http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2009-11-20T23:01:01+00:00
I thought like this web suggestion would be interesting as a brief note for those who do not know what simply SEALs mean. They are our top-gun heroes!

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1891738,00.html?imw=Y

There are some idiots worldwide that are attempting to "play" with the name "frogs" vs "SEALs", saying that seals are not frogs in order to make an anti-propaganda.

(actually both are their nicknames)
First and LAST name though: Heroes!

Darn excellent job 6s! (Now, anti-Americans will say that 6 is the Devil's number) God shot!!! I'd say.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Fri Apr 24, 2009
I Think We should stop the pirates and capture them.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Tue Apr 21, 2009
Basking in self-congratulation, and no doubt in common with other delegates, Gregory L.Garland celebrates the success of negotiations: "Probably most important is the inclusion of an ever-growing number of countries in the coordinating process."

Here's a four-point plan which should see the end of Somali piracy and the end of this useless talking shop. Underlying the plan is a zero-tolerance policy of piracy or for pirates.

1. Ban the payment of ransoms, and if necessary impose secondary sanctions on shipping companies that pay. Sanctions against companies might involve denial of port facilities or a refusal to protect company vessels offshore Somalia. It should be noted that ransom payments are used to finance the civil war in Somalia and listed terrorist organisations, including al-Shabab. Also, pirates are now able to purchase ever more sophisticated weaponry such as MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defence Systems) and RPGs.

2. Police the ports from which pirates operate, inspecting mother vessels and if necessary arresting those aboard before sinking them. It will be necessary to get a renewal of some of the sections in UN resolution 1816 before this is internationally legal.

3. Consideration should be give to denying asylum to pirates tried in western countries.

4. Any vessels captured should be freed using all necessary means with a balanced judgement being made at the time on the possible risks to crew-members' lives.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Tue Apr 14, 2009
Any news from the ship "Maersk Alabama" and the Americans (crew) on board? What about the Captain? Is everybody Ok?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090409/ap_on_re_af/piracy

I'm sure that everybody understands that the situation in Somalia becomes even more "ridiculous" day by day.

Someone -- all of us -- must stop those "guerrillas" and their gangs.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Thu Apr 09, 2009
If you won't be tough with Somali pirates, soon or later you'll find Europeans doing same thing. Till now there are easy money over there.

Escorting each ship is impossible, so arm the ships and hire at least to professional army guys ($4000 month each) and train a dozen of sailors to help them.

Rules of Engagement: No rules of Engagements. Shoot First and after say HALT.

Reporting and Recording Incidents: No Record or Report. Just quietly send them in the bottom of the Sea.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Wed Apr 08, 2009
I understand that the U.S. and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding piracy in January 2009. Does anyone know where I might obtain a copy of this? The Treaty Section within the U.S. Dept. of State doesn't seem to make these available.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Apr 06, 2009
An important point discussed but nothing constructive has come out of it as of now I reckon. Pirates and piracy is a biggest threat to economy who relies mostly on import/export trades through its sea route and diversion would mean extra cost with relatively less revenue.

Glad to hear that people are actually talking about it, but the point is what can we do about it? or what type of effective steps should betaken to overpower this situation? Cant patrol sea routes 24/7, however even a minimal watch would matter and that's what I think I will be discussing sometime soon over at my webspace.

Thanks.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Tue Mar 31, 2009
@ Eric in New Mexico -- Thank you very much my dear friend Eric. Everything is OK (theoretically). Well?, sometimes I do not post, when I do not know the subject.

But I am always here!

Of course, this does not mean that I post "things" when I necessarily know the issue (Chuckle!) I try to read everything and be a part of this great Blog, no matter if I write or not.

I told you the other days, I will never leave the building, unless they kick me out of here.

Thank you very much for your concern Sir. Best Regards. Keep on Bloging!]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Tue Mar 31, 2009
Piracy off the Somali coast has been a threat to international shipping. Many international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the World Food Program, have expressed concern over the rise in acts of piracy.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Tue Mar 31, 2009
@ John in Greece -- Hey buddy, long time since I've seen a post from you. I was begining to wonder if you were doing ok or not.

Nothing childish about wondering why pirates arn't taken down at the source (the brains and money enabling their their opps).

Eventually the maritime aspect must include a ground game to score a complete victory over piracy, and there's no way around this as far as I can tell.

What will be interesting is how the ultimate cooperative effort to end piracy will manifest itself as a model for crisis intervention in other areas of the world.

I think the last time Russia, China, and the U.S. were all on the same side as military "allies" was in WW2. NATO added to the mix, along with India, Iran, and others involved now just make things all the more interesting.

The so-called "unintended concequences" could be quite positive I think.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009
I think that Joe in TN brings to table a very important point!

Is it an international effort we have to invest in or a private sector situation "they" (ship-owners) have to deal... using their budgets?

(I don't know guys, that,s why I "debate")]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009
Rig a few ships to explode after hijack; piracy will end.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009
Sometimes I have childish ideas. Every ship is equipped with a GPS system. Right? All of which means that we can always trace it! We have the ability to know where it is, anytime we want!

And, pirates, cannot disconnect the GPS system, especially if it's hidden inside a secret/zebra compound of the cargo boat.

So, if they "take control" of a ship ("to take advantage" of the cargo), they obviously "drive" it somewhere! However, the ship is "somewhere" we can (do) know. I mean, we know the "port", the "place", the "people". After all we have the best sats in the world.

Why NATO ships -- they can be in pirates' "places" in an hour -- are not allowed to go "there" -- where pirates are with OUR cargo and ships -- and fetch FREEDOM back? Even if we have to use "weapons"?

After all, it's not our initial choice. Pirates begun it and they keep on stealing us -- I mean West.

I'd really love to hear Donald's in VA opinion on this.

P.S. @ Mr. Garland: I wish you the best Sir. Of course diplomacy is THE vital corridor to make our world better. Great post of yours. Please do not misunderstand my views.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009
I simply do not understand why the shippers do not hire professional armed units from any of the reputable companies as Dyncorp and Blackwater U.S.A. It would be cheaper in the long run, especially in lowering insurance rates per vessel.

Given the nature and history of those attacking the freighters, any small contingent of professionals could easily stop this threat. We don't need to waste Navel vessels and crews for this problem.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009
The multilateral effort to subdue piracy at the horn of Africa appears to be a sign of hope for international relations in these uncertain times. However, although a significant threat to maritime trade, piracy is a relatively low risk issue for nations to get involved with in terms of countering the threat through cooperative means. Any marginal success from naval units deployed would be seen as a victory for the countries involved at only the cost of maintaining the deployed fleet. In other words it's a quick way for countries who can afford to send ships to jump on the bandwagon and improve their reputation internationally, while gaining approval domestically. However, as stated in the post, most countries involved with the effort have not sent naval units.

While this is not a negative gesture, it should not be construed as a sign of greater international cooperation in the region. Egyptian efforts, and the efforts of countries most affected by piracy, show their willingness to actively participate, the lack of Somali leadership alludes to the unfortunate reality that local governments are still unable to handle their affairs independently]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/somali_piracy_multilateral/ Mon Mar 30, 2009