Possible Solutions

In order to find the proper solution to a problem, it is necessary to first learn about the cause of the problem. The reason why piracy is such a large problem in Somalia is because the country is completely unstable. There is no national government to police its citizens. Somalians live in anarchy and are trying to do everything possible to survive. They see piracy as an opportunity to make lots of money and they are willing to take the risk. The long term solution to piracy is to help the Somalians form some sort of stable government. If this happens, then the Somalians will be able to police themselves and outside force won't be necessary. The short term solution is to monitor the area such as what CTF 151 is doing now. This won't eradicate piracy but it may control it. Another possible short term solution would be to go after the pirates. This would mean possibly bombing their port cities. However, this solution would also lead to civilian deaths that no one wants. Another possible short term solution is to arm commercial ships with non-lethal weapons rather than with guns. These non-lethal weapons would emit intense loud sounds or they might emit rays that burn the skin in order to turn back the pirates. The U.S. government has decided the best course is to patrol pirate waters while it continues to pursue a better long term solution. The best possible solution is to create stability in Somalia by forming a capable government. In the meantime, the maritime industry is preparing its crews to combat pirate attacks. Check it out:

Here in another video where Secretary Clinton talks about solutions that the State Department is considering: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1911416296?bctid=19834412001. What many shipping companies have decided to do is to continue to sail through dangerous waters. If their ships are hijacked by pirates, the company just pays the ransom. This cannot happen if the world wants to stop piracy. Along with other measures, companies who own captured ships must not pay the ransom because this only emboldens pirates. If the pirates cannot get the money they want, then they may eventually give up. Younger Somalians will see that being a pirate does not pay off and will be less likely to become one.