Blackwater: We'll Fight Somalia's Pirates
Security analysts and the Somali government are publicly flirting with the idea of hiring mercenaries to stop the pirates that are terrorizing east Africa. Now, the notorious guns-for-fire at Blackwater are responding to the call, with a resounding arrrr!!!!!
"Blackwater Worldwide today announced that its 183-foot ship, the McArthur, stands ready to assist the shipping industry as it struggles with the increasing problem of piracy in [Somalia's] Gulf of Aden," the firm says in a statement. "As a company founded and run by former Navy SEALs, with a 50,000-person database of former military and law enforcement professionals, Blackwater is uniquely positioned to assist the shipping industry."
Somali pirates have hit commercial vessels 100 times, just in this year. The U.S. Navy and its allies have admitted than they don't have a big enough fleet to ensure every ship's safety. So ship owners are now reaching out to Blackwater for protection, according to Executive Vice President Bill Matthews.
It's not eactly a brand-new idea. Mercenaries have been battling pirates for a good eight centuries, off and on. Back in 2005, the Somali government tried to hire a U.S. security contractor for maritime protection -- only to have the company fall victim to scandal. This June, there were conflicting reports that a French security outfit had won a $150 million deal to take the American firm's place. One U.S. admiral even joined in the pirate-fighting mercenary chorus, allegedly. But it "raises more legal issues than anyone could possibly count."
Meanwhile, Blackwater is looking for new income streams, as its business protecting diplomats and executives in Iraq looks increasingly fragile. Blackwater employees are protecting missile interceptors in Japan, schooling Taiwan's secret police, and rescuing blondes in Kenya. The company is assembling a private fleet of airplanes, helicopters, and spy blimps. And let's not forget about Blackwater's work after Katrina in New Orleans. Maybe the company will get a chance to follow up another mess.
agree with you brit. but i have no hope there will be any compromise between these two, because the ICU are feeling the goverment is losing to them so they dont want to talk to anyone specially those in the battle field.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
got to agree with you.. Problem is that will the "powers that be" allow it ??
I doubt it..
So, the only solution is a compromise between the government and the ICU.. Which is also unlikely..
lol brit am afraid that may already be happening, because i have heard rumors that international mercenaries and criminals maybe funding & training the pirates. so its actually very dangerous.
to my opinion i see the only solution being ICU(Islamic Courts Union) back to power only can solve the problem easily.
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi
Blackwater are gung-ho mercenaries.. They have shown themselves to be all too willing to use force..
They might be a short term solution, but some of their employees may also join the pirates if the price is right..
What do we do then ??
This is going to be one interesting stand off to watch. Mercenaries vs Pirates. who will win??
Poverty is not for the sake of hardship. No, it is there because nothing exists but God. Poverty unlocks the door -- what a blessed key!
- Jalaluddin al-Rumi