Somali pirates struck again yesterday, seizing a Hong Kong-registered cargo
ship holding 30,000 tonnes of grain, as the world’s governments and navies
pronounced themselves powerless against this new threat to global trade.
Admiral Michael Mullen, the US military chief, pronounced himself stunned by
the pirates’ reach after their capture of the supertanker Sirius
Star and its $100 million (£70 million) cargo. Commanders from the US
Fifth Fleet and from Nato warships in the area said that they would not
intervene to retake the vessel.
The Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, the owner of the ship, condemned the
hijacking as an “outrageous act” that required international action.
“Piracy, like terrorism, is a disease which is against everybody, and
everybody must address it together,” Prince Saud al-Faisal said. Arab
diplomats would meet in Cairo on Thursday to discuss what could be done in
response, Yemeni officials said.
Analysts said, however, that the seizure of the Sirius Star exposed the
use of foreign warships as “a sticking plaster” that would not solve the
problem. “Maritime security operations in that area are addressing the
symptoms not the causes,” said Jason Alderwick, a maritime defence analyst
at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Roger Middleton, a Horn of Africa specialist at the Chatham House think-tank,
said that the capture was a crucial escalation. “Now that they have shown
they are able to seize an enormous ship like this, it is beyond a military
solution. You won’t fix this without a political solution.”
Pirates pulled the 333m supertanker yesterday to a mooring point off
Harardhere, on the Somali coast. Farther north, Italian, Greek, Turkish,
British, American and Russian frigates and warships were patrolling the Gulf
of Aden under a UN mandate.
Even there, pirates hijacked a Hong Kong-registered freighter, the Delight,
as it carried 36,000 tonnes of wheat to Bandar Abbas. The hijack, the
seventh in 12 days, took place near the Yemeni coast, underscoring the new
tactic of evading foreign warships by simply sailing beyond their area of
operation.
Operations undertaken by the coalition fleet are fraught with legal
difficulties, ranging from restrictive rules of engagement to rights of
habeas corpus, as the British Navy discovered when it detained eight pirates
after a shootout last week. Yesterday the detainees were passed on to Kenya,
where efforts to prosecute them will be closely watched for precedent.
The limitations of naval action are refocusing international attention on the
conflict within Somalia, where the rule of warlords, the lack of a
functioning government and resulting anarchy have spawned the piracy
epidemic. The Somali President admitted this weekend that his Western-backed
transitional Government was on the brink of collapse, with fighters from the
ousted Islamic Courts regime bearing down on Mogadishu.
Washington was instrumental in the ousting of the Islamic Courts, backing
Ethiopian troops to throw them out for fear that they would make Somalia a
haven for extremists. Since then piracy has soared and, should it worsen –
and the violence in Somalia increase – pressure will grow on the
international community to reconsider its support for the corrupt and
ineffective regime, even if it means the return of the Islamist Courts.
Pirate attacks have also driven up insurance costs, meaning that consumers
will have to pay more to buy goods shipped across the world’s seas.
“There is a knock-on effect for consumers in this,” said Clive Washbourn, head
of the marine division at Beazley, the specialist Lloyd’s insurer.
“If the amount of attacks and ransoms increases then insurance rates will have
to rise. Ship owners will always pass on additional costs to the companies
charting ships. They, in turn, will pass costs on to consumers.”
The lawlessness and anarchy that has marked Somalia since the fall of the old
Cold War dictator Siad Barre in 1991 proved fertile ground in which a crime
almost forgotten in the West has found a new lease of life. The vast sums
involved – pirates holding the Ukrainian arms ship Faina are
demanding $20 million for its return – bring a plentiful supply of cash in
the form of illegal taxes and kickbacks for the warring parties to spend on
arms.
Analysts say that the Sirius Star is a double-edged sword to its
captors: on the one hand, its high-value cargo means that they can demand a
massive ransom; on the other, its political and economic importance put them
in greater danger of being intercepted. The pirates are banking on the
ship’s owners to handle this as a business transaction rather than a
geopolitical crisis. Vela International, the ship’s operator, has begun
negotiations.
The fear is that the ease with which the pirates seized such valuable booty
will embolden groups with different intentions. “This is not a terrorist act
– although I’m sure al-Qaeda will have taken note of the inherent
vulnerability of the strategic asset seized by the pirates,” Mr Alderwick
said.
Let's not be trigger-happy either lest we do what the Indian Navy did: sink a ship captured by pirates while the crew were locked up in the living quarters, and thus kill them by sending them to the depths of the ocean along with the ship, its cargo along with the pirates.
