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Tatyana
Elite Mentor
Re: army special forces are some badass bros
There is a backstory to this that may be of interest to some.
The Somalians have taken to piracy to such an extent as their country has been used as a toxic waste dumping ground, and their coastal area has been illegally fished to death by several continents.
Can you really blame them if this is true?
The Statesman
Somalia’s piracy offers lessons in global governance
International anti-piracy operations off Somalia have attracted multinational media attention and have largely been heralded as a noble effort to protect the global commons. The unanimous passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1851, in December 2008 authorising members to take all necessary actions against Somali piracy has been cited as a rare instance of the Council’s decisiveness and unity. A closer consideration of the issues involved, on the contrary, reveals it to be pyrrhic victory that masks long-term failure in local and international governance that would ensure continued insecurity.
The wave of piracy off Somalia began in 1991 following the collapse of the Barre regime. Dumping of toxic and hazardous wastes by international companies (possibly with organised crime involvement) increased. Unlicensed foreign fishing vessels eagerly targeted Somalia’s fish-rich waters. Local fishermen claimed that foreign boats use intimidation tactics such as ramming and hiring local militants to harass them.
In response, disaffected fishermen then began attacking foreign vessels in the early 1990s, ultimately leading to full-scale piracy and hostage-taking. In 2005, a UN agency estimated that 700 foreign fishing vessels were operating in Somali waters, many employing illegal and destructive fishing methods.
In 2006, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), a coalition of Islamist courts (that had sprung up to provide local law and order after 1991) seeking to create an Islamic state, seized power in most of southern Somalia. They reasserted some control over Somali waters: foreign incursions and piracy declined.
Ethiopia (supported by the USA and the West) invaded Somalia in order to oust the ICU. After the ICU’s ouster the chaos off Somali’s increased. Fishermen fruitlessly complained to the UN about renewed poaching and dumping.
Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, UN Special Envoy for Somalia, in July 2008 called the situation “...a disaster off the Somali coast, a disaster (for) the Somali environment, (and) the Somali population.” The situation that developed has been described by Peter Lehr, of St. Andrew’s University, as “a resource swap” with Somalis taking $100 million annually in ransoms while Europeans and Asian poach $300 million in fish.
What began as a defensive movement by local fishermen has evolved into a complex amalgamation of banditry, organised crime, freebooting, and insurgency targeting all types of vessels from fishing trawlers to oil tankers. Somali waters emerged as the hotbed of piracy, accounting for close to 32% of attacks reported globally between January and September 2008. Some fishermen independently attack foreign vessels, others join well-organised pirate groups consisting of criminal gangs, warlords, and clan militias who in turn attack foreign vessels, local fishermen, and each other.
The failed governance of the country also comes into play. Officials from Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland issue “licences” to foreign vessels that then employ pirates as security. With local and Diaspora businessmen and clan leaders providing logistics and capital to pirates Puntland’s coastal cities are experiencing a piracy fuelled economic boom. Pirates masquerade as Robin Hood-like defenders of Somalia, supposedly protecting the country from exploitation.
The surge in piracy warrants immediate security measures, but ultimately calls for a comprehensive approach that mixes hard and soft measures, similar to that advocated by counterinsurgency experts. In this case, such an approach should have a long-term focus on seeking a political solution to Somali’s turmoil, effective governance and promoting economic development. Intermediate efforts would focus on assisting Puntland which is the epicentre of piracy and has a somewhat dysfunctional government.
In his briefing on Resolution 1851, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon did emphasise, “Anti-piracy efforts, therefore, must be placed in a comprehensive approach that fostered an inclusive peace process in Somalia and assisted the parties to rebuild security, governance capacity, addressed human rights issues, and harnessed economic opportunities throughout the country.”
The Secretary-General also noted that he appealed to 50 countries to commit resources for a broader multinational force for Somalia, yet he could find no state willing to take the lead. The international response has been almost entirely naval. At least 20 countries have committed or promised ships for what, on the surface, looks like a 19th century punitive expedition where the strong collude to protect their economic interests while protecting “civilising” efforts (in this case delivery of food aid). While over half the nations contributing ships are major global or Indian Ocean fishing nations; none have offered significant resources to help address the deeper roots of piracy.
