Let's talk about pirates...

[OnePimpTiger]

...is it just me, or does that sound funny to anybody else?

Anyway, I'm assuming most of you have heard about the most recent pirate incident last week, but if not, here's a recap article:

Hostage captain rescued; Navy snipers kill 3 pirates

This response from the pirates was reported either today or yesterday:

Pirates vow to kill U.S., French sailors

Two pirates in Somalia vowed revenge Monday, after the U.S. military killed three pirates and freed a U.S. ship captain who had been held hostage for several days.

The pirates told a Somali journalist that they were angered by the U.S. action, as well as a French raid Friday that killed two pirates and one hostage and freed four hostages.

"We have decided to kill U.S. and French sailors if they happen to be among our future hostages," said Abdullahi Ahmed, a member of a pirate group based at Harardhere, a coastal town in central Somalia.

This statement from the first officer of the Maersk Alabama was reported today:

“We would like to implore President Obama to use all of his resources and increase the commitment to ending this Somali pirate scourge,” the first officer said Monday at a news conference in Mombasa, Kenya. “Right now there are ships being taken. At sea, it’s a global community. It doesn’t come down to nations.”

Murphy added, “America has to be at the forefront of this. It’s time for us to step in and end this crisis. It’s a crisis. Wake up. This crew is lucky to be out of this with every one of us alive. We’re not going to be that lucky again.”

So let's discuss. How big of a threat do pirates pose? What should be done about them? What role should America have in it? Curious to see what people think about it, especially what America's role should be.

[Aikman_TheGreat]

They are "terrorists of the sea". They shouldnt pose a big risk, but they do. America cant do anything about it because we'll get in trouble. No one else will do anything because they are a bunch of...well... you know. But really, pirates? haha, it is funny. ARGH MATTEY! If it was me just sink the ship and be done with it (and take their treasure argh!)

But I cant see America getting away with doing anything about it.

[shortking98]

No offense to any Somali pirates that might be on the board today but did they honestly think that they could keep pulling this stuff and no one would ever push back a little?

[chljoe]

Piracy is popular in the South China Sea and in the surrounding waters. Some are organized and others not so much. America can't really do much about it since the nearby gov'ts can't and won't really do anything about it. Pirates pose a threat but it isn't really a direct threat to Americans.

[OnePimpTiger]

Pirates pose a threat but it isn't really a direct threat to Americans.

They just rescued an American ship captain who was being held hostage by these pirates and now the pirates are saying they'll kill Americans they take hostage in the future...it may not affect the vast majority of Americans, but I'm sure any Americans in that part of the water right now may think differently.

[chljoe]

Yeah I know that but one case isn't really a threat to Americans. Of course they threatened to do something should they ever come across an American again but chances are that is remote. They are operating off the coast of Somalia. Pirates like that are localized and don't really venture off their operating waters.

[OnePimpTiger]

Yeah I know that but one case isn't really a threat to Americans. Of course they threatened to do something should they ever come across an American again but chances are that is remote. They are operating off the coast of Somalia. Pirates like that are localized and don't really venture off their operating waters.

Somalia is located at one of the main entrances to the Middle East...any ships headed to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, UAE, Yemen, Oman, etc, etc, etc go right through there. American traffic might not be the majority, but I'm sure there are plenty of American ships going through there. Also a lot of ally ships.

[jvansande]

just bomb all the pirate ships and the problem is solved.

[chljoe]

I know that too. The point is, regional gov'ts are in charge of it, not America. It is prevalent but not rampant. The best America can do it point out to the surrounding areas that a little more watch is needed. No need for a mobile unit to be assembled or anything like that. The same argument can be made for the piracy that occurs in the South China, however, since there isn't much you can do to stop it you just have to deal with them as the situation arises.

Somalia is located at one of the main entrances to the Middle East...any ships headed to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, UAE, Yemen, Oman, etc, etc, etc go right through there. American traffic might not be the majority, but I'm sure there are plenty of American ships going through there. Also a lot of ally ships.

[OnePimpTiger]

I know that too. The point is, regional gov'ts are in charge of it, not America. It is prevalent but not rampant. The best America can do it point out to the surrounding areas that a little more watch is needed. No need for a mobile unit to be assembled or anything like that. The same argument can be made for the piracy that occurs in the South China, however, since there isn't much you can do to stop it you just have to deal with them as the situation arises.

Oh ok, I see what you mean...America shouldn't be directly involved in the solution. I think I misunderstood you...got it now.