihood of serving justice to them, then fair enuf - bag 'em. Right to grab them from a loyal friend over some money? That's just rude

Bradley, Blackpool, England

This is an incredible abuse of power by the US. Of course it's their right to make laws that are effective on their own soil, but to define law to be inacted in a foreign sovereign state is surely illegal. It's simply a matter of jurisdiction.

Would US citizens accept a ruling from British courts to be effected on US soil? I suspect not; the ruling would be laughed-off and not given credible recognition. The whole idea is abhorrent.

Nick, Chelmsford, Essex

well I have one thing to say to jj, Memphis, TN. Just because a law is old (and 100 years is not old for laws, especially in Europe) does not make it good. It used to be ilegal for jews to hold jobs, it is still law in the UK that you have to practice archery every Sunday and it is still legal to shoot welshman with a bow if you stand in shropshire. Don't be foolish and think that the US will in anyway be able to kidnap people from europe, as there would be hell to pay from countries already irritated by your ridiculous arrogance.

Bob, Singsing, singapore

If "kidnapping" of US citizens for "rendition" and otherwise is acceptable, why can't the US "kidnap" citizens of other countries? If US citizens are not that special, foreign citizens certainly aren't.

Sandrine D'Anton, Washington, DC USA

This is a huge attack on the sovereignty of foreign nations. Any nation that accepts this may as well go ahead and declare itself a non-voting province of the US now - it's halfway there anyway. This is the behavior not just of a rogue nation, but of an unbelievably arrogant one. It defies belief. The US is largely a paper tiger in any case. What, they're going to start another war? They can't afford to fight the two they've already got. No, this is not even realpolitik, it is pure incompetence.

Stuart Smith, Vancouver, Canada

They should hang their heads in shame

Older Not Wiser, London,

Re: US says it has right to kidnap British citizens

Will someone PLEASE tell me why the media, world-wide, use American and United States as one?
Last time I looked, there was NORTH America, SOUTH America, both Continents, then CENTRAL America, a region.
UNITED STATES is a country.
Rupert - Texas, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Rupert, Lake Jackson, United States of America

Might is right. Only the weak disagree.

Stephen, Bath,

Does that mean we can use the same principle to abduct Bush and try him for crimes against humanity? Or any other American?

This is basically "might is right" written into the law.

phil w, york, uk

This is the workings of the new Dictatorship of America. Democracy is all but dead in this country under the Despot bush. The rest of the world is just now openly finding out what we in America have known since 2000, bush is a Dictator and has created a Police State. He now does what all Police States do, he ignores other nations to the benifit of his own.

Bob, San Antonio, TX. USA

If the shoe was on the other foot, America would be screaming bloody murder!!

June K, Wurzburg, Germany

The US is peculiar in being wealthy while failing to sufficiently educate its population, in permitting the countrywide proliferation of firearms despits it's unparalleled rates of firearms deaths and imprisonment, and its near complete abdication of its social duty to rescue the most disadvantaged American children from lives of poverty and misery. It is hardly surprising that they are also wild west kidnappers of whomever they deem a worthy target. Pathetic!

Emma H., Ottawa,

The whole US state was founded on an illegal rebellion by colonists. (Why is Washington, a British subject who committed treason, so highly regarded?) Clearly, they have still not managed to sort out what is acceptable conduct towards their neighbours.

Clothilde Simon, Leeds, UK

Ref: "All American, New York, USA".

Ever heard of China???

Empires come and go Dude and the American 'Empire' will be no exception.

Enjoy it while it lasts - it may not last much longer!

G. Kearns, Kuwait, Kuwait

so kidnap is permissable by US law? big whoop, it's not legal here which i would say is just that bit more important...

sam, farnham, uk

JohnP wrote : laws designed for for terrorists will extend to every day life, that is the nature of the beast.

In fact 'the nature of the beast' is to manufacture 'terrorists' to facilitate 'extensions of law into' decent ordinary citizens' "everyday life"

Jack, London UK,

America is the greatest promotional machine terrorists have ever had. They consistently succeed in not only inciting hatred from many Muslims but also from their allies.

Does America still wonder why the world hates it?

Doug, Birmingham, UK

When a law is immoral and repugnant, is enforced through bullying and terror, there can be no requirement for any nation to respect that law. In fact not only must it not be respected but it must be opposed.

Wizard, Swindon,

It appears the U.K. is just now learning what people here in America have known since bush siezed the presidency, He WILL do what he wants and twist the laws to back him up regardless of the true intent of said laws. As we Americans are beginning to find out to our peril, any law created by bush applies to EVERYONE regardless of nationality just as many other Police States have done in the past. This has nothing to do with Democracy it is the actions of a Dictatorship.

Reddragon696, San Antonio, TX. USA

Have you forgotten your own terrorist/disaster teams in the tunnels minutes before explosions occurred? Your next. Act decisively now and perhaps you can save U.K. from the corporate oligarchy. Your friends in the U.S. have already lost the battle.

Tim Krause, Lisle, USA

All countries kidnap. This is because all governments consider citizens to be cattle.

In this case it's the "chickens coming home to roost" since the British kidnapped American citizens way back when, leading to the war of 1812.

We Americans have a particularly lawless government these days. That is what happens when you have an empire. We are trying very hard to end that. If you want to help, contribute to efforts to elect Ron Paul president. Non-Americans can contribute to grassroots campaigns like
http://ronpaulgraphs.com/chipin.html

Paul X, Wyoming, USA

As a US citizen, please accept my apologies for the actions of our government.

It is clear that the issue is not justice, but ineptitude. If the justice department wants to prosecute a case with real evidence, then there are formal agreements in place for extradition. I would venture to say that kidnapping is a shortcut used when they have no real case.

Just goes to show how far the facist-neocon elements have penetrated our government.

John Scott, Elkins, West Virginia

I am deeply sorry for the insane administration that controls this country now at days. For the record their are those of us in the country who do not believe this Administration is right and we are trying to correct the damage being done. Unfortunately we must now worry about a New law being passed that could view people involved in Code Pink and other organizations oppose to Bush Administration as Homegrown Terrorist organizations.

Jen, New Castle, Pa, U.S.

This notion of no one being safe in the world if some tinhorn in the US has raised charges is obsurd. I think it fails by what I refer to as the 'other shoe' law- what would the US do if some government came into the US and kidnapped someone to face charges in their nation? If the answer is a diplomatic meltdown, then these whole thing collapses. Once Bush leaves office, will it be okay for Germany or France to kidnap him to face charges at the Hague for War Crimes?

David Stever, Saint paul, Minnesota

Would it be alright under American Law for the British to kidnap and American kidnapper in America if the crime occurred in the UK?

Jonathan , Haifa, Israel

This can't be good news for Donald Rumsfeld.

kist93, Tallahassee, Florida

Several comments stress that people in this country are subject to British law. This is no longer the case. Our slimy, treacherous government sold, no, gave our sovereignty away to Europe, remember? and now we are subject to European law. Our own courts' decisions can be over-ridden. What is Europe's attitude to this problem, here discussed, may be more relevant. You can bet it won't be in our favour.

Mid J., Dong Pu, China

That is a truly shocking law, that needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. America doesn't have the right to go into someone else country and do whatever the hell they want, it's just not on. I'm sure most Americans would be outraged to hear that their government has such arrogant policies. This is an outdated law, that needs to be sorted out; fast.

J Smith, UK,

Another example of america thinking it can do what it likes , it should be removed from the earth , and replaced with the south canada sea , The world can do without dumb yanks with guns , Invading countries they sold arms to in the first place , .....good for business , bad for humanity

David Evans, swansea,

America has the right to do what it wants (kindnap) in any other country regardless of their laws (human rights and protection)?

No wonder america has so many enemies in the world and no wonder they arm themselves to the teeth because of it.

kim, london,

TO: Scott, Houston, Texas, USA

You are quite right that Americans do not want to kidnap British citizens. However....have you ever known the current regime in Washington to give a damn about what Americans want? Or about the US Constitution? Or about international law?

Garth Strong, San Diego, CAL/USA

I wonder if this a small part of a pattern of events that makes is more desirable to do business in London and less desirable in New York.

In any event, it strengthens the hand of those who say that infringement of liberties as a result of terrorism will have unforeseen and adverse consequences.

Geoffrey, Sydney,

"Good-Doer" is perfectly happy for the US to kidnap or kill suspects and criminals on foreign land. I dare say that he would not likely feel so comfortable if 100 other countries were allowed to routinely kidnap or kill US citizens on US soil.

Tony Walters, Richmond Hill, Canada

What on earth is happening in this world today! How can America ever see that what they are doing is ever right? America stands by its rights and constitution, stating that they live in the land of the free what a load of posh! The American Patriot act saw the end to that, I understand that if a person has commited a crime then they should be duely repramanded, not bungled gaged and blind folded taken against there will, in the dark of the night unbeknown to anyone.
War has broken out for many reasons in the middle east, one of the most important reasons was for there to be the removal of a brutal and harsh dictator but hasnt America emerged as the new replacement?

charlie maine, worksop, Nottinghamshire UK

Who gives a flying toss what America thinks about anything? If an American agent attempts or effects kidnap in land under the sovereignty of Britain, they are criminals - end of story - and must be punished as criminals under British law.

I am shocked that the Government has not made a formal statement about this . It only goes to show how weak the Labour administration is.

Simon, birmingham, uk

There seems to be a difference of opinion on this: american citizens say that the americans can do whatever they want, to whomever they want, whenever they feel like it; the rest of the world say that EVERYBODY needs to respect the rule of law.

No doubt we'll be hearing the hypocritical americans lecturing everybody on how everybody has to respect international law yet again soon.

cotumely, london,

Junior, USA

Can i ask how you came to the conclusion that GWB did not steal the election? And that left wing papers agree?

Of course he did, any right minded half intelligent person in the world knows full well what happened in that election. Far too many important and influential people in the US needed Bush to win that election and it was made so.

Please, the facts speak for themselves. It was a disgrace

GM, Brisbane,

If you haven't committed a crime, what do you have to fear? The only ones who have anything to fear from this are the criminals, so why should decent people be against it? Whose side are you on, anyway? The US government, or the criminals? THINK ABOUT IT!

Eugene Nicks, Gothenburg, Sweden

To those Americans saying don't commit a crime and this law won't affect you....what about all the muslims who did not commit a crime but are legally allowed to be whisked off, kept in jail somewhere with no requirement to notify anyone you have done this. And this can be indefinite.

I am not talking about the Guantanamo guys but people who are American citizens with no proof other than they may have (mistakenly) be seen with someone else.

The problem with these laws, is that once allowed get applied in an arbitrary fashion - there is no oversight.

What about the CIA doing mind experiments on people who were none the wiser this was happening? That was done by a group within a state that felt they had the right to do this. These were citizens of America, Canada and other countries.

But the US would not prosecute them and would be pretty upset if Canada or the UK were to kidnap CIA operatives or the doctors they coerced into these schemes and bring them to trial elsewhere

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Yes! the US and the rest of the west is in decline. 500 years of western hegemony is coming to an end. Russia, China, India, Brazil and the rest of the developing world are the future.

Shawn, Berkely,, CA, US

If the U.S. kidnaps someone in a foreign jurisdiction then it has committed a criminal act. Such criminal act will be punished sooner or later. If the perpetrators are caught they will be criminally charged in the jurisdiction in which the crime occurred and have to face the appropriate sanctions. Already the legal and political powers in other countries are reconsidering the extradition treaties they have with the U.S. for obvious reasons.

Archie1954, Vancouver, BC

Was it Oscar Wllde who said

"America went from Barbarism to Modernity without the civilising bit in between" or something like that

Norman West

Norman West, Truro, England

This issue of estra-legal rendition is not getting covered in the US. A quick check shows for example that this story did not run in the Boston, Worcester or Chicago papers. Taken in context with a hundred other changes going on, this is part of a very dangerous transformation, one of which the American people are only dimly aware.

Those Americans who take the time to web-surf can keep informed. The vast majority, trusting in the increasingly controlled and skewed "major media" for their news, are living behind a kind of news "iron curtain", effectively neutralized while our democracy is being dismantled around us and preparations are being made for what our leaders casually call World War III.

Many of you have friends and relations in the States. You might want to make a habit of emailing articles like this to them, along with suggestions that they speak out. Don't assume they already know; odds are they don't.

Chris Horton, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

Adolf Bush and Team America? starting to sound like that film cut closer to the bone than most of us thought

Udo , melbourne, Australia

As an American I can testify to the fact that we, as a country, are painfully ignorant of our history. Both nationaly as well as family-wise. We are less than 250 years old, yet most Americans couldn't tell you when their ancestors imigrated to the U.S.

We seem to only live in the now with little regard to the global impact our actions as a nation make. The government keeps its citizens dumbed down and rewrite history weekly.

There is however a minority in the U.S. of citizens that have a more global outlook or how things work or at least how they should work and our friends in the E.U. need to work on an easier path for granting us citizenship or at a minimum guest-worker status in their enlightened countries.

