Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-so.png "Flag of Somalia") | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Pirates Continue Attacks in Gulf of Aden
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| Summary |
Pirates off the coast of Somali continue their pattern of hijacking ships and holding the ships and their crews for ransom. This week, the pirates made their most impressive seizure, taking control of a Saudi oil tanker, Sirius Star, that measures greater than the size of a US aircraft carrier. Despite attempts at interference of foreign states and international armies, the Somali pirates continue to hold Sirius Star, as well as several other ships, hostage in an effort to collect money for new boats and weapons. The ship has been spotted off the coast of Somali, in the Gulf of Aden, where the pirates have attacked at least 90 other vessels. The Somali pirates’ stealth, experience, and strength of weaponry help deter international involvement and advance their plight.
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| Analysis |
International response to the Somali piracy has failed. NATO and the European Union attempted a naval response, but the pirates still managed to capture the Sirius Star. The failure of these organizations has allowed the pirates to affect insurance costs, travel patterns, and funding. Further, the US argues, hostages and ransom demands complicate a plan for military intervention. The international organizations did not respond effectively when the conflict first started, and as such, they now face a more challenging situation that is less likely to be resolved. Although the attacks have occurred off the coast of Somali and affect many states’ ships, the neighboring coastal states have not made a strong effort to intervene.
Furthermore, the possibility of negotiating an end to the conflict is unlikely. As a BC security correspondent suggests, negotiations are expected to be costly and states have low expectations. The lack of faith and hope in the negotiations further slows the process of easing the conflict. Without significant international presence or determination, the pirates will continue to create havoc in the Gulf of Aden.
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| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 20, 2008 at 11:07 am | |
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