Why are Somali's pirates?

[lsbskins1]

Some people are saying a blockade is in order, I would agree as long as they were able to send ships out to make sure no one was dumping waste.

But...but...that would be using force to make someone obey the law. Anarchy does not NEED this. People should NEVER use force to compel behavior in others. It...it...is just so wrong. And individuals always behave in a way that is best because they behave in ways that are best for THEM and by definition, what is best for them is best. Just read The Fountainhead and you will understand. (please know this is complete and total sarcasm on my part, and also know I am mixing my philosophical attacks with awareness)

[Sonart]

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LOL!! Brava Isbskins!!



Perfect song choice, sung beautifully!!! (the disclaimer at the end was distracting, but probably necessary)

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[rmnunez]

The combination of no government or law enforcement and lots of traffic along a lengthy coastline promotes Somalian piracy, how can this be corrected?

Ships en route through Somalian waters would board trained armed guards who would attach a distinctive banner to the ship's mast identifying their presence. These armed guards (8-10 per vessel) would be authorized to use all necessary means and whatever weaponry was provided, to protect the vessel guarded from attack, they would be authorized to shoot at and sink an approaching vessel if they thought it held pirates and would be immune from any liability for the death of suspected pirates. I'd equip the guards with high caliber machine guns and shoulder-fired surface to surface missiles.

If the problem is to be resolved by governments it must involve establishing a stable government in Somalia which will involve intervention, the erradication of Islamic fundamentalist warlords and substantial UN relief for a long time.

[Matt W]

The trouble is, Somalia is in a similar situation to the Lebanon - as far as its' neighbours are concerned, it's better as a lawless, disunified place. It's where Ethiopia and Eritrea fight a proxy war, and if it ever became unified, it has the potential to become greater than both of them.

As for the piracy, vast amounts of the worlds' oil passes by the coastline, often within spitting distance, on giant supertankers owned by the richest companies on Earth. If you've got guns and you've got a boat, it's really a no-brainer.

[MyApologies]

of course, laws forbidding the arming of boats traveling in these areas is making piracy a lot easier too

[Matt W]

Just curious, which laws? Mostly, it's international waters.

[rmnunez]

According to Spanish media an attack from the Bainbridge was repelled when pirates fired upon approaching forces. The pirates want $1.5 million for the Maersk Alabama captain they are holding hostage in the lifeboat, they also demand the withdrawal of US military ships from the area.

"We can defend our brothers and any military action will bring about the Captain’s death” said Qorane Yool, who identified himself as a spokesman for the pirates.

Meanwhile the Halyburton is approaching at full speed.

Los piratas repelen un intento de rescate del capitán secuestrado en el Índico | Mundo | elmundo.es

[MyApologies]

Just curious, which laws? Mostly, it's international waters.

I believe the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in '82

[rmnunez]

The Commandant Bouan of the French Navy from which the assault on pirates who seized the yacht Tanit was carried out.

Governments will restrict the arms that may be carried on a ship entering its ports, but in international waters this is an option. What is keeping shippers from arming is insurance and questions about liability in the event someone gets killed.

[MyApologies]

so assuming you don't leave from a dock you can have a gun? haha.

[Scribbler1]

I believe the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in '82

That's a big document, would you cite the pertinent section?

And since I don't believe Somalia even signed that treaty anyway I would think they couldn't invoke it.
Not actually having a government can shut you out of a lot of things.

[rmnunez]

The solution would be easy, have armed guards board the client's ship at sea when it approaches dangerous waters, they remain on board for the passage through the problematic area and then transfer to another vessel sent to pick them up once beyond the range of pirates in the danger zone.

Blackwater-like outfits could run the operation with an old ocean liner at either end of the Somali coast and a few fast boats to ferry guards to and from covered shipping.