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| Terror Networks |
| Pirates of Somalia: Asymmetric Warfare |
| 2008-11-20 |
| Piracy and maritime terrorism are forms of asymmetrical warfare that non-state actors use as instruments in disrupting the peace and security of states. It is therefore necessary for navies to revamp and find new definitions for their role in the modern security context. long good essay at link |
| Posted by:3dc |
| #3 Somalia is on the brink of slipping back under the control of the Islamic Courts Union (or some such name), essentially a radical islamic group akin to the Taliban. And strategically located in the Horn of Africa, a redux of the A-Q homebase scenario would cause even more problems worldwide. Little known in the US, there are several significant concentrations of Somali "refugees", legally admitted under a foolish 80's statute that provides asylum. In San Diego there are over 70,000 concentrated in a very small area, creating the beginnings of tribal/clan criminal enterprises, and social no-go zones. Look for car-be-ques and Sharia behavior next, and connections to Somalia from a supportive ethnic enclave on the U.S. Mexico border. Sounds like a Clancy novel, only it's all true and exists right now, right here. |
| Posted by: NoMoreBS 2008-11-20 18:56 |
| #2 I believe it is a mechanism to funnel cash into terrorist groups now that we have disrupted their traditional financial channels. Notice that Iran says they are going to continue using those shipping routes. It gives them an opportunity to transfer large sums of cash to terrorist groups without the world community coming down on them. They can say "we were just paying ransom to get our ship back". In my opinion any country paying a ransom should be listed as a terrorist facilitator. |
| Posted by: crosspatch 2008-11-20 14:47 |
| #1 Why is this even considered a naval question? This is purely a political question and the navy as currently constituted is fully able to put a stop to this crap, or at least knock it back to negligible levels. If we wanted this done we could do it. My issue is that these are not US ships that are being attacked so why the heck should I care? If the Saudis, SKors, Brits, French, etc. don't like it then let them deal with it. Let's give sailing under the stars & stripes mean something....if you're sailing under US registry, the navy will be there. AND GIVE THE NAVY THE ROE necessary. |
| Posted by: AlanC 2008-11-20 13:32 |