If this has allready been covered in a different thread then I apologise.

This may be old news to some but it may be new to others:

Javno - World - Pirates In Gulf Of Aden A Threat To Trade

Not too long ago a yachting couple were captured by Pirates operating in the area and ship captains which can afford it have employed PMC or other private security to protect their ships. NATO dispatched ships recently to ease the problem.

Incidently there were orders given to Royal Navy vessels in the area to 'not get involved' if they encounter pirates though government have now considered sending ships to aid Sarkozy's EU task force (wonder how effective that will be..) to clear this up.

The solution is to arm merchant vessels. A simple small arms locker stocked with a few M4's and M9's would do the trick. Navies and Coast Guards RESPOND to piracy, they can't be there when it happens.

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"Bring me that horizon".

Pro-active measures like fighting patrols couldn't hurt, especially when we know where these pirates call port. The presence of a US, French or even British warship (if we have any left) with clear orders to engage pirates soon as sited would not be beneficial? Though I suppose that might interferere with some freebooter's human rights..

You run into trouble with that policy in that area of the world when it comes to ID'ing pirates. EVERYBODY carries a rifle (or worse), even fishermen or militiamen out looking to kill their enemies. While I'm sure neither of us would shed a tear if a few Somali militants were shot, the international community has this idiotic notion that all peoples and cultures are equal, and thus any presence in the gulf would be quickly ended.

Give the crews of merchant vessels weapons, and teach them how to use them. Pirates, like burglars, just want the stuff, they don't want a fight. Give them a fight, and they'll most likely back off.

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"Bring me that horizon".