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Richard G. in New York writes:

Tom,

Maritime piracy is an International problem that is rapidly expanding and is being fueled by insurers who are paying ransoms, but are still profiting from the sale of new K&R policies. Increased military efficiency in the Gulf of Aden has forced Somali pirates to operate further offshore where military intervention is far less effective. Although warships have had some success apprehending some mother vessels when departing the Somali mainland, pirate tactics are continually changing and their inevitable success offshore will continue. The answer is therefore not a military one. In addition, the use of armed guards raises many questions, runs the risk of antagonizing the situation and is simply too expensive on a continuous basis. The sollution is that Merchant vessels will have to protect themselves for longer durations and further offshore. The pirates always use small, high speed watercraft to gain access to the vessel under attack. If boarding can be prevented then there will be no hijack. We have developed a passive non-lethal, cost effective system that will immobilise multiple attacking watercraft and prevent future hijackings. Our system is simple and is intended to be used as a deep sea stand alone sollution. The system can be operated by the vessel's own crew, is very efficient and will provide 24/7 effective all round protection.

Richard

Posted on Mon Mar 22, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

@ Deputy Assistant Secretary Countryman,

RE;

"We encourage Somalia's Transitional Federal Government to reach out to those actors who want peace in Somalia and to move forward on transitional tasks."

Well Tom, I appreciate the diplomatic efforts by one and all, especially DOD's efforts in support of the Somali Trans. gov. to "reach out and touch" al-shabab/al quaida.

Eventually piracy will stop when folks get real busy and do a tap dance on the heads of ethical infants and we deliver WFP humanitarian aid in force, clear, hold, and build confidence.

I know this isn't the most diplomatic way to put this, but Donald has a point about using overwhelming force to solve the problem, it's just that the problem originates on land.

No one seems to be willing to deal with this in a comprehensive manner, that's why the problem lingers much to the distess of the Somali people.

We can provide recon and logistical support, weapons, and munitions in support of the transitional government, but in all honest assesment we're going to have to get a coalition of the willing involved on the ground, boots and all..

Otherwise there will be no peace for years to come, and we'll be dealing with pirates for the next decade.

So let's not muck about, and get the job done right. Starting with the UN's "rules of engagement".

This notion that "there is no military solution" is pure BS. You create the space for diplomacy to happen.

There was a military solution to Hitler, there's a military solution to the taliban as well. Which is eventually going to lead to reconciliation of those who are willing to lay down their weapons and walk the road to peace, because our armed forces have provided adequate "incentive" for them to make a correct choice. The same is true for Somalia in principal.

If the international community has the capability to enforce the peace, then there is no excuse for lack of political will on the part of the international community to protect populations from terrorists.

Then all the refugees will have the chance to go home and rebuild a life.

I think it holds true that the longer folks wait to do this, the harder it gets and the longer it will take to heal Somalia, turning it into an ally in the war on terror rather than a source of it.

Bottom line is a whole generation of Somalis have been victims of instability that could have been prevented. Similar to the abandonment of Afghanistan that led to 9/11.

Well, I've come to the general conclusion that the war on terror has been in large part the going about of correcting mistakes made by the international community.
Same goes for the removal of Saddam by resolving the unintended consequence of leaving him in power when he should have been removed in 91. 20/20 hindsight and a few lessons from history later...

There's solution to be found in the answer to this question; "Why does the international community keep on having these problems?"

I think it can be found in the definition of "success" and how effective and willing folks are to attain it.

If the UN was more into solving problems, they'd call it a "peace making force" with a pro-active offensive capability funded and supported with manpower by the member states.

To separate civilian populations from the terrorists that hide behind them for cover.

Then run roughshod over those holding a gun and their sponsors.

Too bad it's not possible to clone Gen. McCrystal, but just maybe it's possible to clone his mindset, and graft it onto international institutions.

We need to simply stop having these conversations, Tom. Piracy should never have reared it's ugly head from the dustbin of history in the first place.

Thanks for your post and the update, hope you'll pass my thoughts on up the chain of command.

Be safe,
EJ

Posted on Wed Mar 10, 2010

Donald M. in Virginia writes:

3 10 10

BRING BACK ONE OF THE IOWA CLASS BATTLESHIPS AND DEPLOY AROUND SOMALIA

If the United States brought back just one of the Iowa Class Battleships and placed in that area, I seriously doubt the Pirates would even think of going after any vessels. Walk softly and carry a big stick. The Battleship with sixteen inch guns would send a message to the Somalia Pirates, LOUD and CLEAR.

Posted on Wed Mar 10, 2010

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