This military-centric approach erodes the legitimacy of international operations and instead creates anti-imperialist responses that help fuel extremism and discontent. **Al-Jazeera**, for instance, has taken up the Robin Hood theme reporting that “...pirates were victims of a US-EU run system that still uses the developing world as a dumping ground for toxic waste.”
One commentary posted on 12 June, 2008 alleged: “The dumping continues to this day, even though we have been assured that we’re living in a ‘post racial era’ following the election of Barak Obama... that rule doesn’t apply to the many black and brown people who still find themselves in the imperial crosshairs.”
The fact remains that the UN has failed to include in its Resolution 1851 the enforcement of Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or the relevant convention that bars dumping of toxic waste. ..............
Michael Vazquez: Why We Don't Condemn Our Pirates
American Chronicle | Puntland: The Shame on Somali Identity
Puntland: The Shame on Somali Identity
Abdulazez Al-Motairi April 09, 2009 The history of the illegitimate semi-autonomous administration of "Puntland" is shame on Somalia, because of its connection to many illegal operations like agreements with Mafia to dump toxic nuclear wastes in the Somali water, and today´s piracy. Recently the Office of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon issued report accusing "Puntland" administration for sponsoring piracy.
In Dec 2008, the "Puntland" pirates hijacked ship loaded with toxic chemicals – the wastes of nuclear – from European firms. The powder-like chemicals were sealed off in containers, but the ignorant pirates forced the crew to open. The crew requested the codes and opened the containers. Today, all members of the pirates are either dead or suffering serious skin problems in "Puntland" hospitals.
This ship was heading to Somali coast to dump the hazardous chemicals, as per agreement between "Puntland" officials and firms. However, the pirates were not aware the plans of their superior officers in Garoowe – the capital of "Puntland". The Garoowe administration is involved in toxic dumping in Somali water, piracy (which humiliated the image of Somalia around the globe) and illegal power struggle in Mogadishu.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reported the tsunami had washed up rusting containers of toxic waste on the shores of Puntland. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN envoy for Somalia confirmed to Al Jazeera English that European and Asian companies are dumping toxic waste, including nuclear waste, off the Somali coastline. These firms signed contracts with Puntland administration, and warlords in Southern Somalia.
"Somalia has been used as a dumping ground for hazardous waste starting in the early 1990s, and continuing through the civil war there," he added "What is most alarming here is that nuclear waste is being dumped. Radioactive uranium waste that is potentially killing Somalis and completely destroying the ocean."
The Former TGS President of Somalia Abdullah Yusuf, who is from "Puntland", led the Ethiopian invasion in Somalia. He is the first Somali citizen who led Ethiopians (Somali´s #1 enemy) against his compatriots. He ordered indiscriminate and unguided bomb-shelling on the civilian areas like Barakara Market of Mogadishu. Thanks to noble Somali armed resistance who forced Ethiopian mercenaries to leave.
All these humiliating behavior are "Made by Puntland" in the Somali history. One of the Ethiopian officers in Mogadishu told one of my associates "We felt great and powerful, after we captured the building of Somali´s Army Central Command of 1977."!!! The officer continued saying "This building was central command of Somali forces during 1977, when they – Somali Forces – invaded our Ethiopia! I believe every Somali can feel the humiliation of these words, and this is product of Yusuf (former president of "Puntland"). This is common policies of the corrupted "Puntland" governments.
In general, the civil war in Somalia benefited the criminals and innocent varnished. Today, the kilo of KAT (narcotic green grass chewed by Somalis and Yemenis) cost $65 dollars in Eyl city – the strong hold of pirates – compare to $2.5 in other Somali cities. The pirates move freely and even donate the dirty money to the poor in "Puntland". Reports say the local girls dream to marry pirates because they are rich.
It is clear that current "Puntland" administration is behind the piracy, and even the current President of "Puntland" Cabdiraxman Faroole used the ransom to win elections. He opposes any move against the pirates, who move freely across main cities of "Puntland" without been questioned.
The international community should put pressure on "Puntland" administration led by Pirate President Cabdiraxman Faroole, and his Interior Minister ilka Jiir. The world should fight the pirates inside "Puntland" but not in the sea; their bases in Eyl should be destroyed.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
There is a backstory to this that may be of interest to some.
