Somali Pirates

To whom it may concern,

On the very first day that Somali pirates took an American Capitan of a commercial freighter hostage, I knew that this would not end well for the Somalis. When it was reported that a Navy warship was then trailing the dinghy that the pirates had boarded after abandoning the freighter, I knew that it was only a matter of time. But when there was a three day delay for negotiations, I was wondering why the Navy seals had not already ended the standoff. And now Somali pirates know not to mess with any American vessels in the future. Hopefully, this strategy will discourage future piracy, but it might only make them more violent. This new policy will either serve as a diversion from other military objectives, or as a means to intervene in the establishment of an effective central government in Somalia. With the millions of square miles of ocean to patrol, how can the United States government ensure similar responses and a sustained security situation in the future?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP