Posted on 12/19/2009 10:30:41 PM PST by UAConservative
Occasionally, I like to write editorials and opinion pieces to keep my writing skills up and take my frustrations with government policy at the same time.
I doubt this will ever run in a newspaper, but I've decided to share it anyhow.
Piracy: The Threats and Possible Solutions
Part I: The Threat
We all remember the times when we were kids. We remember raising the jolly roger, wearing an eye patch, and having a parrot on our shoulder. Normally we would have our parents play the role of victim as we plundered fake gold coins as we, and our friends, would sail the seven seas of our homes.
Even though we tend to make comedy of the old days of Blackbeard, the reality of high seas piracy hasn’t changed; rather, the only difference between then and now is the improved technology. Pirates fashion Rayban-style sunglasses while using walkie-talkies, brandishing AK-47s, grappling hooks, and rocket launchers. The pirate booty has gotten better, as they seize ships carrying billions of dollars of cargo. Even though the occurrence of attacks is increasing, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, current techniques and actions by Congress are grossly inadequate.
In the short time, we will examine the dangers faced by the mariners of the United States and her allies, with suggestions pursuant to solving and nullifying the problem. While the occurrence is widespread, we shall reserve ourselves to the instances off the coast of Somalia for the sake of plainness.
Origins
As the Somalian government failed in 1991, local clans that had been united through fear of socialist President Siad Barre began fighting betwixt each other, leading to a humanitarian crisis and the events detailed in the movie Black Hawk Down. While some progress has occurred, the region is excessively unstable, and areas like Puntland are, for all intents and purposes, lawless, and the result is rampant piracy. In the sense, it is like a virus that has infected the population, as previous successes have fueled the recruitment of more young men into the pirates’ ranks. The ethnic group of the individual also increases the chance of piracy, as the Hawiye and Darood clans are the most prevalent backgrounds of pirates.
Threat to commerce
Commercial losses have been catastrophic for not just the US, but the rest of the industrialized nations as well. For the Suez Canal zone alone, pirate attacks have resulted in the diminution of revenues from $5.1 billion in 2008 to an estimated $3.6 billion for 2010, a 30% decrease according to an April San Francisco Chronicle article. Global estimates could range as high as $16 billion this year. Keep in mind that American shipments aren’t always transported under the US flag, which means that some Greek, French, and German losses are partially losses in US commerce in addition to our ships lost.
Threat to humanitarian missions
However, this isn’t just a problem for businessmen and free market advocates; it’s also a problem for humanitarian groups as well. The US Institute of Peace reports that pirate seizures led to the reduction in relief shipments to the Somali mainland, where 3.2 million are facing epidemic proportions of intense hunger and starvation. So in essence, these men are not the Robin Hoods that some claim them to be. These people are unequivocally ruthless animals and selfish curmudgeons who ignore the needs of their neighbors in need. If that doesn’t raise alarm bells for the advocates of human rights and food aid, I don’t know what will.
Threat through terrorism
The worst threat isn’t commerce or human rights based. It’s terrorism. NATO advisors have maintained that the ransom money from these piracy operations could fund Islamic extremist groups, including al-Qaeda. Instances of Spain paying ransom money for prisoners not only gives incentive for pirates to continue their actions, but also arms the very enemy we face in Afghanistan, leading to the deaths of US and NATO forces—Spaniards included.
The possibility of terror groups such as al-Shebab adapting their modus operandi to engage cargo transports and warships could prove very real, according to Dr. Andre le Sage. If left unchecked, Islamic terrorists and those who view America as an enemy will attempt more attacks equal to the USS Cole bombing in 2000, killing more servicemen because of a failure to act.
Somalis and African Union cannot create solution
Somalian officials have expressed desires to implement their own solutions and have asked the developed world to provide a “coast guard” of sorts. But the notion of officials who take bribes from pirates and then ask for military provisions is a contravention. These government leaders are corrupt and sell out to the highest bidder. Who knows if the ships we give them would be used against us? My logical response is yes.
