Introduction to International Politics

Foreign Event Analysis

Locale[]
Somalia
Title
Issues continue in Somalia
Summary
Somali pirates hijacked Faina, a cargo ship heading for a Kenyan port with a cargo of 33 battle tanks and heavy weapons, on September 25 off coast of Somalia. The ship is now anchored off Somalia’s coast near the central town of Hobyo. To ensure its heavy weapons don’t fall into the hands of any insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda, United States warships have surrounded Faina for weeks. French Marines patrolling the pirate-infested coast of Somalia have handed over nine Somali pirates they have captured and plan on prosecuting the pirates in the coming months.
Analysis
The insecurity in Somalia is continuing to affect the trade of many other countries within the region of water surrounding the state. In effect, trade has become less frequent and more expensive. The decreasing interaction between states and deteriorating trade is extremely problematic. Action needs to be implemented against the pirates in Somalia sooner rather than later in order to maintain international peace and stability.
The waters off Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden, are the world’s most dangerous, accounting for 63 of the 199 reported pirate attacks worldwide between January and September of this year. These constant attacks are greatly affecting the people of Africa in regards to their economy, trade, and stability. If these attacks continue, Africa will continue to be negatively affected and we will see interdependence between states continue to decrease. As a solution to this continuing issue, the United Nations needs intervene. An international peace-keeping organization, the United Nations will encourage negotiation and as a result improve interdependence between states.
Perspectivel
Liberal
In-Region URL
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_2414791,00.html
Out-of-Region URL
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/24/content_10241820.htm
Submitted
October 23, 2008 at 9:53 pm