The U.S. can’t point a finger

Re “Freed British sailors say their confessions were coerced,” April 7

The British sailors captured by Iran say they were “put up against a wall, hands bound, blindfolded, and there were people cocking weapons in the background.” They were also kept in isolation for a few days and threatened with seven-year prison sentences.

American officials capture a large number of terrorism suspects, keep them in isolation for years, waterboard them, strip them naked, coerce confessions and never tell them when they will be freed. They are never charged or allowed to have a fair trial. I think I’d rather be captured by the Iranians any day.

MATT FARRELL

Los Angeles

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The next time the U.S. government boasts about “confessions” made by detainees held at Guantanamo Bay for several years, remember the “confessions” made by the British sailors after only a few days in custody in Iran.

STEPHEN ROHDE

Los Angeles

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There was a time when the Iranians’ treatment of the captured British sailors would have caused American outrage. Now, thanks to President Bush, our response to tales of solitary confinement is, “What, no waterboarding?”

RICHARD HORMEL

Los Angeles