Originally Posted by ptownrob

Steve I couldn't agree with you more, although some would say that Clinton's BOsnian strategy did end the potential genocide there. Wisdom for a U.S. President is knowing when to step back & let the MILITARY professionals advise you without fear of political repercussions. GHW, an accomplished Naval officer, did exactly that in '91.

Jimmy Carter got mired in the muck of political ideology (of a liberal type) and the Iranian hostage rescue was a disaster. I think the lesson of that episode has stood as a guidepost for the limits of politics and meddling by the Executive in carrying out military operations.

I'm curious- does anyone have any ideas about how to stop the overall piracy problem? Unfortunately, the ship owners seem willing to hand over a few million to save their crews & cargoes, and I don;t think countries like Liberia or Paraguay are in any position to effect surgical strikes.

Maybe some new sort of electronics could be incorporated- those microwave/sound antennas seem to incapacitate anyone it 's aimed at.

Until there is an effective government in Somalia, complete with a Coast Guard type force to police its shores, the problem will continue. That's what happens where there is total anarchy.

The shipowners now find themselves in the position that, if they sail anywhere within 500 miles of the East African coast, they must self-arm themselves. There are many companies in the world like Blackwater more than ready to provide the service.

Originally Posted by SteveZ

Until there is an effective government in Somalia, complete with a Coast Guard type force to police its shores, the problem will continue. That's what happens where there is total anarchy.

The shipowners now find themselves in the position that, if they sail anywhere within 500 miles of the East African coast, they must self-arm themselves. There are many companies in the world like Blackwater more than ready to provide the service.

Exactly what I was thinking...
Forget Somalia getting any kind of organized, non-corrupt gov't. This is an economic opportunity for companies that organize soldiers of fortune to provide protection at sea.

Originally Posted by rshoffer

Exactly what I was thinking...
Forget Somalia getting any kind of organized, non-corrupt gov't. This is an economic opportunity for companies that organize soldiers of fortune to provide protection at sea.

This is the first thing I approve or the Obama administration. I also agree with Donna. God Bless the Navy Seals and God Bless America.

You seem to be pretty savvy on things, so I have a question for you. I know the pirates have been getting ransom monies from the various companies they hijack, but do you know how they were funded in the first place to get them armed, etc. for their piracy? Are the ransom monies actually going to them or are they doing all this for someone else and if so, who?

Originally Posted by dillywho

You seem to be pretty savvy on things, so I have a question for you. I know the pirates have been getting ransom monies from the various companies they hijack, but do you know how they were funded in the first place to get them armed, etc. for their piracy? Are the ransom monies actually going to them or are they doing all this for someone else and if so, who?

Sounds like their might be a point here...

but I seen this aritcle here:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022394.php

http://www.javno.com/en-world/interv...urgency_175147

Originally Posted by dillywho

You seem to be pretty savvy on things, so I have a question for you. I know the pirates have been getting ransom monies from the various companies they hijack, but do you know how they were funded in the first place to get them armed, etc. for their piracy? Are the ransom monies actually going to them or are they doing all this for someone else and if so, who?

The Somali warlord structure has been in business for many a year, and the ones at the very top are as rich as any drug cartel leader. The country started going to pot since it became independent from the Brits an Italians around 1960 or so, It's had one coup after another, with the Russians arming insurgents along the way.

The basic Somali economy is propped by livestock sales and remittances (expatriates sending money to relatives back home). That's enough to seed any type of activity

Where the ransom money goes is a matter of some speculation, as there is no effective banking system. As far as I know, the ransoms have been paid in cash. Buying more arms, ammunition, go-fast boats, trawlers, etc. on the "open market" is rarely a problem when dealing with cash customers.

Just like illegal drugs in the United States and elsewhere, if there is a "demand" for arms and other logistics to support criminal activity, there is always a "supply" structure to take care of the customer. Smuggling anything one wants across the Somali land border has been going on since the creation of the borders.

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

No, actually that is NOT what you said. You said "I would applaud the decision but...". You remark about Navy Seals killing teenagers is especially insulting to our military.

Point well taken but I was meaning that I DID applaud the decision and simply wondered why we would cannonize the President and not say God Bless the Seals. And I felt the first and second post at least were aimed pretty much all in that direction with comments about "Obama Does it", etc.

It was not an attempt to disparage the decision and I will surely say with no doubt that I support and applaud the decision.

No reason to say more...I with no doubt am not a supporter of President Obama and was against much of George Bush and President Clinton did but will applaud what they do correctly for our country...but the MILITARY folks did this (albeit with approval from the WH) and no reason to make it a political agenda.

Done and out

A great article on our Navy Seals...

""It was a day at the office for the SEALs, much like it's a day at the office for a heart surgeon or a concert violinist," said Dick Couch, a Vietnam-era SEAL and author of "The Warrior Elite," an inside look at the commandos' rigorous training program. "

http://www.military.com/news/article...=1186032310810

Thanks to ya'll for answering my questions about the funding, etc. I now have a better understanding of what is going on.