Somalia pirate situation

[RichieMcD]

Wow you Americans suck, can't even stop 4 pirates from taking over your ship[/troll]

 

 

 

Meh, considering Somailia is known as a pirate haven for the last 5+ years, entering waters near Somalia without some form of defense is just [developmentally delayed]ed, props to the caption for volunteering to go himself, situation shouldn't have occurred though if they were carrying protection.

 

 

 

You wouldn't drive through the heart of Taliban areas without protection now would you?

[mmmcannibalism]

[hide=]

[hide=Obama Beats First National Security Test]The U.S. economy is showing only glimmers of life and two costly wars remain in the balance, but President Barack Obama's "no drama" handling of the Indian Ocean hostage crisis proved a big win for his administration in its first critical national security test.

 

 

 

Obama's quiet backstage decision to authorize the Defense Department to take necessary action if Capt. Richard Phillips' life was in imminent danger gave a Navy commander the go-ahead to order snipers to fire on the pirates holding the cargo ship captain at gunpoint.

 

 

 

For Obama, the benefits were instantly clear: an American life saved and a major victory notched against an increasingly worrisome scourge of the seas off the Horn of Africa.

 

 

 

Obama's handling of the crisis showed a president who was comfortable in relying on the U.S. military, much as his predecessor, George W. Bush, did.

 

 

 

But it also showed a new commander in chief who was willing to use all the tools at his disposal, bringing in federal law enforcement officials to handle the judicial elements of the crisis.

 

 

 

The rescue appeared to vindicate Obama's muted but determined handling of the incident. What won't be known for some time is whether Obama will benefit politically.

 

 

 

When Obama campaigns for re-election, he may take Bush's approach of turning any such incident into evidence of his leadership acumen. On the other hand, Obama didn't go before the cameras Sunday to trumpet the success, instead releasing a written statement that saluted the bravery of the military and Phillips but claimed no credit for himself.

 

 

 

Also, this crisis, while topping the news now, may fade into distant memory by the time voters get a chance to take any new measure of Obama and his party.

 

 

 

Still, it goes some way toward dispelling the notion that a liberal Democrat with a known distaste for war - Obama campaigned on his consistent opposition to the Iraq invasion - doesn't have the chops to call on U.S. military power.

 

 

 

The sniper operation Sunday, with pirate guns aimed at Phillips, was a daring, high-stakes gambit, and it could have easily gone awry. If it had, the fallout would have probably landed hardest on Obama.

 

 

 

Indeed, the last Democratic president to unleash American military might against Somalis suffered miserably from the failure of that operation. Portrayed in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down," a U.S. peacekeeping mission ordered by President Bill Clinton ended with a humiliating withdrawal of troops after a deadly clash in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

 

 

 

The outcome this time was vastly different.

 

 

 

Since the standoff began last Tuesday, Obama made no public, in-person remarks on the topic, even declining to answer when questions were shouted at him during a press availability.

 

 

 

He didn't call in his Cabinet for a high-profile command meeting. He let military and top administration officials do the talking, but even they kept saber rattling out of the equation.

 

 

 

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said Obama's silence should not be interpreted to mean that he wasn't deeply involved. The president's public posture was calculated to not raise the temperature on the situation or give the hostage-takers anything to exploit.

 

 

 

"Let's not confuse a public role with being on top of the situation," Emanuel said. "If you'd interjected yourself, you would make the discussions that were happening more difficult."

 

 

 

So what Obama did was receive regular briefings, sometimes as often as half a dozen times a day. He weighed in with two critical decisions allowing the military to take action to save Phillips' life. And he laid the groundwork for a federal criminal law enforcement response.

 

 

 

White House officials said the Justice Department is already reviewing evidence to determine whether to file criminal charges against the captured Somali pirate. The U.S. is treating the matter as a criminal case because officials have found no direct ties between East African pirates and terror groups.

 

 

 

Obama doesn't like labels for himself or catch phrases for policy. So it's notable that in an administration that has virtually banned the phrase "war on terror," no one called the pirates "terrorists."[/hide]

 

 

 

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ ... TE=DEFAULT

 

 

 

It's really sad that people like Rush Limbaugh tried to use this as a weapon against Obama rather than hoping that the captain would make it out alive. Rush kept saying that this crisis was quite similar to the Iranian Hostage Situation with Carter, and that it would show Obama's true colors as a weak President that "doesn't know what to do."

 

 

 

Well, Rush, are you vindicated, yet?