Baris, Caen, France
This crime is not half as serious as the abduction of millions of Africans by Europeans to be carried away to slavery.
The locals are getting cheap food and come to think of it nobody is really getting hurt (apart from insurance companies) .
J.Bonnici, Malta, Malta
How is the strongest naval force IN THE WORLD powerless?? Oh, wait, UN membership, duh. They want to remove, restrict, and control arms (UN Disarmament Education site) and 'protect' us - but "World leaders are powerless" from PIRATES?!? That's UN 'Peace and Security' in action. Wake up folks.
Christopher, Portland Oregon, USA
Security staff bearing small arms would be ineffective against rocket propelled grenades - the ecological risk of millions of gallons of oil pouring into the sea from the Sirius Star not worth chancing it.
Julia Wood, Auckland, New Zealand
The route is un-avoidable without traversing the entire Horn of Africa, which from a cost perspective would make a trip from the Far/Middle East to central Europe considerably more expensive.
The Suez Canal was built for exactly this reason and makes the Gulf of Aden a main transit area.
Simon, Dubai, UAE
I say keep the US out of it...let the regional powers take care of it..dont the Saudi's have any sort of navy across that sea...well 3 cheers for the Indian Navy!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Id say Churchill would be proud).
Joel M, Miami, America
To Mark M., NYC, USA stating "are there any men left in Europe". Did you even read the article above as it also clearly states "Commanders from the US Fifth Fleet and from Nato warships in the area said that they would not intervene to retake the vessel". Plus the oil tanker was Saudi - your friends
Mike, Glasgow, Scotland
Why are these stories talking about "survivors" in the ranks of the pirates. The "survivors" should be released where they arte captured with no boat or provisions... problem solved.
Jim, Yorba Linda, USA
To erik johnson, port richey fl, usa who stated "if we get involved ... everyone will just have us take care of everything and no one else will". Wake up!!! The British Army, especially SAS and SBS are now an extension of the US Army plus they took the Opium Fields Delta said was too risky
Mike, Glasgow, Scotland
This is history repeating itself.....this is nothing new...jeeeeze..except back in the early 1800's when the US formed the Navy for this very reason...USA had the balls to take these pirates out!...now we just have a castrated military by the left wing liberal communist that are powerless to act.
Quintin, Oklahoma City, USA
The lack of (civilian) insight is here is amazing
"Avoidance" & Political solutions ...?
Ref "The Battle(s) of Mogadishu" and "Operation Earnest Will"
Nuff said
USN RET
USN RET, SEATTLE, USA
It is simple to me....stay out of the area....no ships to highjack! Take other routes where there are no pirates. The pirates will go back to fishing if foreign ships stay away.
Diane, Cerrillos NM, USA
“Now that they have shown they are able to seize an enormous ship like this, it is beyond a military solution. You won’t fix this without a political solution.”
Are you kidding? Are there any men left in Europe?
Mark M., NYC, USA
The companies that own the ships, or the companies that pay they to transport their goods will just have to hire a small crew of security with a few large guns. They will cut their margins a little, but there is no way pirates could take a ship that large if they are fired at from its deck.
John, pleasantville,
One word.
Convoys.
Even a small naval presence can provide protection to a lot of ships if all the ships are grouped in one place.
Nigel, Sydney, Australia
Special Ops Night time operation
David Cain, Trenton, USA
Ships should travel in convoys protected by the various navies. Sailors should sign a pledge accepting the risk of being killed in a rescue attempt or in destruction of a ship to deny it to pirates. Pirates should know that a captured tanker is likely to be bombed to bits rather than ransomed.
Bob Samms, Dorridge, UK
This is being blown out of proportion in an attempt to further scare the population into giving up more civil rights now to fight "pirates". They are quickly associating anyone and anything with "Terrorism". Next world leaders will label peaceful dissenters as terrorist. Opps! It's already happening
Isaac, Phoenix, U.S.
For God's sake, are you British or not? Do what you were born to do! Write the pirates an angry letter.
David, Knox,
Whatever happened to the might of the Royal Navy? Time to boss the line methinks.
Ed, Devon, UK
The longer that maritime nations of the world whinge that "legally" there is nothing they can do, the bloodier any corrective action will be. They are, in effect, capitulating to lawlessness and disorder, and will rue the day they did when it spreads to dry land.
