No Bravery When it Comes to Fighting Pirates
Kurt Pelda (in German), Neue Zürcher Zeitung | September 25, 2008
Western warships are unable to guarantee the safety of merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, due to their inability to effectively fight pirates and terrorists there. ++ This is especially noteworthy because the region is a conduit for EU oil supplies. ++ Moreover, UN experts say that there is a direct link between piracy and illegal arms sales, which ultimately benefit Islamic terrorists. ++ The EU's plan to send more ships is not satisfactory - a modernization of the naval forces and a tougher mandate are required.
Sat, Sep 27th 2008, 21:36
Jeff Hathor
The middle ages brought a new style of business supported by shipping called colonialism. The British, French, Spanish and Dutch and to a smaller degree other countries explored, set up trade routes and created colonies in other areas of the world. The Dutch East India Company is well known for such commercial endeavors and some give them credit for starting Capitalism. Pirates became well known at this time as some traveling ships were unprotected.
Buckminster Fuller wrote those who control shipping control the world. Indeed shipping was a means in itself for logistics and communication. Some countries without specific resources from other countries could not survive easily at current population levels. Why? As we advance our technology we expand our use of it and then rely heavily on it. Importing food and raw materials allow us to build bigger industries, make products and support bigger populations.
The Cold War era had NATO and USSR navies patrolling the seas constantly. This kept pirate activity to a minimum. Now that the cold war is over ships are now vulnerable. Protection from large navy ships is now needed again. Long voyages and rough seas require larger navy vessels like cruisers. Not to mention the ship has to be large enough to carry anti-piracy / counter- terrorist trained frogmen teams with the ability to launch smaller fast moving vessels like rubber boats and troop transport helicopters.
Each of the NATO countries could be required to build or buy navy cruisers specifically designed for anti-piracy, counter-terrorist and search and rescue operations. Then take turns patrolling shipping lanes or escorting ships through more dangerous areas. In the past threatening the worlds shipping was considered an act of war, so this is a very serious matter that can certainly get out of control.