[/hide]

 

 

 

you need to find some more objective sources, I would hardly call it a major victory to say "you can use force if necessary" and not comment on the situation. Kudos to Obama for managing it well, but its a stretch to say he did amazingly. Interesting idea to avoid commenting on it publicly, I think a small reassurance we had it under control was in order but thats more a personal taste issue. Limbaugh is an idiot though :lol:

 

 

 

edit--anyone think it is hilarious the pirates are threatening revenge? I mean if I were to attack a vessel and take hostages there is that understanding you may get yourself killed.

[ember3579]

[hide=Obama Beats First National Security Test]The U.S. economy is showing only glimmers of life and two costly wars remain in the balance, but President Barack Obama's "no drama" handling of the Indian Ocean hostage crisis proved a big win for his administration in its first critical national security test.

 

 

 

Obama's quiet backstage decision to authorize the Defense Department to take necessary action if Capt. Richard Phillips' life was in imminent danger gave a Navy commander the go-ahead to order snipers to fire on the pirates holding the cargo ship captain at gunpoint.

 

 

 

For Obama, the benefits were instantly clear: an American life saved and a major victory notched against an increasingly worrisome scourge of the seas off the Horn of Africa.

 

 

 

Obama's handling of the crisis showed a president who was comfortable in relying on the U.S. military, much as his predecessor, George W. Bush, did.

 

 

 

But it also showed a new commander in chief who was willing to use all the tools at his disposal, bringing in federal law enforcement officials to handle the judicial elements of the crisis.

 

 

 

The rescue appeared to vindicate Obama's muted but determined handling of the incident. What won't be known for some time is whether Obama will benefit politically.

 

 

 

When Obama campaigns for re-election, he may take Bush's approach of turning any such incident into evidence of his leadership acumen. On the other hand, Obama didn't go before the cameras Sunday to trumpet the success, instead releasing a written statement that saluted the bravery of the military and Phillips but claimed no credit for himself.

 

 

 

Also, this crisis, while topping the news now, may fade into distant memory by the time voters get a chance to take any new measure of Obama and his party.

 

 

 

Still, it goes some way toward dispelling the notion that a liberal Democrat with a known distaste for war - Obama campaigned on his consistent opposition to the Iraq invasion - doesn't have the chops to call on U.S. military power.

 

 

 

The sniper operation Sunday, with pirate guns aimed at Phillips, was a daring, high-stakes gambit, and it could have easily gone awry. If it had, the fallout would have probably landed hardest on Obama.

 

 

 

Indeed, the last Democratic president to unleash American military might against Somalis suffered miserably from the failure of that operation. Portrayed in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down," a U.S. peacekeeping mission ordered by President Bill Clinton ended with a humiliating withdrawal of troops after a deadly clash in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

 

 

 

The outcome this time was vastly different.

 

 

 

Since the standoff began last Tuesday, Obama made no public, in-person remarks on the topic, even declining to answer when questions were shouted at him during a press availability.

 

 

 

He didn't call in his Cabinet for a high-profile command meeting. He let military and top administration officials do the talking, but even they kept saber rattling out of the equation.

 

 

 

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said Obama's silence should not be interpreted to mean that he wasn't deeply involved. The president's public posture was calculated to not raise the temperature on the situation or give the hostage-takers anything to exploit.

 

 

 

"Let's not confuse a public role with being on top of the situation," Emanuel said. "If you'd interjected yourself, you would make the discussions that were happening more difficult."

 

 

 

So what Obama did was receive regular briefings, sometimes as often as half a dozen times a day. He weighed in with two critical decisions allowing the military to take action to save Phillips' life. And he laid the groundwork for a federal criminal law enforcement response.

 

 

 

White House officials said the Justice Department is already reviewing evidence to determine whether to file criminal charges against the captured Somali pirate. The U.S. is treating the matter as a criminal case because officials have found no direct ties between East African pirates and terror groups.

 

 

 

Obama doesn't like labels for himself or catch phrases for policy. So it's notable that in an administration that has virtually banned the phrase "war on terror," no one called the pirates "terrorists."[/hide]

 

 

 

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ ... TE=DEFAULT

 

 

 

It's really sad that people like Rush Limbaugh tried to use this as a weapon against Obama rather than hoping that the captain would make it out alive. Rush kept saying that this crisis was quite similar to the Iranian Hostage Situation with Carter, and that it would show Obama's true colors as a weak President that "doesn't know what to do."

 

 

 

Well, Rush, are you vindicated, yet?

 

 

 

 

 

What did Mr. Stay Puft say now? I think it's common knowledge that he's a gooch, but I'm just curious. I wonder what he has to say about how it turned out.

