The pirates of Somalia, in making world trade a bit more of a high risk venture, have finally placed their own unsavory hobby in jeopardy. Bloomberg reports that NATO is currently reassessing its operations in the insecure waters off the coast of Somalia. "This hijacking could really change the picture and we could see much more proactive rules of engagement,'' said Hans Tino Hansen, managing director of Risk Intelligence, a maritime security consultant based in Vedbaek, Denmark.Already, there are at least 15 warships in the region, forming a multinational coalition armed with the intent of calming those pirate churned waters. In the last ten days, India, Russia, Britain and Germany have each engaged pirates in battle. The report from Bloomberg indicates that more warships are on the way to the Gulf of Aden. When considering what is hoped to be a decisive end to cargo ship hijackings by maritime pirates in the region, I say we must use every available means to make those waters safe for world commerce. I don't know about you, but I have always considered the taking of a sea-going vessel to be an overt act of war.
The whole world is eagerly watching to see how this saga shall finally play out. One thing is for sure, the clock is ticking down towards the demise of pirate profitability off the shores of Somalia. At this time, we might take pause to remember the indomitable words of Popeye the Sailor Man, who often uttered this statement when forced to take drastic and decisive action against obviously abusive behavior:
"That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-21-2008 @ 12:37AM
DP said...
Somalia, much like Afghanistan, is all but hopeless. After too many years of fanatical warlord leadership all they know is killing and stealing. Genocide and homesteading are probably the only policies that would have a positive effect on these "countries"....
11-20-2008 @ 6:20PM
Billy said...
Asssembly of convoys of dozens of ships, with hired armed or military escorts might be the least expensive way.
11-20-2008 @ 6:19PM
Alan King said...
Blow those pirates out of the water, they are nothing but thieves in the night that their lives are as meaningless as insects.
Kill the mothers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feed them to the sharks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11-21-2008 @ 12:42AM
ekrabs said...
I do not disagree with the need to be more pro-active militarily. In fact, I fully endorse it.
Unfortunately, simply sending warships is like putting a band-aid over a large, deep gash.
Consider the problem at its source: Desperate and desperately poor people with basically no future in a war-torn state. They look out to sea, and they see these boats carrying massive amounts of potential riches. Even $30k from the vault or from a ransom is more money than they'll ever make in their lifetime.
So long as shipping remains this appealing, I don't think we'll ever stop the piracy with more ships.
And what about the maritime shipping companies? I heard that they would rather pay ransom than hire protective details, because that IS an option. Out in international waters, there is nothing stopping them from hiring real life mercs, armed to the teeth and trained for such encounters. Nothing... except the "exorbitant" cost.
It just happens so that this particular piracy is the biggest heist ever pulled off and it's finally drummed up some sensationalism over the talk of our war in Iraq and the economy.
Anyways, attitudes from shipping management also needs to change if we are to solve this problem.
In the end, I confess I don't know what the solution is. Sure, send more warships, but more than likely, we'll also need a diplomatic and humanitarian solution as well. We have to give these pirates the incentive to do something else other than piracy, or else, the hijackings will continue.
11-21-2008 @ 12:43AM
thiller08 said...
A forceful stop to hijacking works only if you also go after those who are behind -orchestrating- the acts of piracy. It is they who collect the ransom, not the impoverished "hired hands" who are dispensable and easily replaced. Follow the money trail to terrorist organizations.
11-21-2008 @ 10:29AM
TRHFROMJERSEY said...
I say the ships should have weapons on them and blow the pirates out of the water when they come near the ships!!!