Bob Evans, Lowestoft, Suffolk, Back home in Blighty
if we get involved then it will still make us the police of the world and everyone will just have us take care of everything and no one else will.
erik johnson, port richey fl, usa
What we need is a sternly worded resolution from the U.N. and a righteous rebuke from Obama in the Highest to restore peace and harmony. Maybe station a U.N. Aircraft Carrier Battle Group off the coast of Somalia. Oh wait-there's no such thing unless they call upon imperialist America to send one.
Bryan, Nashville, USA
Major powers have already begun `hot pursuit' notwithstanding what international law or the UN say.. What prevents them from doing it with Somalia if that government is unable to stop its pirates, who seem to have all the resources to buy and operate speed boats ?
neel patri, New Delhi, India
In Texas we do not let the law stand in the way of doing the right thing.
Robert, Amarillo,Tx, USA
You have pirates with little enough prospect apart from piracy that they will take grave chances. Your have shipowners who want their vessels back enough to pay ransom, and who won't be happy to have everybody shot dead and sunk in a "rescue." There are reasons why this is a tricky situation.
Rob , Florence OR, USA
So long as they don't hurt anyone there should be no 'engagement' as pirates have rights as well as anyone else. Certainly any foreign action should be vigorously prevented as it is a 'local' issue that can only be solved with dialogue.
Don, Sinagpore, Singapore
Perhaps this is the international crisis that would test Barack Obama which Joe Biden warned us all about. Maybe the shipping companies could hire Blackwater to protect their interests.
Milan, Brooklyn, USA
Hello all,
There are (or may be) armed marshalls on international airline flights. Likewise, why not get armed mercenaries i.e. Blackwater types to serve as protection on international shipping? Let's see . . . five fully armed and equipped mercenaries shooting at pirates. No contest.
Brian Leslie Engler, Richmond, B.C., Canada
This is small potato's compared to the "pirates on wall street" who got away scott free with hundreds of billions if not trillions aided and abetted by GW Bush and his merry men.
Al Shurgalla, Singapore,
Anyone can do anything they like, until someone chooses to stop them. The UN? Irrelevent. International law? Irrelevent. All we need is a western leader with some guts, that's all.
John Lee, Nr Chester, UK
Surley they can send in sbs or other elite forces to sink the pirates mother ships once been identified. They managed to tragically sink the rainbow warrior (which were not pirates) !
Paul, derby,
John Taylor is correct about Black Hawk Down. The US should act before the new Democrat President takes office.
Daniel E, Baton Rouge , Louisiana - USA
Yes the East India ships were armed in the 1700,s; but now its an issue of international maritime law, nonmilitary vessels are prohibited from bearing arms. Temporarily suspend the law and do whats needed. Dont ask them to be nice and say there sorry,crush them whith an iron fist.
Scott, Amarillo, USA
Wipe out their and Harbors, and blow all suspected pirate vessels. Go in and take all captured vessels. Send the bill for all expenses to the vessel owners. The Pirate days are over, and future pirates will get the message. If the UN won't do it, send in the mercenaries.
Tom Rust, Key West, United States
Give me a few men with a few weapons and I will sit on a ship and sink the little speed boat and its "pirate crew". As usual this is being made more difficult than it need be.
Don, Indianapolis, USA
Crime without punishment will never cease, only increase. . There are only two choices. First would be a coalition military invasion of Somalia to set up a responsible government. Secondly the pirates must be confronted militarily both on land and at sea. Hostage lives are at risk but they knew.
Bill Michaels, Felton, USA
This is why we need more groups like Blackwater,Executive Options etc to be on such ships as security.The mercenary has a role to play!
Nathan, Miami, USA
If world governments are indeed powerless to confront these pirates, then there is something wrong with the international system. It seems all these modern institutions, such as the United Nations, and the World Court etc. do not solve problems, they actually make a solution impossible. Ironic.
John, Windsor, Canada
Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events. Imagine, criminals (pirates, thieves, etc. whatever you want to call them) who escalate their crimes after being rewarded. Wow, who would have thought that could happen. Who hasn't paid a ransom on the ships they already captured?
Chet Johnson, Kent, USA
We have learned over the last 5 years that people around the world don't think much of our military, so now I say "Sorry, you taught us that we shouldn't act with military force no matter the circumstances, so we won't be sending our men and women to defend you, you can figure it out yourself"...
Brian, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
destroy the ports so they have nowhere to dock.
a, newport,
Let's station a small international fleet of submarines -- Russian, US, and Royal Navy -- off of known pirate ports. Blockade. Uncleared ships are given 1 opportunity to turn around. If they don't: torpedo.