The same can be said of the African Union. While there are some respectable nations in the list of members, this list is disproportionate to the list of corrupt nations. Even minute amounts of scrutiny will show this observation to be correct, as Muammar al-Gaddafi is the current president of the African Union. Any efforts to throw out the terrorists and pirates are likely not to be supported by his leadership, as he has been known to fund terrorism in Gaza and the West Bank in the past, in addition to the other grievances he has cast on the western world. It can only be concluded that such corruption will manifest itself in Somalia as long as African Union peacekeepers are there.
Part II: The Solution
It should be noted that in dealing with the vexation of piracy, the solution should not simply be sea-based. Just like a person with a head cold, blowing their nose will not kill the virus; only the symptom is addressed, and it will only be a matter of time until further expulsion is needed. Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, commander of the European Union’s anti-piracy division, agrees, and said that nations should be looking ashore for necessary and proper solutions. Consider history for a prudent example. When President Thomas Jefferson decided to end the Barbary pirates’ rampage on American ships, he didn’t simply sink the pirate ships. He sent Marines to the shores of Tripoli to eliminate the Barbers as a threat, as he knew that “killing the virus” was the correct solution rather than “blowing the nose.”
In the spirit of providing thorough solutions to the discussed problem, I offer the plan of attack for this problem with respect to the United States. I have detailed it in a series of four objects for consideration.
1. Stop negotiating.
With the lack of a true government, it is not in the interest of the US government to engage in talks with corrupt, unreasonable men. All Department of State diplomats should cease relations, leaving with a stern warning of what will happen should any American ships, cargo, or mariners fall victim to the thugs in skiffs.
2. Arm the transports.
Under the Constitution, Congress has been granted power over the laws of the admiralty. Through this, Congress should mandate the armament of all ships flying the US flag through the Gulf of Aden. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) has been a chief critic of this approach, as he contends that the US Navy should be the sole protector of US vessels. The only problem with this statement is the operational area of the piracy: US warships cannot possibly guard every ship before it’s taken, creating more hostage crises. By arming the transports, the sea captains can destroy any threats posed by the skiffs.
3. Carrier groups to the region.
Our destroyers may not be able to cover the expanse of ocean that pirates control, but aircraft can. By deploying carrier battle groups to the region, it is possible to use our naval air power to project dominance over thousands of square miles of ocean. Pirates would always be vulnerable to any air attack, unless they should get surface-to-air missiles. Shooting down a US fighter is an act of war, and leads to the fourth point that sums up our response to this growing problem.
4. Civus Americanus Sum (“I am an American citizen”)
For too long, we have thought of pirate kidnappings as a law-enforcement problem. This is terrorism, plain and simple. The US should let it be known that if even one of our citizens fall victim to these feckless gangs again, the fury of the most powerful force the world has ever seen—the US military—will mobilize and prepare for all-out war. If the Somali government will not turn over these terrorists, we will do it ourselves by using an “all of the above” approach by issuing letters of marque against ringleaders such as Isse and Omar Mahmuud, employing private military groups such as Blackwater, and using an armada of Predator drones and cruise missiles to destroy any probable location of the pirates. Forget arrests and civilian trials. No prisoners will be taken since each terrorist will have a bounty only for their death due to the letter of marque, and since this is a non-state enemy, forget Geneva. This will signal that the United States will no longer be held hostage to belligerent, khat-chewing insurgents or corrupt regimes; no longer will we sit idly by for group action; finally, no longer will we allow our generous hands be bitten until bloodied.
While many on the wingnut left will scream warmonger and unilateral, let me say tat every nation must choose her own destiny. Multilateralism results not from talks, but from common recognition of threats and from each nation, in their own respective sovereignty, taking similar actions. There is no doubt that military enforcement on a non-state enemy is difficult; this is why an “all of the above” methodology is used. Also remember that the British implemented this same policy to deliver order to this region. It’s time for Uncle Sam to quit pandering to the left, clinch it’s fists, and deliver the pain to his enemies.
Enough is enough. Time to strike.
"This is terrorism, plain and simple."
Even simpler than that.
Simply carry off a coordinated commando raid to liberate whatever hostages and ships the pirates currently hold.
Then carpet-bomb the villages the pirates operate out of. For instance the of-mentioned Eyl is a ridiculously tiny place that a brace of B-52’s could flatten with the help of an AC-130 to apply the finishing touches to.
