How the U.S. Solved the Piracy Problem in 1815 and Why it Can’t in 2009
For the first time in 200 years, an American-flagged cargo ship was captured by pirates off the coast of Somalia. However 200 years ago, piracy was rife and attacks on commercial vessels belonging to USA were not unheard of. How did it all stop? Can the same solution that worked 200 years ago, work now?
The Response
Beginning of 19th century
An effective solution to the Barbary Corsairs required quick response action, and the new-born American Navy showed everyone its strength and ability in this. After the First Barbary War, trade was protected until 1812, when Algeria, incited by UK dared to take three American traders and demanded 500,000 USD in ransom.
The immediate reaction of Captain Decatur (US Navy commander in the region) was clear, quick and effective. In 1815 the US fleet visited the notorious harbors of three Barbary States: Tripoli, Tunis and Algeria and presented each with a choice of either having to do meet “powder and ball” or write a treaty foreswearing piracy. All three states signed.
As a result, no American ship was ever captured anywhere in the sea since then, between 1815 and April 2009.
April 2009
US-flagged 17,000 ton cargo “Merck Alabama” captured by Somali pirates 400 miles off the coast of Somalia.
USS Destroyer “Bainbridge” arrived at the scene a few hours after receiving information of the capture. No action was taken. On Friday, “Bainbridge” was joined by USS “Halyburton” and amphibious USS “Boxer” with a compliment of over 1000 people and about two dozen helicopters and attack planes. This group closely monitors the situation and, as before, no active action is taken.
Now dear Reader let us try and imagine that you are ordered to solve that problem. What kind of action will you take? Chose one of the following:
- Same thing as Captain Decatur did – quick, deadly, effective military action to sink down all pirate ships, boats and destroy coastal bases, arresting the leaders, and common pirates, and court marshal them according military law and practice
- Send US aid workers and humanitarian aid to Somalia. Educate the locals in fundamental human rights and international laws
- Wait until the problem is resolved naturally between the ship’s owners and the pirates
- Invest US money into Somalia, creating an effective local economy to draw the people out of criminal business
- Fill and application to the United Nations Security Council and act accordingly the resulting UN Resolution/s.
Quotes
“There is but one language which can be held to these people, and this is terror.”
- William Eaton, first US Consul appointed to Tunis, 1799
“Our Country! In her intercourse with the foreign nations may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, our country”
- Captain Decatur
“This not about money. That is about America.”
- Ronald Reagan
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Post CommentHale Bopp
On April 14, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Somalia needs more humanitarian aid, better education for its people and more international attention from the global community — only this way we can combat piracy.
Leonardo da Vinci E.
On August 21, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Yes, but the aid should be tied to certain reforms which will be needed to stablize the country.