Somalian Pirates: Democracy at Its Best?

     A few obvious questions arise.  For starters, how are the pirates financed? Mainly through local businessmen, as well as the Islamist militiant group Al Shabaab.   Why does the military not intercede?  This is, after all, one of the most heavily patrolled Naval areas in the world.  In short, the risk of damaging the ships (often oil carriers) or loss of hostage life are far too great.   And as far as any of the other parties doing something to solve the problem,  not likely.  Because sadly, there is no reason for them to.  With the exception of the consumer, everyone here is making a profit on the situation.  The insurance companies are making windfall in spite of the million dollar payouts.  Only 0.2% of ships passing through are successfully hijacked, and the inflated premiums the other 99.8% pay more than assure the insurance companies pockets will only get fatter.  The third party contractors and negotiators are obviously making a killing, as well.

     The shipping companies aren’t likely to change the status quo, either.  There are alternatives available, but ironically, all are more expensive than simply taking their chances with the pirates.  Safety has all but become a non issue…  The pirates want to keep the profits rolling, and the quickest way to involve the military would be to start killing hostages.  As long as the prisoners remain safe, this system will, in all liklihood remain this way for some time.

     So who does pay, then?  Why, the consumers, of course.  Speculation abounds as far as just how many hands are greased along the way, but it seems certain that it does take place.  By all appearances, it would truly appear to be a textbook case of capitalism at work, would it not?  Jack Sparrow, Indeed.