[magekillr]

[hide=]

[hide=Obama Beats First National Security Test]The U.S. economy is showing only glimmers of life and two costly wars remain in the balance, but President Barack Obama's "no drama" handling of the Indian Ocean hostage crisis proved a big win for his administration in its first critical national security test.

 

 

 

Obama's quiet backstage decision to authorize the Defense Department to take necessary action if Capt. Richard Phillips' life was in imminent danger gave a Navy commander the go-ahead to order snipers to fire on the pirates holding the cargo ship captain at gunpoint.

 

 

 

For Obama, the benefits were instantly clear: an American life saved and a major victory notched against an increasingly worrisome scourge of the seas off the Horn of Africa.

 

 

 

Obama's handling of the crisis showed a president who was comfortable in relying on the U.S. military, much as his predecessor, George W. Bush, did.

 

 

 

But it also showed a new commander in chief who was willing to use all the tools at his disposal, bringing in federal law enforcement officials to handle the judicial elements of the crisis.

 

 

 

The rescue appeared to vindicate Obama's muted but determined handling of the incident. What won't be known for some time is whether Obama will benefit politically.

 

 

 

When Obama campaigns for re-election, he may take Bush's approach of turning any such incident into evidence of his leadership acumen. On the other hand, Obama didn't go before the cameras Sunday to trumpet the success, instead releasing a written statement that saluted the bravery of the military and Phillips but claimed no credit for himself.

 

 

 

Also, this crisis, while topping the news now, may fade into distant memory by the time voters get a chance to take any new measure of Obama and his party.

 

 

 

Still, it goes some way toward dispelling the notion that a liberal Democrat with a known distaste for war - Obama campaigned on his consistent opposition to the Iraq invasion - doesn't have the chops to call on U.S. military power.

 

 

 

The sniper operation Sunday, with pirate guns aimed at Phillips, was a daring, high-stakes gambit, and it could have easily gone awry. If it had, the fallout would have probably landed hardest on Obama.

 

 

 

Indeed, the last Democratic president to unleash American military might against Somalis suffered miserably from the failure of that operation. Portrayed in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down," a U.S. peacekeeping mission ordered by President Bill Clinton ended with a humiliating withdrawal of troops after a deadly clash in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

 

 

 

The outcome this time was vastly different.

 

 

 

Since the standoff began last Tuesday, Obama made no public, in-person remarks on the topic, even declining to answer when questions were shouted at him during a press availability.

 

 

 

He didn't call in his Cabinet for a high-profile command meeting. He let military and top administration officials do the talking, but even they kept saber rattling out of the equation.

 

 

 

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said Obama's silence should not be interpreted to mean that he wasn't deeply involved. The president's public posture was calculated to not raise the temperature on the situation or give the hostage-takers anything to exploit.

 

 

 

"Let's not confuse a public role with being on top of the situation," Emanuel said. "If you'd interjected yourself, you would make the discussions that were happening more difficult."

 

 

 

So what Obama did was receive regular briefings, sometimes as often as half a dozen times a day. He weighed in with two critical decisions allowing the military to take action to save Phillips' life. And he laid the groundwork for a federal criminal law enforcement response.

 

 

 

White House officials said the Justice Department is already reviewing evidence to determine whether to file criminal charges against the captured Somali pirate. The U.S. is treating the matter as a criminal case because officials have found no direct ties between East African pirates and terror groups.

 

 

 

Obama doesn't like labels for himself or catch phrases for policy. So it's notable that in an administration that has virtually banned the phrase "war on terror," no one called the pirates "terrorists."[/hide]

 

 

 

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ ... TE=DEFAULT

 

 

 

It's really sad that people like Rush Limbaugh tried to use this as a weapon against Obama rather than hoping that the captain would make it out alive. Rush kept saying that this crisis was quite similar to the Iranian Hostage Situation with Carter, and that it would show Obama's true colors as a weak President that "doesn't know what to do."

 

 

 

Well, Rush, are you vindicated, yet?

[/hide]

 

 

 

you need to find some more objective sources, I would hardly call it a major victory to say "you can use force if necessary" and not comment on the situation. Kudos to Obama for managing it well, but its a stretch to say he did amazingly. Interesting idea to avoid commenting on it publicly, I think a small reassurance we had it under control was in order but thats more a personal taste issue. Limbaugh is an idiot though :lol:

 

 

 

edit--anyone think it is hilarious the pirates are threatening revenge? I mean if I were to attack a vessel and take hostages there is that understanding you may get yourself killed.

 

 

 

How is it a stretch to say he did amazingly? How could he have handled it any better than he did, and gotten any better results than he did? You don't negotiate with people like this because it only encourages this sort of behavior. You distract them, and take them out. Besides, this source was "AP," and AP is notoriously conservative; especially articles that yahoo peddles.

