Comment Re:Take a 3-pronged approach (Score 1) 318
1.Do something like what they did in the second world and escort civilian ships through the (relatively small) danger zone.
It's not a "relatively small" zone. Somali pirates are operating over 1,000 miles from their shore.
Any pirates that show up get to find out just what the massive deck gun or missile launcher of a navy destroyer does to a small pirate boat.
The Navy can't go around shooting up boats because they look "piratey". And only the stupidiest pirates run up to a destroyer and try to attack it (it has happened though).
2.Apply international pressure on the government of Somalia to clean up its act and clear things out. Offer them incentives (foriegn aid, support to eliminate the warlords and guns or whatever else) if they are willing to clean up their country and stop the pirates.
Somalia is the definition of a Failed state. Their "government" doesn't have any control over the areas the pirates call home. It's not like they can just send the police in to "clear things out". It would be an invasion, which the government would probably lose.
Find things the Somali fishermen-turned-pirates can use to earn a legitimate living. If they have enough money to live off without piracy, they are much less likely to take the risk (especially given #1 above).
These people arent terrorists, they have no political agenda, they are only in it because they feel like they have no other choice if they want to survive.
Let's not romanticize this. The idea that these are fishermen-turned-pirates just trying to defend their home waters and/or provide for their families is ridiculous. These are organized crime rings who are willing to steal, kidnap and murder for a chance to strike it rich.
The truth is the only likely way to solve the problem is for interational forces to invade and occupy the coast. But the world already tried the "peacekeeping" approach there in the 90's, and I don't think anyone has the stomach to repeat the experience.