If they evade detection and seize cargo, destroy it.
It's a quick, simple solution.
Joe G., Central Ohio, USA
As the son of a WWII veteran, who's sitting here watching a "12 O'Clock High" rerun, (look it up) I'm appalled at Mr Middleton's assessment. There are many military options that would bring this activity to a quick end. Churchill would have used them all. We need more Churchills and less Middletons!
Frank, Bozeman, United States
Perhaps some of these shipping companies should consider the services of Blackwater Ops, USA. I think their capabilities would be more than adequate enough to secure any ocean vessel against one of these pirate attacks, if their mercenaries were deployed aboard ship.
Steiger, Fayetteville, NC,
Richard and Darren (first two comments) have identified the elements of a very effective solution.
The flip side: any merchant ship traveling outside of the corridor (and not buying a 'radio code (insurance premium) are responsible for their fate. Thus are 'supply' and 'demand' sides resolved.
Rick R, Santa Barbara , USA
"Force is never a solution communication and the end of backing illegal dictators is the only way to start a fresh route to peace. . abdel, uk"
Never? How in the world do you propose to 'reason' with the countless warlords who hold somalia hostage? You really expect them to give up power?
scott, minneapolis, usa
There's one suggestion which should be taken up. Why not have convoy system?
Secondly, what was that Saudi tanker doing so close to the coast? Whether from the Gulf or the Red Sea, it could sail further east into the Indian Ocean before turning south the the Cape.
Patrick Earle, Leeds, UK
Ahh, I've seen this movie. "The Wind and the Lion" Great movie about a real event. Perhaps something there might trigger a thought in our Change prone President elect.
jeff, Parris, France
We are not "powerless" to deal with this problem. We simply have to decide to deal with it and do it. Capture the pirates, hang them and dump their bodies in the sea. Just because we claim to be "civilized" does not mean that we cannot deal with pirates the way our ancestors did 200 years ago.
John Steele, Miami, US
So the pirates have rights? someone said. My view is if you commit a crime, human rights revoked.
The various navies of the world should have the right to stop crimes on the open ocean without interference from the UN. After all no country owns the sea beyond its borders.
Lee, Marmande, France
As long as they don't hijack American ships I say we stay out of it. Let them know that if they do hijack an American ship we will destroy their harbor and all their ships. Every other country should have the same policy. There is no reason to be pushed around by weak pirates.
Greg, Washington, DC, USA
The British East India ships of the 18th century were well armed. Merchant ships nowadays are "sitting ducks" ripe for the taking. Ships plying these waters should be suitable armed.
Rock Taber, Atlanta, GA, USA
I prefer what the bikers used to have written on their t shirts as a solution...
"Kill 'em all - Let God sort 'em out". Bomb the towns around the harbours - flatten them, block the harbours. You think you were poor before?
BTW - nice one INS Tabar. Paint that one on the bridge guys
Steve, London,
While all you guys have been chatting - US/UN/EU blah blah blah - the Indian Navy has gone in and taken out the pirates Mother Ship. Hey they dont even have an Indian ship in their hands. Hey it is the INDIAN OCEAN folks and were just living up to our responsibilities. LOL.
Raza Hasnain, Singapore, Singapore
Send in SAS, SBS, Navy Seals, MARCOS, blow this tanker in Eyl. Anyone thought why they became pirates in the 1st place? Forgotten images of starving Somalian children? They have a right to live. West plundered resources through colonism in 20th Century.
Lokesh , Birmingham,
For all the billions upon billions upon billions that the US spends to maintain its navy, its nice to know that our navy is pretty much worthless.
Will someone please explain to me why we have this boondoggle, if it is powerless to protect the sea lanes.
Ronald Ibach, Memphis, TN, USA
If the navies are indeed "powerless" to deal with pirates, then we should withdraw our taxes. No sense in paying that sort of money for floating ornaments. The merchantmen should invest in some pump-action shotguns and automatic rifles . . . I dare say even a few Miniguns. Piracy would soon decline.
Keith Darby, Cleckheaton, UK
This is the result of weak-willed, spineless western governments in particular. Somalia should have never been allowed to be what is today. Captured pirates must be executed publicly and their boats sunk with them, the impotent navies must demonstrate their ability to liquidate this modern threat.
simon, sydney, Australia
What are Chinese and Thai fishing boat doing so far away from home in Somalian waters. These are fishermen who have smelt money and lots of it, but from illegal means unfortunately.