The Somalians have taken to piracy to such an extent as their country has been used as a toxic waste dumping ground, and their coastal area has been illegally fished to death by several continents.
Can you really blame them if this is true?
The Statesman
Somalia’s piracy offers lessons in global governance
International anti-piracy operations off Somalia have attracted multinational media attention and have largely been heralded as a noble effort to protect the global commons. The unanimous passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1851, in December 2008 authorising members to take all necessary actions against Somali piracy has been cited as a rare instance of the Council’s decisiveness and unity. A closer consideration of the issues involved, on the contrary, reveals it to be pyrrhic victory that masks long-term failure in local and international governance that would ensure continued insecurity.
The wave of piracy off Somalia began in 1991 following the collapse of the Barre regime. Dumping of toxic and hazardous wastes by international companies (possibly with organised crime involvement) increased. Unlicensed foreign fishing vessels eagerly targeted Somalia’s fish-rich waters. Local fishermen claimed that foreign boats use intimidation tactics such as ramming and hiring local militants to harass them.
In response, disaffected fishermen then began attacking foreign vessels in the early 1990s, ultimately leading to full-scale piracy and hostage-taking. In 2005, a UN agency estimated that 700 foreign fishing vessels were operating in Somali waters, many employing illegal and destructive fishing methods.
In 2006, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), a coalition of Islamist courts (that had sprung up to provide local law and order after 1991) seeking to create an Islamic state, seized power in most of southern Somalia. They reasserted some control over Somali waters: foreign incursions and piracy declined.
Ethiopia (supported by the USA and the West) invaded Somalia in order to oust the ICU. After the ICU’s ouster the chaos off Somali’s increased. Fishermen fruitlessly complained to the UN about renewed poaching and dumping.
Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, UN Special Envoy for Somalia, in July 2008 called the situation “...a disaster off the Somali coast, a disaster (for) the Somali environment, (and) the Somali population.” The situation that developed has been described by Peter Lehr, of St. Andrew’s University, as “a resource swap” with Somalis taking $100 million annually in ransoms while Europeans and Asian poach $300 million in fish.
What began as a defensive movement by local fishermen has evolved into a complex amalgamation of banditry, organised crime, freebooting, and insurgency targeting all types of vessels from fishing trawlers to oil tankers. Somali waters emerged as the hotbed of piracy, accounting for close to 32% of attacks reported globally between January and September 2008. Some fishermen independently attack foreign vessels, others join well-organised pirate groups consisting of criminal gangs, warlords, and clan militias who in turn attack foreign vessels, local fishermen, and each other.
The failed governance of the country also comes into play. Officials from Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland issue “licences” to foreign vessels that then employ pirates as security. With local and Diaspora businessmen and clan leaders providing logistics and capital to pirates Puntland’s coastal cities are experiencing a piracy fuelled economic boom. Pirates masquerade as Robin Hood-like defenders of Somalia, supposedly protecting the country from exploitation.
The surge in piracy warrants immediate security measures, but ultimately calls for a comprehensive approach that mixes hard and soft measures, similar to that advocated by counterinsurgency experts. In this case, such an approach should have a long-term focus on seeking a political solution to Somali’s turmoil, effective governance and promoting economic development. Intermediate efforts would focus on assisting Puntland which is the epicentre of piracy and has a somewhat dysfunctional government.
In his briefing on Resolution 1851, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon did emphasise, “Anti-piracy efforts, therefore, must be placed in a comprehensive approach that fostered an inclusive peace process in Somalia and assisted the parties to rebuild security, governance capacity, addressed human rights issues, and harnessed economic opportunities throughout the country.”
The Secretary-General also noted that he appealed to 50 countries to commit resources for a broader multinational force for Somalia, yet he could find no state willing to take the lead. The international response has been almost entirely naval. At least 20 countries have committed or promised ships for what, on the surface, looks like a 19th century punitive expedition where the strong collude to protect their economic interests while protecting “civilising” efforts (in this case delivery of food aid). While over half the nations contributing ships are major global or Indian Ocean fishing nations; none have offered significant resources to help address the deeper roots of piracy.
