Pirates operating off Somalia
By Steve
@shoffman2000 (560)
Alexandria, Virginia
4 responses
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
2 Dec 08
The ships are requesting that there'll be a military blockade along the Somalian coast line to prevent ships from going out without being controlled, which would prevent the pirates from leaving the area. However, the Somalis don't have the power and other powers aren't quite willing to step in like that. Patrols are simply insufficient. Now the merchants are considering taking a long detour, which would be safer but of course cost them more in time and gas etc.
As to the cruise ship. Why on earth a cruise operator would decide to enter such dangerous areas is beyond me. They should be concerned about the safety of their passengers instead of the $$ they will make by going there and keeping their route.
2 people like this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
3 Dec 08
It was an area between Yemen and Somalia, where pirate attacks were likely. In fact they were heading into more dangerous waters. This was not an out of the way attack. However, they do seem to get more daring.
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
2 Dec 08
For the most part, what should be done is to put preassure on the Somoli government to patrol it's waters. In international waters, concerning U.S. ships being attacked, President Bush needs to go to ask congress for letters of mark and reprisal and under that authority, have military patrols escorting our commercial and cruise ships while in these areas.
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
2 Dec 08
Amendment, the letters of mark and reprisal should be saught as well for operating in Somali waters. It is a step below a declaration of war for usage against criminal acts both in international waters and in foriegn territories.
1 person likes this
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
2 Dec 08
The Somali government does not have a fleet big enough to do what you propose, not even an army big enough. They don't even have the finances. Why do you think the pirates operate so freely from there? The government there has way too many other problems.
Similary the US cannot just give an escort to every vessel crossing that area. They could escort US vessels, but that's still a feat. It's simply too big of an area.
1 person likes this
@Netsbridge (3253)
• United States
2 Dec 08
I am curious as to why they Somalis are attacking these ships, and capturing them so easily? While I am against any form of piracy, I am also aware developing nations are strongly against foreign governments occupying their lands. I wonder if there exist a connection.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
2 Dec 08
What should be done? First of all, if they are based out of Somalia then we should be pressuring Somalia to do something about it. We should also be training and arming the Merchant Marines to defend the ships. Pirates can't do anything without bording the ships... they shouldn't be allowed to live through the assault.
