How to stop Somali Pirates

Earlier this evening, I read the piracy policy proposed by Hillary Clinton. She stated that the State Department will work with shippers and insurers to bolster their defenses against pirates, part of a diplomatic initiative to thwart attacks on commercial ships off the Somali coast. She even suggested that there might be raids on pirate strongholds.

I see this as being an ineffective solution. These thugs are not so easily dissuaded.

As it stands now, more and more Somalis are participating because the risk is low and they know that the ship owners or their insurance companies will eventually pay off.

If you truly want to stop a behavior, there must be enough fear to provide the needed motivation.

So, how do you create the necessary fear?

Use the resources we already have.

Spy satellites. Use our ability to read license plates from space to observe and track the pirates. Once identified, and having sailed out into international waters towing their smaller boat.... Sink them without warning. Keep the ops covert.

When the "motherships" begin to disappear, word will get around the pirate gangs very quickly.

To do this, the Navy needs to deploy a carrier to the western Indian Ocean. At least one F/A-18 should be airborne, armed with air to surface missiles. When a pirate vessel is identified, direct the aircraft to attack and destroy the ship. No warning, just a brief second of recognition of their impending doom.... Then, kaboom! No more mothership.

Take out enough of these vessels and the pirates will quickly reconsider their racket. Facing the reality that venturing out to sea armed to the teeth will invite attack, nerves will be tingling. A sea skimming missile won't be spotted until it is right on top of them, assuming they are looking in that direction. Likewise, a Maverick gives little warning. Few things would be more terrifying.