Piracy in Somalia – I Thought We Didn’t Negotiate With Terrorists?
Author: Max
The second American ship in a week was taken hostage by pirates off the coast of somalia yesterday. This one was taken in the gulf of Adan. A UN representative said on NPR that, in the six days prior to the first american ship was taken, there had been six other acts of piracy in the area! He also noted that there is no legal system capable of prosecuting these types of criminals for these crimes. Such a government doesn’t deserve to exist.
The pirates receive millions of dollars in ransom money from ship owners. I thought we didn’t negotiate with terrorists. Thats exactly what these pirates are, terrorists. They are not stealing the cargo or the gear on board, they are demanding ransom money by terrifying the owners of ships and the families of the ships’ crew.
What is wrong with this picture? Many things… These individuals are threatening the international community. Not just the USA, not just their local people, not just anyone, EVERYONE. If this type of activity is allowed to continue these terrorist groups will continue to gain wealth and, as we’ve already seen, more sophisticated equipment. So far they have grown quite rapidly, milli0ns of dollars from one hit goes a long way to buying more vessels and bigger ones at that. They can now reach out farther and attack many hundres of miles from shore.
Do none of these ships have the ability to defend themselves? I know the pirates are heavily armed, but a large ship should be able to take out a few pangas. Wait until you let them amass bigger and better boats and more weapons. nothing short of a navy destroyer will stand a chance then.
Maybe, if they can’t arm themselves, these ships could be escorted through this particular area until the real problem is handled.
Tags: piracy, pirates, sailing, terrorists
2 Responses to “Piracy in Somalia – I Thought We Didn’t Negotiate With Terrorists?”
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April 11th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Pirates of the New Millenium…
As Americans we have the right to defend ourselves, our homes, our property with guns. Does this not apply to American vessels traveling the worlds oceans? It seems the cost of arming your ships would be less than paying out ransom money to terrorists.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I agree completely Olygun. These ships should be able to arm themselves for protection. The Coastguard stated today on NPR that this would require training and regulation that would would be difficult to enforce. Let’s figure it out. I want to know that when I sail through those, and others, waters I am protected whether I am on board a cargo ship, a tug boat, or my sailboat.