That would pretty much do it.
For more information regarding pirates and piracy; click on the link above.
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&view=table&tableid=70&calculations=0&Itemid=82
Live Piracy Report
The IMB Live Piracy Report displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in the last ten days. Click on the map for more details.
Incident Details: View
18.12.2009: 1823 LT: Posn: 09:17.8N – 014:49.3W: Off Conakry, Guinea.
Pirates armed with machine guns in a speedboat approached and fired upon a chemical tanker drifting. The tanker, increased speed, enforced anti piracy measures, reported to authorities and prevented the pirates from boarding it. No injuries to crew.
View
16.12.2009: 1735 LT: Callao anchorage: Peru.
Robbers boarded an anchored vehicle carrier via the anchor chain and by cutting the hawse pipe cover. They stole ship’s stores and escaped. Incident was only discovered after the robbers had left the vessel and when ship’s crew went forward to heave up anchor. The incident may have occurred when all crew were assembled in the accommodation during port authorities inspection.
View
17.12.2009: 1929 UTC: Kochi anchorage: India.
Two robbers boarded an anchored tanker via the anchor chain. The robbers broke open the forepeak store and stole ship’s stores. Ship’s crew noticed and chased them away. Seeing the crew the robbers jumped overboard and escaped.
View
15.12.2009: 2150 LT: Puerto la Cruz: Venezuela.
Duty seaman onboard a container ship spotted six robbers in a boat attempting to board the vessel. Alarm raised and crew alerted. The robbers aborted the attempt and moved away.
View
14.12.2009: 2100 LT: Posn: 12:02.S – 077:11.6W: Callao anchorage, Peru.
Duty officer onboard an anchored container ship raised the alarm when he failed to get a response from the anti piracy duty AB on deck. Crew went forward to investigate and found the AB lying on deck with his hands and feet tied up and minor shoulder injuries. The robbers had broken into and stolen ship stores from the forecastle store. Upon hearing the alarm the robbers escaped.
View
05.12.2009: 1800 LT: Posn: 22:12.6N – 91:46.4E: Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh.
About 12 robbers armed with long metal bars in a small boat boarded an anchored tug. They stole ship’s stores and escaped. Local authorities informed.
View
11.12.2009: 0820 LT: Posn: 05:15.9S – 123:25.1E: Indonesia.
Four pirates, armed with a gun and spear in a speed boat chased a general cargo ship. Vessel took anti piracy measures and prevented the boarding.
View
06.12.2009: 0624 UTC: Posn: 10:50N – 060:00E, Off Somalia.
Armed pirates attacked and boarded a fishing vessel underway. They took hostage 29 crewmembers and hijacked the vessel.
View
A thoughtful, scientific analysis of the problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSBoO4GzHaI
Can you high-seas it?
ON THE INTERNET:
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/pirates/index
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/piracy/index
Very interesting idea. I looked up the Q ships and I think that they would work for the Somali coast. A few Vulcan cannons or small 3” guns and any skiff is toast.
Just have several Q-Ships cruise up and down the Somali coast,Indian and in China Sea the pirate problem would end in a year.
Yes, you’re correct. A vigorous response, with a lot of dead pirates, will end the problem quickly.
For too long, we have thought of pirate kidnappings as a law-enforcement problem.
When have pirates of any time period been successfully dealt with as a law enforcement problem? They were eliminated by using military naval and land forcers. While trial, imprisonment and public hanging was part of the equation during the days of the Caribbean pirates as a deterrent I would prefer seeing any not killed outright bound and tossed into the sea.
“Hunting down and killing people who attack Americans and our Allies.. Hey that’s what the Military is for..”
Let the Flying Islamic Pirates join the Flying Taliban Great!!
However defending these private vessels especially those that are not registered in the US with US Warships at this time..and under the current situation.
Nonsense.
(rewrite)
How is it.. that a minor security threat of this nature has become the financial responsibility of Governments therefore Tax Payers?
These Islamic Sacks of Crap are not hitting the High Seas in Warships.. they are running around with AKs, Maybe an SVD, possibly a 12.7 MG in open mostly wooden skiffs.
