A reader chides:

I bet you are regretting your rush to judgment now, eh, Mr. Derbyshire? It’s easy to sit in your comfortable armchair and condemn cowardice and treason when its not your iPod that’s being stolen.

I am indeed chastened. When I made those original mocking comments, I had not fathomed the cruelty and ruthlessness of the Iranians. I am so sorry.