Pirate Problems

It appears that President Obama has not addressed the situation that unfolded yesterday, where pirates seized an American cargo ship and took the captain hostage. This tragic incident was not directly indicative of President Obama's foreign policies, but it does shine a light on the paths the President should take - both with the pirates and foreign policy in general. It has been reported that pirates seized about 180 ships last year, and they apparently didn't resolve over New Year's to lead the world towards peace. Up to this point, the pirates, who are mainly operating out of the country of Somalia, have steered clear of touching any ship that display the Stars and Stripes.

This situation yesterday was the commencement of more pirate attacks upon United States' vessels - provided that there is a muted response from the United States' government - and it is the culmination of failed policies in dealing with the pirates. Much of this falls on President Bush, who on his watch witnessed the increase of pirate attacks in international waters. While the attacks on other country's flags might not have directly impacted American security on the seas, the primarily non-responsive United States' response over the past years paved the way for the pirates to boldly seize an American ship at a later date (that date coming yesterday - the first time in 200 years that pirates have attacked a U.S. ship).

Terrorists only know one deterrent to their deeds: death. Countries that support, fund, house, and recruit terror also know only one deterrent to their actions: military response. There is no middle ground where negotiations will change the hearts and mindsets of terrorists across the world. They work for themselves or fanatical religions and will not be stopped with talks of peace and harmony amongst all in the world.

And that explains the problem with United States giving a muted response to terror - in this case the pirate terror off the coast of Somalia. No longer in this day and age can the United States sit idly by and expect that terror occurring to another country will have little impact to itself and its interests. The government is responsible for securing the security of its citizens. The U.S. government owes it to its citizens to be proactive in its dealings with any terrorist group. Terror exists; it's the responsibility of the United States' government to ensure that it does whatever is necessary to wipe out the threats against it before they germinate into horrific realities.

President Obama needs to take the lead in this situation. He is the President of the United States - the only man in absolute control of meeting these conflicts head-on. He must inform the pirate community that their actions will be severely dealt with, starting immediately. He must state to Somalia that unless its government rises above the lawless terror which originates from its shores, the United States will take control (and take out) the terrorists and pirates for them. He must show the world that he will take complete control of ensuring Americans' security now and all throughout his term in office.