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By now you are aware that Somali Pirates boarded a U.S. flagged cargo ship (ironically taking relief supplies to ... AFRICA) and five days later, had a 75% attrition rate. The only surviving pirate was the one who decided a visit to the USS Bainbridge in person.
There were 111 pirate hijackings in 2008, 66 of them so far in 2009. It's estimated that pirates amassed $80 million in ransom payments last year - certainly lucrative business for a country in political turmoil.
Unfortunately, the only real solution to piracy problem is achieving peace and stable central government in Somalia - something that has eluded the Horn of Africa nation since 1991, when warlords toppled a military dictator.
There have been 15 attempts to restore central government in Somalia since then, the latest being the administration of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, formed in a U.N.-brokered peace process earlier this year, but that government is quickly falling prey to Islamist militants.
What do we do? Does the US get involved, or do we leave it in the hands of the everuseless capable U.N.? Do we arm the cargo ship crews? Or do we give U.S. flagged vessels traveling in that area military protection?
It's a little more difficult to ignore the problem when the reality of it hits so close to home, isn't it?
- Never - ever - hijack an American flagged ship. Americans are a hearty and resourceful bunch. Just when you think you've been successful in taking over the ship, you'll discover a handful of crew members who don't play by the rules and take their ship back.
- Although the FBI and the US Navy may call it negotiating, it's really just an opportunity to wear you down while they contemplate just when it is they'll kill you.
- SEAL snipers do not miss. It doesn't matter if they are firing from a ship bobbing in the ocean, or if they need to shoot three people simultaneously. THEY.DO.NOT.MISS.
By now you are aware that Somali Pirates boarded a U.S. flagged cargo ship (ironically taking relief supplies to ... AFRICA) and five days later, had a 75% attrition rate. The only surviving pirate was the one who decided a visit to the USS Bainbridge in person.There were 111 pirate hijackings in 2008, 66 of them so far in 2009. It's estimated that pirates amassed $80 million in ransom payments last year - certainly lucrative business for a country in political turmoil.
Unfortunately, the only real solution to piracy problem is achieving peace and stable central government in Somalia - something that has eluded the Horn of Africa nation since 1991, when warlords toppled a military dictator.
There have been 15 attempts to restore central government in Somalia since then, the latest being the administration of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, formed in a U.N.-brokered peace process earlier this year, but that government is quickly falling prey to Islamist militants.
What do we do? Does the US get involved, or do we leave it in the hands of the ever
It's a little more difficult to ignore the problem when the reality of it hits so close to home, isn't it?
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