Text 4547, 54 rader
Skriven 2012-10-20 14:40:51 av Richard Webb (1:116/901.0)
   Kommentar till text 4540 av Robert Bashe (2:2448/44)
Ärende: The EU finally grows a pair
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Hello Bob,

On Sat 2012-Oct-20 08:09, Robert Bashe (2:2448/44) wrote to Roy Witt:

RB> I've also read that improving conditions in Somalia have helped to
RB> reduce piracy.

I've read that too, but, like so many of these situations,
those gains could all be wiped out tomorrow.

RB> As to the German participation... well, the only problem is what to
RB> do with captured pirates. Simply shooting them is morally offensive
RB> (at least in Germany), but bringing them to Germany for trial, which
RB> has been done at least once to my knowledge, isn't much better.
RB> Here, they get a prison sentence and then can stay in Germany
RB> because sending them back to what the Germans consider a war zone is
RB> __also_ morally offensive (and against German law). They can also
RB> bring wives and children here once they have a legal right to reside
RB> in Germany...

True, but unless their crimes are against German people why
bring them back to Germany?  I see nothing morally wrong in
just shooting them, especially if you can get them to put up a bit of
resistance, then you're totally justified in using
lethal force against them.
It's like the legendary "suicide by cop" which happens
occasionally.

RB> Any self-respecting Somalian pirate woukld doubtless _love_ to be
RB> captured and sent to Germany for trial.

Why wouldn't he?  HE gets treated in a more civilized manner than he would be
by his enemies at home, has plenty to eat,
etc.

RB> It's quite a quandry, and the only real hope is that the improving
RB> situation in Somalia will lead to less and less piracy as time goes
RB> by.

Right, but for that to happen those improvements actually
need to manifest themselves in providing those folks with
opportunities to provide for themselves.  Just opening the
spigot and pouring in more international aid ain't gonna get it.  Until then,
bring back the old law of the high seas,
the punishment for piracy was death, immediately.  Trial by
those who captured you.  Since we can't hang 'em from the
yard arm anymore the expenditure of a little lead gets the
job done.


Regards,
           Richard
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 * Origin:  (1:116/901)