 

 

 

edit: I know what you're saying, and ultimately I agree; as does Obama, as he took none of the credit. However, it's what AP gave, so it's the news that I peddled. I think what you're saying is what John Cole is saying:

 

 

 

Maybe I am alone, but I hardly view this as a test of the President. Unless I am mistaken, all he had to do was sign off on rules of engagement and stay out of the way, and I dont mean that to denigrate Obama, but because that really is all any President could do. We have a massive Navy with several hundred ships, highly trained professionals in the SEALS, highly trained professionals in the FBI and in the crews of the naval vessels tailing (and in one case towing) the raft, and you just need to let them do their job. This didnt happen because heroic efforts by Rahm Emmanuel and David Axelrod in consultation with Obama produced a dashing plan a la the The West Wing. This happened because our very entrenched military and national security apparatus can handle little things like this without flinching.

 

 

 

That isnt to take anything away from what the guys on the scene did, as that appears to have been one helluva shot they took. They also deserve real credit for their prior restraint, and waiting until the right moment to make things happen. They really acted like, well, professionals. But heaping all sorts of praise on Team Obama seems to me to be just as silly as flaming them for this. They acted prudently and cautiously, as anyone who has watched the President for any period of time would have expected him to behave.

[mmmcannibalism]

[hide=]

Maybe I am alone, but I hardly view this as a test of the President. Unless I am mistaken, all he had to do was sign off on rules of engagement and stay out of the way, and I dont mean that to denigrate Obama, but because that really is all any President could do. We have a massive Navy with several hundred ships, highly trained professionals in the SEALS, highly trained professionals in the FBI and in the crews of the naval vessels tailing (and in one case towing) the raft, and you just need to let them do their job. This didnt happen because heroic efforts by Rahm Emmanuel and David Axelrod in consultation with Obama produced a dashing plan a la the The West Wing. This happened because our very entrenched military and national security apparatus can handle little things like this without flinching.

 

 

 

That isnt to take anything away from what the guys on the scene did, as that appears to have been one helluva shot they took. They also deserve real credit for their prior restraint, and waiting until the right moment to make things happen. They really acted like, well, professionals. But heaping all sorts of praise on Team Obama seems to me to be just as silly as flaming them for this. They acted prudently and cautiously, as anyone who has watched the President for any period of time would have expected him to behave.

[/hide]

 

 

 

Yeah, thats pretty much my thoughts, Obama did everything right its just that doing everything right isnt that impressive here.

[Jernlov]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

[Dizzle229]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

[Racheya]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

 

Actually there are far more Americans...

[Dizzle229]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

 

Actually there are far more Americans...

 

 

 

Wrong. Because if there were more of us on here, the O in OT would be replaced by a picture of a cheeseburger.

[Powman3]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

 

 

 

Wow, that's a pathetic thing to say. Would you be happier if pirates hijacked a ship from your country?

 

 

 

Didn't think so.

[H2PM]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

 

Actually there are far more Americans...

 

 

 

Wrong. Because if there were more of us on here, the O in OT would be replaced by a picture of a cheeseburger.

 

Well if you are going to be like that, than I guess OT would be replaced by a picture of a cup of tea and a crumpet if there were more Brits than Americans.

 

 

 

Im getting sick of people all ways sterotyping us.

 

Even though the government and stupid people do things that would make other countries do what Dizzle just did, not all of its people arent like that...

 

 

 

End of Rant.

[Dizzle229]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

 

Actually there are far more Americans...

 

 

 

Wrong. Because if there were more of us on here, the O in OT would be replaced by a picture of a cheeseburger.

 

Well if you are going to be like that, than I guess OT would be replaced by a picture of a cup of tea and a crumpet if there were more Brits than Americans.

 

 

 

Im getting sick of people all ways sterotyping us.

 

Even though the government and stupid people do things that would make other countries do what Dizzle just did, not all of its people arent like that...

 

 

 

End of Rant.

 

 

 

Dude, I'm American, it's not like I'm insulting America, I'm just having some fun with the stereotypes.

[baalboy5]

So when this thread gonna go back on track?

 

 

 

I heard they got sniped by the seals.

[H2PM]

So when this thread gonna go back on track?

 

 

 

I heard they got sniped by the seals.

 

Yes.

 

[hide=]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

Why, because this forum is full of Americans.

 

 

 

I always thought there were more Brits on here than Americans?

 

Actually there are far more Americans...

 

 

 

Wrong. Because if there were more of us on here, the O in OT would be replaced by a picture of a cheeseburger.