To protect themselves the ships will have to spend some money Armoring up the Pilot House or Bridge. Maybe the areas around some other Vital Organs. Harden and make securable hatching to on deck.
Not terribly complex.
The proper response should be: “Bridge to Security stand by to repel all boarders. Oh and the Captain said clean up your mess when your thru.. No more leaving Bodies in funny positions or places.. you scared the Cook last time and stunk up his Cabin...”
This is not a highly trained Team of Seals or Russian Spetznaz assaulting a vessel. It is a bunch of Amateurs. If anyone in charge used the brains God gave them. They would keep it that way by killing them all everytime they can to insure they do not become highly skilled as Pirates and pass on what they learn.
The truth is this whole Somali Pirate thing is a Scam!!!
Shipping Companies trying to foist reasonable costs of security on Western TaxPayers.
Our Navy is more than willing to take up the job cause it’s fun..right up their alley, what they do.
They are just the wrong folks for it. Like hiring a Le Mann’s Race Car Driver to pick up groceries at the Piggly Wiggley.
It costs US and other Western Nations Millions a day to provide security using our navies.
Why?... When for very little in terms of costs these ships could be defended by 3-5 man security contingents you could hire from most Western Countries. Armed with small arms.. 12.7mm (.50 Cal) and down along with a few guided ATGMs.
This calls for the fellows who guard the trucks that transport cash to and from Sam’s Club etc.. They are reasonably armed and perfectly capable of defending themselves if they can avoid being suprised and that’s for the most part really all thats needed.
Yes our Navy would like the Job has the Job apparently.. But they cost too much. Why are we paying millions a day so some company can get out of being responsible for their own security so they can save $25k-$50k (in wages) a voyage on the high side.
(side note) Reports have the Belgium Military Charging their registered Ships $50k per trip.. for Military Troops to be on Board without problem.
According the FP 20 SuperTankers travel the Straights of Hormuz daily.. So that’s $500K a day. (For the Store Brand or 1 million for Donald Duck Orange Juice..(Military) version to defend the entire fleet.)
No US Navy ship other than a harbor tug or an Inflatable costs less than a million a day just to operate. Now put a bunch of them out there wandering around... You get my point..
Smaller vessels can Convoy up and maybe have a couple security folks per vessel..maybe hire Blackwater to provide a patrol boat or two for the group..
The cargo of a Greek Supertanker Hijacked reciently was worth 100 Million Dollars.. Please spare me the argument that these companies cannot afford 25k to $50k for a security contingent.
If it is a Greek Registered Vessel the Greeks should secure it. If they want to use a Military Force they are quite capable of doing so.. (Don’t kid yourself Greece has a Coastline just a few hundred miles less than our own because of all the Islands that are part of Greece.) They have a greater capacity to project power over water in that region than the US and more methods of doing so.. We just can project it worldwide where they cannot. So who really needs our help? They don’t.
These Shipping Companies are just lazy, greedy so and so’s and want to pawn these costs off on everyone else..
They want US Taxpayers most of all to spend more than a million for US Warships a day each (How about Submarines? Sheesh). Have maybe a half dozen to a dozen floating around the area..(Some do have to be there anyway to deal with Iran. In that case and if they want to sink pirates on the side... fine, good practice as long as they kill them.
None the less my point holds..
These commercial ships need to assume a baseline level of active security.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/08/12/the_strait_dope
W
The shipping companies can get together on this problem and start building Q-Ships without any tax dollar money being used. All they need is a green light from Congress(even though that is unlikely)
While we may see the solution a bit differently it took real time and effort to create the very straight forward framework you have laid out for the Debate.
I simply want these companies to stop shirking their responsibility and pawning it off on the American people.
As things are now most ship owners do not want to pay American Fees and submit to US Safety and pay Regulations
Now for US Registered Ships:
Maybe we put a half dozen Marine Reservists aboard for a couple weeks cruise. Give them lawn Chairs.. A big cooler (soft drinks), Portable Swimming Pool and a Boom Box.. Single fellows only. Let them stop by PI or Thailand first and bring a Guest for company..
Now is that not reasonable?
W
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