Pirate problem needs ’strategy’

“So we’ve got to look very carefully at what we can do to tackle the problem in the way the problem is manifested, and also what lies behind the problem.”

There is no doubt that there are some big problems in Somalia, but before we figure out just what sort of aid programs the international community is going to set up can’t we just start by sinking pirates?

Talks On Armed Security Teams To Deter Pirates

However, most countries do not allow the arming of merchant vessels which sail under their flags and insurance companies are opposed.

There are several ways around this, but the easiest is to pass a law allowing the arming of merchant ships. I am sure that either a new insurance company will spring up, or the old ones will change their policy (the first company to do so will probably get a lot of business.) Alternately, if the world is unwilling to deploy naval resources to protect this shipping lane any number of private companies would be happy to do so.

I do not see how handing hundreds of millions in ransom is any sort of a solution. How long before the ransom money begins being dispersed to fund other terrorist activities?