Comments on: Al-Qaeda Linked Group Threatens Israel

By: Ray Marshall

Ray Marshall — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:01:58 +0000

Tom Morrissey: maybe shared interests (other than Sharia) can be a Disneyland of sorts on Somalia coast…nice beaches…Western tourists can even get to be shot or get to go home for a slight fee.

By: mike darnell

mike darnell — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:19:01 +0000

After reading CKs argument I’m thinking maybe we should offer them financial consulting…

By: Tom Morrissey

Tom Morrissey — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:26:34 +0000

I agree with Ed. If we engage with these pirates, show some understanding of their legitimate demands, we can build a peaceful future together based on shared interests.

By: dahlia

dahlia — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:26:43 +0000

CK: I think you misunderstood my analysis. I argue that should AQ set up head quarters in Yemen, Somalian affiliate organizations would be greatly strengthed. As such, what may seem an idle threat today, should not be entirely dismissed just because it is not feasible at this very moment. One shouldn’t wait for a future problem to become a problem; one should be prepared in advanec.

By: ck

ck — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:29:18 +0000

Seriously Dahlia? Seriously? Al-Shabab have proven to be resourceful businessmen and all but their motley collection of RPGs and AK-47s are a bit of a joke don’t you think? I mean fully 7.5% of the world’s sea trade skirts the Gulf of Aden on its way to the Suez Canal. The alternative is to round the Cape of Good Hope which adds days to the trip, makes one subject to inclement weather and adds millions of dollars to cost of transportation. Even with the threat of pirates, it’s still worth going for it and paying a ransom should your boat be captured. In 2008, only 0.2% of ships sailing Somali waters were successfully hijacked.

These hijackers are businessmen. You think they have any way of targeting just Israeli ships? You think the little clowns going off in their dinghies give a shit if a boat is Israeli or not? The first boat they can successfully hijack is the boat that gets hijacked, regardless of destination, cargo or flag. Al-Shahab’s threat is an empty one – meant to give bullshit ideological credibility to a kleptocracy with no credibility.

You’re a little of there Dahlia. Here, read An Economic Analysis of the Somali Pirate Business Model. It’s entertaining and informative!

By: Ed Rosenblatt

Ed Rosenblatt — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:55:03 +0000

Don’t you think we should try diplomacy first? Reach out a hand and hope this group will unclench its fist? Maybe speak to them in arabic and quote the Koran?

It might help if we change our middle name to… Oh well!

By: mike darnell

mike darnell — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:20:12 +0000

My standard response to this type of thing is:
“Send Lieberman over”

Today I say:
“Have Ellie Yishai & Jack Teitel join him…”

Mike