Freed 15 Deals Spur Outrage

Britain’s military chiefs are under fire for allowing 15 British sailors and Royal Marines released by Iran to sell their stories. Faye Turney has already closed a deal for almost $200,000, and at least two others are considering offers. The families of British servicemen killed and wounded in Iraq are outraged.

Officials claim they suspended the usual rules—"as a result of exceptional media interest"—to insure that military brass will have some control over what is divulged. The subtext of the controversy is lingering dismay that the group co-operated too enthusiastically with their captors and don’t deserve to profit.