Piracy

The murder of four innocent Americans by Somali pirates must surly provide the final justification for the western nations, especially America, France and Great Britain, to start dealing with these brigands in the only way they’ll understand – with overwhelming force.

Until we put aside our concern for their human rights, and the territorial integrity of Somalia, an un-governed lawless place, and start administering summary justice, the execution of the pirates and the destruction of their boats and bases, this killing of innocent people will simply escalate out of control.

It cannot be outside the expertise of the American Delta Force, the British Special Boat Squadron and the SAS combined, to storm and destroy the pirate’s bases in Somalia - and if Somalia doesn’t like it well tough – they shouldn’t provide a safe haven for thieves and murderers.

As far as international law is concerned piracy is considered to represent the earliest invocation of the concept of universal jurisdiction and those committing thefts on the high seas, inhibiting trade, and endangering maritime communication are considered by sovereign states to be hostis humani generis (enemies of humanity).

The above may sound both harsh and reactionary but we know from experience that the paying of ransoms, which is blackmail by any other name, merely fuels the fire and encourages more brigands to join the pirates and reap these rich rewards, while at the same time financing more pirate ships and weapons. There is no incentive for the pirates to stop, if caught they are simply released to continue their lawless ways, and there is no authority within their own land, wracked as it is by civil war and in the grip of War Lords, to enforce any code of civilised behaviour. In such a situation the western nations have the right to protect themselves, their ships, trade and citizens from such people and ensure the freedom of the seas.

To quote from the Royal Naval Prayer:
Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that we may be…………………… a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions.

Is it not time to put these words into action?