Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-so.png "Flag of Somalia") | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Somali Pirates Continue
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| Summary |
There has been a surge in piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia during 2008 and they are continuing today. Sirius Star, a Saudi Arabian oil tanker, was hijacked on Tuesday by Somali pirates. The captured crew on the Sirius Star includes two British citizens, two Polish citizens, one Croatian, one Saudi national and 19 Filipinos. Over 90 vessels have been attacked by the pirates this year.
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| Analysis |
Owners of the Saudi Arabian oil tanker are negotiating a possible ransom. Talks have begun between Saudi’s Prince Saud al-Faisal and the Somali pirates in an effort to free the tanker. This negotiation is a good step towards achieving peace between not only Saudi Arabia and Somalia, but also between Somalia and all of the other states which have come into contact with Somali pirates. The hijackings in the Gulf of Aden are creating problems for all ships trying to pass. Unfortunately, there is no convenient travel route which can be used as an alternative.
The best solution would be to increase interaction between the problematic Somali pirates and other states. Creating some type of negotiation which would satisfy both sides would be ideal. Perhaps Somali pirates could negotiate some type of trade agreement with Saudi Arabia and other states with passing ships. As a result this trade could lead to increased interaction between parties, hopefully leading to interdependence in the future.
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| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 19, 2008 at 13:31 pm | |
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