Spain appeals to NATO, US to help end Somali hostage crisis

AFP ^ | 4/21/08 | N/A

[Billthedrill]

You are absolutely right. This isn't an issue suitable for political infighting - high-seas piracy never is. For force projection ashore (should it come to that) there are two NATO navies that might manage it and only one that has anyone in the area (of which I'm aware).

Given that there are hostages it may be that inshore warfare is less likely than, say, a blockade of sorts. Either way it's going to require assets that the Spanish navy doesn't have.

[Night Hides Not]

This isn't an issue suitable for political infighting

Thanks for your reasoned responses. As much as I would like to show recalcitrant allies the back of my hand, there are times when you simply can't.

In retrospect, President Bush has accomplished the task for us, based on the cold shoulder he gave to Zapatero at the last NATO meeting.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Maybe the Spanish should ask the French for a copy of their instruction manual on “How to handle Somalian Pirates”. I wonder how Franco (Yes he’s still dead.) would have handled the mater? (Rhet.)

[JPJones]

What Gaul.

[ZX12R]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with telling Spain to handle it themselves.