British meekness towards Iran

Border skirmishes, kidnapping British sailors, intelligence operatives planting bombs (see here about that last one)- what is Iran up to in Iraq? Whatever their plans are, at least we're taking the threat somewhat seriously, even if the British are not:

America's military commander in Iraq ordered British troops to prepare a full-scale ground offensive against Iranian forces that had crossed the border and grabbed disputed territory, a senior officer has disclosed. An attack would almost certainly have provoked open conflict with Iran. But the British chose instead to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.

Update: Mark Steyn is blasting Blair for the pusillanimous British response to the kidnappings.