J Bishop, Seattle, Washington

I honestly can't see a huge problem with this. If Brits feel they can go America and commit federal crimes, whats worse the American government that seeks justice or the British government that permits its people to hide and never be held accountable for their crimes? One must remember that the type of crimes involved sometimes leaves thousands of innocent people penniless and their future livelihoods a thing of the past, as is the case with the NatWest 3.

Lauren, London,

This honestly cannot be true, what are these people smoking? kidnapping???

What on Earth is going on with this Bush Administration!!!!!!!!!!

silas, foster city, USA california

Don't be so guick to believe everything you read thats anti-american. You suffer from Stockholm syndrome. You have submitted and we choose not to.

roughfun, USA,

Stalin did not bother with kidnaping. Russian CIA was killing people abroad, right and left.

Casey Panek, Salem, Wisconsin

Boo hoo,

smells like fake controvery.

Maxx, Folsom,

As an American lawyer, let me explain: The US law is only that the criminal defendant cannot assert the kidnapping as a defense to the charge. The US is prohibited from kidnapping in any country with which the US has a treaty which forbids it. This is because treaties with other countries have equal force in the US as statutory law. So, if the US has a treaty with Canada or UK which provides that the sole means of capture shall be judicial extradition through that country's courts, US law would prohibit the kidnapping. The Canadian incident that is written about in the article was apparently an attempt to utilize Canadian courts -- which is not kidnapping. I hope this clears it up.
Please feel free to criticize the US for any of its many very real flaws. I, too, look forward to the day El Incompetente, Protector of the Invaders from Mexico and Coward of Crawford (Bush), fades into history. That's 20 January 2009. I'm counting the days.

David, San Diego, California USA

When your king is mad and has the keys to enough fire power to terminate life on earth three times over your word is law to the rest of the world irrespective of countries independent laws and past mandated treaties which the the Presidents absolute superior have formally acknowledged and enshrined into the laws of his land !
Oh well history books will now record that Cold War mark two began that fateful inauguration in 2001 in a place called Washington and that new empire of the right thus created will collapse internally from a combination of excessive debts and adverse population demographics like the last great Roman Empire some 1700 years before it!
How sad the Americans have now sowed the seeds of their own self destruction in the eyes of the world whilst destroying all democracies of the twenty first century they once fought for some fifty odd years ago !

ian deal, melbourne , Australia

I am proud of my great country and of my government’s difficult fight to keep all of us United States Citizens safe. Bringing people to justice is nothing wrong; shielding them from extradition it is. My country has the most protection afforded to defendants. We even provide them with a layer if they cannot afford one. We bring them in front of a twelve people jury. All these that WE the people protect the innocent. Here is a key word: WE. And if another country wants to take the place of our Judges, Jury and Legal System by shielding a suspect from extradition, then so be it. We have other means. We send a strong message to wannabe criminals out there. We will get you, we will never stop until we bring you to answer. You need not prove your innocence. You are innocent until proved guilty BEHIND ANY REASON OF DOUBT. Why be afraid. In an ideal world, YOU will come willingly. Why hide if innocent? Unfortunately, the World we live in today is not a perfect one.

G. Belicio, Inglewood, California

I disagree strongly with the US govenment (I don't call it my government, since I didn't vote for these Nazis). Bush & Co need to go, & quickly. I fear for my country & the world, with creesp like Bush, Putin, Chavez, the Iranian nut & Islamic & Christian extremists. Brown & others should speak out LOUDLY to the Bush crowd.

Russ, Oxford, , NJ USA

A country should NOT be judged on politics, for example China is a great country, however the Communist Party of China continues to restrict free-speech, yes Bush is not the best US president of all time (Reagan was).
I despise Gordon Brown, BUT I do NOT loathe Britain because of Gordon Brown.
RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT

Chris, London,

Of course America has the right to kidnapp British citizens! America has the right to do anything; just like God has the right to do anything. If God can do anything, then so can America. Who's gonna argue with God? Who's gonna argue with America? Exactly; no-one! God probably spoke to George Bush, on one of their long-distance phone chats, and told him America is his favourite country and that they can do anything they want. And if anyone has a problem with that they can just go talk to God about it.

Andrew Duncan, Godalming,

Regardless of US law, kidnap is contrary to UK and most other countries laws, therefore to kidnap from the UK is an offence of which the perps can be prosecuted. It is an offence to conspire with others to kidnap even if the plan is not carried out. We could not extradite the perps from the US as the yanks wouldnt allow it so why do we have an extradition treaty with the US at all???

Alan, Chelmsford, Essex

I almost hate to read the news - everyday there's a new reason to be disgusted with this country.