Lokesh , Birmingham,
As he said...PIRATES will never be stopped. Pirates have been here since the first boat, sampan, ark or whatever you want to label a floating device. Read you history books.
Even killing, executing or jailing the pirates will not stop....they are like rats and keep multiplying,
Newt , Pittsburgh, USA
all of you assume that the pirates don't have weapons. Excessive force will lead to more violance from the pirates' end. This is a political problem and there has to be support for the somali interim goverment to enhance their control on
Somalia
Abdul Ahmed, London, Uk
Unable to act? You have got to be joking! Allowing lawless pirates to act without punishment is a global disgrace. Get some backbone nations. You may not be able to police the entire ocean but you can certainly have a Blackwater type security force on board the ships.
ramper, swarthmore, pa, use
Have to agree with many people here-upholding law only works where all civilised countries are in agreement.Those outside the law are,the clue is in the word,outlaws.So dispense with the legal niceties,please,and just blow them out of the water.
vj, london, england
The 'Port' is a Criminal haven. Give them a week to evacuate and then level it.
Surely this is an act of War by a 'country' that does not recognise International Law. Somalia no longer exists and is split into various sub-states beyond the rule of Law.
The Pirate state has de-facto declared War.
J D S, Cardiff, UK
If they don't want to use guns to protect their selves from these animals, they should use water cannons mounted on the deck. A spray of water would capsize the boats and send these fiends to a watery grave.
Rick Johnson, Newton, NJ, USA
Respond to the piracy with brutal force. Entire pirate crews should be executed publicly.
The Electrician, Des Moines, USA
Fraught with legal difficulties ???
For Heavens sake, they're Pirates.
Break out the history books, see what they did to pirates when Nations had some backbone.
Make them walk the plank, place them in an Iron Cage at the entrance to a port, etc.
Habeus Corpus ??? Why ???
Larry, West Palm Beach, USA
Apply WW2 German tactics and use a weapons platform disguised as a merchant. When the pirates show up unleash the deadly arsenal and give no quarter on the high seas. Eventually, pirates will find other work.
CW , Norfolk, USA
We always end up as the bad guy and hated by the very world that we help out. Until it happens to a US ship, ignore it and let the rest of the world handle it.
If it happens to us, send in the Special Forces and the world be damned!
kevintheelder, South Plainfield, USA
No captain would want to have an armed third party on HIS ship.
I just think that we should play hard ball on the pirates, an international naval blockade of the ports and total support for prosecution and allowing Naval ships to engage pirates by force. Sod human rights, the're pirates!
JS, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Sounds like the atlantic convoys of ww2.
Brits finally found best use of warships was grouping ships into convoys to best protect them
PJ, Bournemouth, UK
When I gaze at my calendar it says "2008" not "1808." To say that "world leaders" are powerless is total rubbish. The US and Royal Navies wiped out piracy in the early 19th century to the advantage of the whole world. Looks like we must do it again, with no quarter given. -S-
SCOTT SALIT, Asbury Park, NJ, USA
I'm from Kenya and I've had it with these Somalis. I think shipping companies should employ 'Sea Marshals' on board vessels. Somalis are a nuisance, they cross our borders at will and Just last week, kidnapped 2 Italian nuns and wont release them until they get ransom.
Kennedy Gitau, Nairobi, Kenya
The US Navy was founded to tackle piracy and the US marine corps won their spurs destroying the pirates of the barbary coast. who siezed ships for ransom. The richer European nations were paying off the pirates, which didn't work and didn't protect others. Perhaps a lesson from history?
Clifford, reading ,
Send in special forces to capture the pirate's family members, then trade them back for the ships and the hostages.
Political correct types never learn that you have to fight fire with fire to win. Being nice, and paying money only encourages more of the same.
John Wayne, Texas, USA
These "hijackings" are perfect examples of how useless, how gutless, how undecisive the international community is! Only the United States could solve this problem with immediate and overwhelming military action. But.......why should we! Let other countries that hate us deal with this problem!
Donald, Hartford, USA
Athmazulla- What a foolish statement. If you side with these pirates then you are a fool. The U.S. Navy needs to be given permission by the President to stop the piracy. It will be quite easy once the Somali's understand that they will be executed for any piracy on the high seas. No exceptions.
Max, Dallas,Tx., USA
With modern technology like GPS, piracy should have been all but forgotten. If a vessel issues a distress signal and its location can be pinpointed, then the nearest armed force, no matter to which nation it belongs, should respond immediately with lethal power.