This military-centric approach erodes the legitimacy of international operations and instead creates anti-imperialist responses that help fuel extremism and discontent. **Al-Jazeera**, for instance, has taken up the Robin Hood theme reporting that “...pirates were victims of a US-EU run system that still uses the developing world as a dumping ground for toxic waste.”
One commentary posted on 12 June, 2008 alleged: “The dumping continues to this day, even though we have been assured that we’re living in a ‘post racial era’ following the election of Barak Obama... that rule doesn’t apply to the many black and brown people who still find themselves in the imperial crosshairs.”
The fact remains that the UN has failed to include in its Resolution 1851 the enforcement of Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or the relevant convention that bars dumping of toxic waste. ..............
Michael Vazquez: Why We Don't Condemn Our Pirates
American Chronicle | Puntland: The Shame on Somali Identity
Puntland: The Shame on Somali Identity
Abdulazez Al-Motairi April 09, 2009 The history of the illegitimate semi-autonomous administration of "Puntland" is shame on Somalia, because of its connection to many illegal operations like agreements with Mafia to dump toxic nuclear wastes in the Somali water, and today´s piracy. Recently the Office of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon issued report accusing "Puntland" administration for sponsoring piracy.
In Dec 2008, the "Puntland" pirates hijacked ship loaded with toxic chemicals – the wastes of nuclear – from European firms. The powder-like chemicals were sealed off in containers, but the ignorant pirates forced the crew to open. The crew requested the codes and opened the containers. Today, all members of the pirates are either dead or suffering serious skin problems in "Puntland" hospitals.
This ship was heading to Somali coast to dump the hazardous chemicals, as per agreement between "Puntland" officials and firms. However, the pirates were not aware the plans of their superior officers in Garoowe – the capital of "Puntland". The Garoowe administration is involved in toxic dumping in Somali water, piracy (which humiliated the image of Somalia around the globe) and illegal power struggle in Mogadishu.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reported the tsunami had washed up rusting containers of toxic waste on the shores of Puntland. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN envoy for Somalia confirmed to Al Jazeera English that European and Asian companies are dumping toxic waste, including nuclear waste, off the Somali coastline. These firms signed contracts with Puntland administration, and warlords in Southern Somalia.
"Somalia has been used as a dumping ground for hazardous waste starting in the early 1990s, and continuing through the civil war there," he added "What is most alarming here is that nuclear waste is being dumped. Radioactive uranium waste that is potentially killing Somalis and completely destroying the ocean."
The Former TGS President of Somalia Abdullah Yusuf, who is from "Puntland", led the Ethiopian invasion in Somalia. He is the first Somali citizen who led Ethiopians (Somali´s #1 enemy) against his compatriots. He ordered indiscriminate and unguided bomb-shelling on the civilian areas like Barakara Market of Mogadishu. Thanks to noble Somali armed resistance who forced Ethiopian mercenaries to leave.
All these humiliating behavior are "Made by Puntland" in the Somali history. One of the Ethiopian officers in Mogadishu told one of my associates "We felt great and powerful, after we captured the building of Somali´s Army Central Command of 1977."!!! The officer continued saying "This building was central command of Somali forces during 1977, when they – Somali Forces – invaded our Ethiopia! I believe every Somali can feel the humiliation of these words, and this is product of Yusuf (former president of "Puntland"). This is common policies of the corrupted "Puntland" governments.
In general, the civil war in Somalia benefited the criminals and innocent varnished. Today, the kilo of KAT (narcotic green grass chewed by Somalis and Yemenis) cost $65 dollars in Eyl city – the strong hold of pirates – compare to $2.5 in other Somali cities. The pirates move freely and even donate the dirty money to the poor in "Puntland". Reports say the local girls dream to marry pirates because they are rich.
It is clear that current "Puntland" administration is behind the piracy, and even the current President of "Puntland" Cabdiraxman Faroole used the ransom to win elections. He opposes any move against the pirates, who move freely across main cities of "Puntland" without been questioned.
The international community should put pressure on "Puntland" administration led by Pirate President Cabdiraxman Faroole, and his Interior Minister ilka Jiir. The world should fight the pirates inside "Puntland" but not in the sea; their bases in Eyl should be destroyed.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