 

Well if you are going to be like that, than I guess OT would be replaced by a picture of a cup of tea and a crumpet if there were more Brits than Americans.

 

 

 

Im getting sick of people all ways sterotyping us.

 

Even though the government and stupid people do things that would make other countries do what Dizzle just did, not all of its people arent like that...

 

 

 

End of Rant.

 

 

 

Dude, I'm American, it's not like I'm insulting America, I'm just having some fun with the stereotypes.

[/hide]

 

*Feels like an [Donkey]*

[das1330]

Two things - First, people need to get back on topic. If the stereotyping and complaining about the existence of the thread continues, warnings will be handed out and the thread will be locked.

 

 

 

Second, I recently saw a description of how exactly they freed the captain, and those snipers must have been excellent shots. Even though it was from relatively short range, the fact that they made three simultaneous headshots from the rolling deck of a ship at night while missing the captain only inches away is amazing.

[mmmcannibalism]

Second, I recently saw a description of how exactly they freed the captain, and those snipers must have been excellent shots. Even though it was from relatively short range, the fact that they made three simultaneous headshots from the rolling deck of a ship at night while missing the captain only inches away is amazing.

 

 

 

indeed, thats why the navy seals own.

[baalboy5]

Yeah seems like something you do in a COD game. 8-)

[evil_mumm_ra]

except it's infinitely harder irl.

[Kaida23]

Second, I recently saw a description of how exactly they freed the captain, and those snipers must have been excellent shots. Even though it was from relatively short range, the fact that they made three simultaneous headshots from the rolling deck of a ship at night while missing the captain only inches away is amazing.

 

I'm kind of amazed that the U.S. Navy and the SEAL team CO had to stones to issue the kill order...maybe I've just gotten used to the apathy and inability to take action of the Canadian government. That's not to say the Canadian soldiers wouldn't do it (my dad's best friend was member of our Airborne unit before it was disbanded...badass is an understatement), but our powers that be just don't have the stomach for that sort of thing anymore.

 

 

 

I'm glad that it came to a successful (for the hostages at least) resolution. As much as I am an advocate of peaceful negotiation, I also realize that not everyone is as willing to solve things peacefully. Sometimes you just have to kick [wagon] and take names. Hoo yah!

[Rebdragon]

Yeah seems like something you do in a COD game. 8-)

 

You just compared yourself to a Navy Seal. Through a video game.

 

 

 

 

 

I... I can't even facepalm that. There has to be something else. Some other way to portray... something beyond facepalm.

[Powman3]

Yeah seems like something you do in a COD game. 8-)

 

You just compared yourself to a Navy Seal. Through a video game.

 

 

 

 

 

I... I can't even facepalm that. There has to be something else. Some other way to portray... something beyond facepalm.

 

 

 

Headslam?

 

 

 

:wall:

[Biabf]

Like 1_man_army said, why does this American ship get it's own thread lol?

 

 

 

Wow, that's a pathetic thing to say. Would you be happier if pirates hijacked a ship from your country?

 

 

 

Didn't think so.

They have hijacked ships from the UK...

 

 

 

Anyway, on topic, another ship captured today:

 

Pirates have hijacked a tanker off the coast of Somalia, maritime officials say, days after several pirates were killed by US and French forces.

 

 

 

In the latest in a string of attacks by pirates seeking ransom payments, a freighter named as the MV Irene was taken in the Gulf of Aden.

[RichieMcD]

The amount of ships being taken now is ridiculous, do they have any form of protecting themselves? Firearms, protection of certain countries Navies? Should arm them all with M16's and see how long the pirates will decide to keep hijacking boats. I'm normally a pacifist to these things, but it's getting seriously out of hand and it seems the only incentive for them to stop is to start a death toll of pirates.

[Biabf]

The amount of ships being taken now is ridiculous, do they have any form of protecting themselves? Firearms, protection of certain countries Navies? Should arm them all with M16's and see how long the pirates will decide to keep hijacking boats. I'm normally a pacifist to these things, but it's getting seriously out of hand and it seems the only incentive for them to stop is to start a death toll of pirates.

They don't carry any weapons because various ports don't allow them to dock with weapons on board and insurance for the boat & sailors would increase a lot. However, warships are allowed to assist any ship they want but no country has the right to sink any other ship under international law so the warships can't really go crazy blasting them away with massive guns.

[baalboy5]

Yeah seems like something you do in a COD game. 8-)

 

You just compared yourself to a Navy Seal. Through a video game.

 

 

 

 

 

I... I can't even facepalm that. There has to be something else. Some other way to portray... something beyond facepalm.

 

 

 

No I did'nt compare myself to them, I compared how they reacted.