Santini, Amman, Jordan
Yes Abdel force never solved this problem before. Read your history and try and retain something from it. Talks and negotiation only work when you have civilized people at the table. Barbarians only recognize strength from the end of a muzzle. You are a sheep in a wolfs world sir.
Dave, San Diego, USA
Traffic on the high seas should be controlled the same way the skies are controlled. This could be done by satellite. Vessels large enough to commit acts of piracy should be forced to identify themselves. If they refuse or ignore warnings, they should be vaporized.
Sgt. Stryker, Camp LeJeune, USA
Snarky sneered: "...but Obama said the pirates have rights! Obama should sit and talk with the terrorists..." You're right - we should deal w/ it like Bush & Co. - Shock and Awe on Somalia; Kill over a million innocents; Slash and Burn; $quander trillion$; death and destruction; perpetual war....
Mark, Burns, OR, USA
Disable the ship's propellers (frogmen) & surround the ship. Tell the pirates they can have food, but only after releasing a hostage. Repeat the process. If they start killing the hostages or wrecking the ship, send in the SAS.
Alan, Singapore,
Forget the Royal Navy. Send in James Bond and he'll kick some *ss!
Brian , Milwaukee, usa
Prez Bush did it as a going-away present....Get the U S of A out of the U N and the U N out of the U S of A..Darfur sounds like a nice place for the U N....or the EC...pick a city or town..
Mr Tim, san marcos, U S of A
I wonder why they don't hijack navy vessels... Oh, they are armed?
Hmm, Me thinks the solution is for ships to arm themselves and blow the pirates out of the water.
It is amazing what a mini-gun can do to a pirates morale.
Greg, League City, Texas
As I understand it these are (were) fishermen, until European and Japanese came in and obliterated their industry. So I would say first there needs to be an offer to the pirates, a ban on international fishing off the coast there. Help in bringing the fishery back so they can go back to fishing.
John , Edmonton,
The U.N.'s "Rules of engagement are rediculous! The Predator drone protected "No sail zone" was one good idea I thought. Another one, even though alot of people dont like "mercinary groups" like Blackwater and so on is to have the ships hire private mercenaries as there protection.
Nick,
Georgia
Nick, LaGrange, GA, USA
This is the main reason that the US created its navy. Unfortunately, the US has lost its backbone to the political correct morons who care more about feelings than results. Pirates are seizing on the lack of resolve and weak current and future leadership. Let's learn from history on this one.
Pete, Chicago, USA
It is strange that the countries starting an illegal war are claiming habeas corpus in case of piracy... How ironic !
And to all Americans recommending a military solution, you do have short memories. Does "Black Hawk Down" ring a bell ?
John Taylor, London,
Mark my words:
True terrorist WILL take note of this and hijack another giant oil tanker and hold ALL of us hostage.
The threat: Accede to our demands or we will blow up the tanker (with millions of gallons of oil on board). True eco terrorism. Better than hostages.
Richard, USA
Richard Ramorino, San Francisco, USA
Any one catch in the article about allowing the Islamic Courts back as a way to solve this.....
Hmmm, maybe the real motive (?)
Steve, Atlanta, USA
Let the Russians get it back ! They're the only ones with the balls to get it done !!
Gil, Glen Arm, USA
Thanks to US mismanagement of the shipping industry, there are no American freighters making international passages. For once, a world problem isn't our problem. As an American, I say, let's stay out of it. It the world's ship owners won't take effective action, then they deserve the consequences
BenjaminF, Arlington, USA
Convoys & escorts & pre-emptive strikes. & abandon the UN as a dinosaur, Expensive & without value
Richard, Stanstead Abbotts,
Set up a "no-trespass" shipping corridor, and protect it with a dozen or more predator drones. Charge a "toll" to get a radio code. If someone enters the protected zone, w/ no identifiable code, warn them once. If they do not leave, introduce them to the business end of a predator drone.
darren, Los Angeles, USA
When you can hijack whole countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, and are aiming for Iran and Pakistan, when you call Kashmir your inalienable part, why do you take ire at mere pirates capturing a few a nibbles here and there?
Azmathullah, Chennai,
Obama needs to contact his relatives in Kenya to ensure prosecution of the pirates siezed last week by the British Navy and transferred over to that government's justice system. A straightforward and aggressive action to thwart these pirates and terrorists could be a rallying point for UN action.
