Piracy Off Coast of Somalia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Piracy Off Coast of Somalia - Essay ExampleThe Northwestern region of Somalia declargond themselves independent in 1991 and in 1998 the Northeastern region established the Puntland State of Somalia. (Ould-Abdallah, 2008). In 2002 local leaders in Baidoa also established a Southwestern State of Somalia. soil shows that before 1990 piracy was not a serious problem on the coast of Somalia. thither were a few small incidents with fishing boats, leisure finesse and ships, but nothing serious. However, in the 1990s a more organized form of piracy was seen in armed groups attacking vessels claiming to be Coast Guards protect territorial waters of Somalia. This form of piracy expanded in 2000 to any seafaring vessels that came within or even close to Somalias territorial waters. The pirates boarded the vessels and held some(prenominal) ship and sailors hostage for ransom. (Ould-Abdallah, 2008). Interestingly, the pirates are not concerned with cargo or reuse of the ship they are only conc erned with obtaining the ransom. The ships are sailed to one of the bases where the pirates brook obtain supplies while demands are being communicated. Since the pirates are armed, it is very difficult to attempt a rescue. The process is very open and they odour very solid that the ransom leave be paid to bring the hostage situation to a safe conclusion. (Ould-Abdullah, 2008). The following research information deals with what is going on now, wherefore we are involved, the costs, United States policies, and possible alternatives. Why Piracy in Somalia Somalia is ravaged with social upheavals, human hardship and environmental challenges. Piracy has become a modal value to make quick money that is more appealing than any other means of income. There is some risk involved, but the benefits have shown to outweigh the risks. There have been few arrests and fewer injuries suffered by the pirates. (Ould-Abdullah, 2008). The country suffers from poverty, unemployment, environmental dr awbacks, and low incomes. There have been lost resources due to drought and illegal fishing as well as security and political issues that allow piracy to continue in Somalia. Until someone comes up with a better solution for income generation and the pirates are dealt with more severely, it will continue. It is important to note that the pirates firmly believe they have every right to attack illegal vessels that are in their territorial waters. They feel that their fishing resources are being stolen daily by vessels from Europe and Asia. This has been going on for years however, nothing has been done about it internationally. Therefore, the Somalia pirates believe their actions are warranted to inhibit the injustice. (Ould-Abdullah, 2008). Some pirates have claimed they act as a de facto coast guard, protecting Somalia from illegal fishing and dumping of toxic wastes. (Minter Volman, 2009). However, most will admit that they do it for the financial gain, even though some used to be fishermen. In the article by William Minter and Daniel Volman in June 2009 they contend that piracy alone will not likely provoke U.S. intervention even if U.S. citizens are captured. Most of the captured hostages have been from the Philippines and other developing countries. The shipping companies see the ransom as forgivable expenses compared to the economic situation worldwide. (Minter Volman, 2009). In an article by Mark Doyle in 2006 he states that the problem is generally off the long eastern coastline of