Teri, San Francisco, CA, US

If I recall we have been at war with Iraq since Kuwait. We were only on a cease fire to begin with. I like how everyone forgets President Bush didn't go to war without an ok from Congress. If your so worried about being kidnapped from our country maybe you should solicit some lobbiests and get some laws changed. Quit complaining and be proactive. Put your libral senators and congressmen to work. There are alot of out dated laws out there you might want to find. If you all forgot we went to war in Vietnam to help out the French. Since when should we care if they like us or not. They don't like anybody and that includes themselves. We have to do what is best for ourselves not what is best for everybody else.

Tracy, St. Cloud,

I just find it beautiful that we can share our democracy around the world.

This country needs Ron Paul for President!

Cecilio Porrata, Allentown, US/Pennsylvania

America kidnaps constantly..i.e. Gitmo, secret detention centers, Abu Grhaib. Especially Abu Ghraib because it's the only one we actually have info about. According to the US Army's own report its 70-90% of detainees were INNOCENT! Other reports go as high as 96%.

This is nothing new, it's the shining light of democracy!

Cecilio Porrata, Allentown, US/Pennsylvania

No Great Britian they tricked you again, they will do anything they want. And just think what they do to their own citizens.

World stand up to see the foundation of America, the land of the brave, free and kidnapped.

Peter, Orlando,

What more proof does anyone need that the United States is being run by maniacs?

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
-- Thomas Jefferson

Rich, Los Angeles, USA

I am a lawyer in America. We have an unbelieveably huge number of people in prisons, jails, probation and parole. The police are very, very good, and largely very honest and professional. The problem is with the legislatures that have criminalized almost everything, and set up mandatory minimum sentences. The Judges also are largely very honest, disciplined and well trained. Fundamentally, the problem is that by criminalizing so much behavior, the prisons are over-flowing with poeple. The "criminal justice system" has taken a life of its own. There is no "conspiracy" as such, but rather the reality of having more than 2% of the population in jail or prison is a result of over-criminalizing behavior. Now, we have budget problems at all levels of government, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain this level of criminality. Hence, I suggest that a lot of behavior for which people are going to jail/prison will need to be decriminalized.

J.P., Fresno, California, USA

We forget it is a two way street What if Iran kidnapped an ex VP for crimes against Iran? commenet.......

Roy Johnson, Franklin,

America is OVER.

Wake up and smell the coffee.

They tap our phones, read our emails (read this message), kidnap people they don't like, torture those they really don't like, keep people in prison without trial, start wars over known lies, kill hundreds of thousands of people and that is just what we know about.......

Not the land of the fee and home of the brave huh? All that stuff is now only the brain washing of school children.

George Washington, Homeland, USA, USA

LOOK........... We are the SUPERPOWER in the world. So, long as we are the SUPERPOWER, we will do as we please. End of story. We do not care about the opinion of others and nor should we. This is the benefit of being the supreme economic and military superpower in the world.

What don't you people in Europe understand??? We are the Superpower. And here is another bit of news for you........ We will be the only superpower in the world for generations to come, even in the lifetime of your great-grandchildren. So, please teach them young not to mess with the U.S. of A.

All American, New York, USA

For rjc in Cambridge, that situation occurred when a group of English `mercenaries' kidnapped Ronald Biggs in Brazil in order to return him to England. Thankfully the then government refused to take him as the group acted illegally under both Brazilian and English law, and they considered the rule of law to be important then.

This reflects of the attitude of many US administrations, not just this one, even if it is one of the most extreme. US administrations have felt that it is their right to interfere in any country in the world they choose by using the CIA to overthrow their elected governments (e.g. Allende's Chile, among many South American and Asian states) if they deemed that it would be in the interest of the US (or the corporate oligarchy they really work for). The imposition of ID cards and the 53 point exit questionnaire have been introduced here at their behest (http://www.i-cams.org/Surveillance_intro.html) and our quisling government has chosen to do their bidding.

Jill Dandy, Worcester,

American exceptionalism knows no bounds, and unfortunately it's a virus that has infected way too many people over the years. I think most of us would be astonished to learn that the powers-that-be claim the authority to arrest anyone at anytime anywhere in the world.

If our Congress was worth a goddamn, they'd outlaw this abominable practice.

If I'm not mistaken there are a group of CIA agents who were arrested in Italy for attempting to do exactly what the article describes.

NB, Kansas City, MO USA

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who remembers that the kidnapping of American sailors who were accused of being deserters from the Royal Navy was one of the reasons why we declared war on Great Britain in 1812.