C, Friday Harbor, USA
"capital cost of the vessel is considerably more than the cargo in this case" - right you are, it is in the range of 200-300 mil
jon, Bellevue,
This is bunk. this is simply a reason for the UN to demand dominion over the seas. I can't recall the UN resolution off hand but President Bush opposed it. I'm inclined that President-Elect Obama will be most eager to cede this authority to the UN. After all this is great for one word govt.
Allan, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The pirates are International heroes! Soon they will be Movie stars in their very own Hollywood movie! People will have to pay admission to see the pirates perform in their new series of pirates movies!
Later they will run for office in America, get elected & fix our economy! Great Business men!
ward nothingham, Miami, USA
The USA needs to Sit on their hands and force the other cowardly lions to do whatever is necessary. It is time for the USA Navy to observe how a Politically Correct Europe and Saudi Arabia handle these types of situations.
Roy W, Westerville OH , USA
Now that George Bush is leaving office soon, the Pirates know that Obama, NATO, or the UN won't do anything to prevent this.
Looks like another thing to worry about.
John Feines, Los Angeles, US
It really brings into focus the ineptitude of the UN.
Tom Antrim, Mountain View, USA
New World Order come save us. This stinks like a global set up to justify a global government. Problem reaction solution.
Max, Toronto,
The US certainly can't get involved in this - after all the pirates have rights which have to be protected. We would have to first sit down with them and find out their motivation for their actions as our new president-elect prefers to do with terrorists.
Sharon, Port St. Lucie, Fla., USA
We americans will "take a pass" on solving this problem. I invite the EU and the Gulf States to take a shot at being a Global Superpower for a change. I hope you enjoy the hate and vitriol from the Savages, Tyrants and their syncophants.
Sir Patrick, Birmingham, AL, USA
Nasty, sneaky world, forever playing hidden games for utterly selfish purposes. Poor failed planet, always pointing the finger of blame everywhere except where the blame is. The pirates are like the rash that appears in secondary syphilis, long after the infection has invaded.
Manga, Vérite, Afrique
I understand you can't have well-armed security force on every vessel, but the pirates are in the open sea attacking a vessel that has elevation. Regardless of RPGs and small arms, from a strategic standpoint, how difficult can it be to repel an attack?
Gary, Memphis, TN, USA
Is it so hard to control these sub human parasites with modern communications and air power?
Sean, Droitwich,
All the reports seem to focus on the value of the cargo - I would think the capital cost of the vessel is considerably more than the cargo in this case.
Richard, Singapore,
If any government were to send their naval ships after these pirates, I'm certain that there would be many countries, after the fact, of course, promoting how this type of thing could have been handled in a better way. And, if it were the American Navy, it would most definitely would be criticized.
michelle, chesterfield, MO, USA
Let's have a meeting! Paris, perhaps?
Roberto, Charlotte, USA
An interesting story, but I don't know this "British Navy" of which you speak. There is, however, something called the "Royal Navy". Could this be related?
Davszo, Monroe, USA
If the governments of the world have become so politically correct and unept as to allow piracy on the high seas then may be those governments deserve all of the problems they are now receive during negotiations..
Edwin, Bucharest,
It sounds like what we need is something along the lines of the "privateers" the British Navy used in the 17th and 18th centuries to combat piracy in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Set a thief to catch and thief, as they say...not to mention the advantage of not being bound by rules of engagement!
Doug, East Northport, NY, US
You have to wonder about the lack of real action by the warships in the area.There seems to be more going on than a real desire to stop the pirates.
Gerd Untermann, Claremont, Canada
The UN and International Law, and all the rest of it were not designed as suicide pacts. If our governments hold themselves unable to act because of these then its time they were scrapped.
Neil Murphy, Cromer,
"Roger Middleton, a Horn of Africa specialist at the Chatham House think-tank, said, "You won’t fix this without a political solution.""
I seem to recall that Europe adopted a very similar attitude during the Barbary Pirates era at the beginning of the 19th century.
plaasjaapie, Pacific Grove, USA
When Israeli planes started being hijacked, the Israelis employed air marshalls who were empowered to kill the hijackers. Why can't large merchant ships carry armed auxiliaries? The latest hijacked ship is so large I start to suspect international organised crime is behind it.
Mrs jackson, London, England
Governments are legally powerless to act? This is what the UN has brought things to. They appear to have completely forgotten that significant aspects of international law developed to counteract piracy.
Ann, Washington, USA
I think the USA President-elect should sit down and talk with them. Maybe he can bring about some "change."
