InOBU,

Speaking from a second-generation Irish perspective, if I were ever in peril overseas (for whatever reason) I'd certainly want anyone coming to rescue me to be from the British armed forces. The Israelis also used to be good at this sort of thing but given the way they handled the landings on the relief ships last year I'm not so sure now.

As for other countries' forces, the Russian approach seems to be 'Kill everyone and let God sort it out' and as for the Americans - well, am I the only one who remembers the Iranian hostage 'Rescue' in 1980? Thought not.