At a bare minimum, this sort of cavalier approach to the sovereignty of other nations should never supersede existing extradition treaties.

Ray Radlein, Atlanta,

Thsi si qutie scary. What if American spooks are caught in the act of kidnapping British citizens by British authorities? Will oen of the countries consider it an act of war? It woudl certainyl be more that a 'lover's tiff'

Duncan, Chelmford,

will there be "tit-for-tat".............foreign countries will be allowed to kidnap americans to bring them to their countries courts ? what a joke THAT would be !

kev, san diego, ca

Most ordinary Americans are fed-up with the illusion of being World Policeman and know it has brought them financially to their knees and the popularity of a skunk. Only 2008 presidential candidate Ron Paul has declared a true intention to end this madness and take America back to the people, by following the Constitution to the letter, as was intended by the founders.

Americans are decent people, it is the deranged, inbred power elite who secretly dictate USA policy, like Rockefeller and his chums, the globalist who are the problem. They will see their end in Ron Paul and the beginning of a new America we can all respect again.

Get behind Ron Paul, it's not just America's ass on the line otherwise, these people are serious in their goals of a New World Order dictatorship, and will start yet more fake wars or whatever means they wish to achieve this.

Lyn, Manchester,

I cannot believe the London Times would print such a slanted title. Of course Americans do not want to kidnap British citizens. This is simply ridiculous. I thought the London times was above sensationalized, tabloid journalism. I am sadly disappointed that I am mistaken.

Scott, Houston, Texas, USA

If someone agrees with this then let me pose something. What if any other country kidnapped an American for an alledged crime in that respective country? There would be outrage from America! We in America are going to suffer from our self rightousnous when another empire rules. We will be treated like dogs for imposing ourselves on other countries. The USA is the greatest democracy on Earth, yet most Americans don't want the war in Iraq and it still continues. How democractic is that? This country is turning into something not seen since Rome.

TheBigHo111, Las Vegas, NV, USA

This is the most despicable, outrageous and decadent news of the last 60 years. The Bush administration is ultimately betraying the idea over which the USofA was based on. Actually the US is rapidly becoming but a pale shadow of what it used to be. They are taking seriously and refining the old and stupid anathema: Yup! They're bad guys, but OUR bad guys. I rest my case...gee!

Marco Verdi, Rome, Italy

Using the excuse of "war on terror", we are witnessing the hand of law going to unchartered territory which has consequences for all, not just terrorists. If this is what "war on terror" is making possible then the whole episode of 9/11 comes into question, i.e. what were those bomb blasts heard before the two towers collapsed? The videos of actual news clips are on YouTube.

Tim, Berkshire, UK

Funny isn't it. The US can extradite the NatWest 3 for white collar crime, but when we or the Italians want US servicemen to assist in inquests in friendly fire incidents, they haven't got the courage to face up to the questions that need answers. Sooner or later, decent Americans, and there are many, are going to do something about their country because at the moment, it is a disgrace.

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

What a ridiclous story! Who made this one up? "America says"? Who says this stuff. How about naming names. And who used the word "kidnap"? I'm sure the times is good at inflaming their audience for the sake of the almighty pound. Can't you learn to write straight news?

thurda, Utah, USA

Just another example of the arrogance of a nation led by those who have no respect for their own constitution let alone the niceties of international law
The day is coming when the US is going to suffer bigtime for its crass stupidity. Pushing one's luck comes to mind.

antony. carter, bournemouth, uk

Why should I care about the sensibilities of a white collar criminal hiding behind mommy's apron afer he/she knowingly and smugly committed criminal acts hurting other people in another jurisdiction? Why is effective prosecution of white collar crime more common in the US than any other western nation? Why isn't the London financial community as transparent as NY? Why does London have the reputation of a place where anything goes?

John, Boston, USA

Humberto Álvarez Machaín was acquitted of all charges and allowed to return to Mexico. His abduction occurred on Mexican soil, and was NOT, repeat NOT, carried out by US government agents, but rather private citizens.

Machaín has legal remedy IN MEXICO for crimes which occurred IN MEXICO. Of course he cannot sue in a US court for that. There is no jurisdiction for it in the United States. That is the determination of the Supreme Court decision relating to Machaín's civil suit, after he was acquitted.

The decision relating to his criminal trial, of which he was acquitted, was that he was, in fact, liable for arrest and trial completely regardless of how he ended up within the jurisdiction of a country that had accused him of a crime. The court did not say that the abduction was legitimate, j