Kathy, Mesa,
Those that forget history's mistakes are Doomed to repeat them. The leaders of the major powers have a woeful record on learning from the past. Piracy was a major problem worldwide until Navies actively pursued pirates & safe havens with determination & force. Whats the Navy for anyway if not this?
Paul Smith, Lyon, France
well,well,well...maybe the un with its proper mandate along with nato forces will address this problem. we shouldnt expect nor want a heavy handed George Bush solution to this. lets leave this problem to the solutions of a new us regime and its un allies.
Richard , lloyd neck, USA
With the coming of age of Obama all such things will end. After all, it is only the fact that George Bush is in office that we have these problems. That would seem the only reason all concerned are waiting for...a miracle!
Ronald Armstrong, Boyes Hot Springs, USA
Lets sit down and have tea with these pirates. I'm sure they are simply misunderstood, and given a opportunity to disucuss the issues, they'll come to their senses, apologize, give the ship back, and never do it again.
Robeto, las vegas,
WHY are they legally powerless to do anything? Nothing in this article talked about that. Do you mean the UN can not get together and do something about this? If so then it is time to disband the UN and put together a new organization that can.
Jeff D, SF, USA
hey, how's about starting a good old fashioned convoy system? details, details.. it'll slow things down, but at least the ships will get thru, no?
Nick, Port Deposit, USA
Send in the equivalent of WW1 Q-ships. Innocent looking vessels armed to the teeth with hidden weaponry. Take no prisoners to be set loose to return to piracy and to warn of these ships. Clearly ordinary ships should also have well armed look-outs and tight radar watches.
Paul, York , UK,
The reason the world's major powers aren't interested in stopping this wave of piracy is that it's a drop in the bucket to the amount of commerce that actually crosses the world's oceans in a day. It's not cost effective to use expensively trained navies to stop a bunch of thugs.
Brett Champion, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA
Why don't they post a handful of police like security guards on the boats? Then they can act as a detterent against terrorists, fire off some warning shots if they see an unauthorized boat approaching?
Andrew, Adelaide, Australia
I wonder if this is a trick to send weapons to the pirates, or Al Queda. If Iran has acquired a nuke then this would be a way to distribute to the terrorists without claiming any responsibility
John, UK, UK
Agreed. The supposition "there is no military solution" seems entirely suspect to me.
What is also suspect is the apparent ease with which the pirates took the ship. I am wondering if this is not some kind of 'semi-staged' situation - meant to reap some kind of political mandate.
Dave, Columbus, USA
Are there any companies who can protect the ships? They would ride the ship in these pirated waters and do what is necessary to keep the ship from being taken over. It wont take too many failed attacks to convince the pirates that it is not worth death to take a ship.
paul, Jacksonville, US
Force is never a solution communication and the end of backing illegal dictators is the only way to start a fresh route to peace. . there is a urgent need to form a peaceful governement in Somalia and learn from Iraq and Afganistan illegal invasion.
Abdel, london, Uk
Yes sinking an oil tanker with $100M of crude, thats 2 Million Barrels, and a ship worth $250M not to mention the lives of 25 innocent sailors is really the solution.
Have you forgotten the environmental, economic, political havoc that would cause let alone the lives of 25 people!
Dan, Cheltenham, England
The UN discourages the boat owners from protecting their goods with the threat of weaponry but the UN is wrong. All of these ships should carry weapons and go back to the use of cannons if necessary.
Jim Bob Smith Esquire, , USA
Its only Iran who cares...
John, Oxford, United Kingdom
Our navy seems to be worthless.
Martin, Watsonville,
The bottom line is that we are going to have start sinking these ships If they are seazed by pirates, attack them and sink them.. Otherwise the world will be held hostage by this.
If they get away with it, they will continue to do it.
Heather, Lowell, Ma, USA
It seems that the flow of oil had to be disrupted before people reacted. These attacks have been going on for years but shipowners have been left to themselves to deal with it. Will we now see combined efforts? Where are all the sophisticated equipment used to trace combatants in other "war" areas?
Trygve Norman, Jakarta,
A political solution is not going to happen. Historically, pirates have been stopped by crushing their harbors of operation. Use American B-52's. First carpet bomb a swatch of empty desert not far from the Port of Ely. Give them a day to set the ships and crews free. If not, bomb the port.
Frank Stein, Berlin, Germany
Isn't the Australian Navy on vacation because of a budget crunch? How about pay them to protect the shipping lanes! Seriously, even a lightly armored military vessel should be able to ward off these pirates. It's a joke that the military powers of the world can't prevent this from happening.
Scott Jones, Seattle, USA