Security Council
Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
In the past several years, pirates off of the coast of Somalia have become increasingly daring in their escapades upon international trading ships. Despite the attempts of an international fleet stationed in the area, the attacks have become more frequent. The pirates are costing countries millions of dollars, endangering the lives of citizens, and emboldening lawlessness and anarchist behavior. These issues were glaringly brought to public attention after a standoff between the United States and the pirates when the pirates fired at a U.S. destroyer in a tanker they had seized. Though this situation was diffused with the death of the pirates and the return of the tanker, it is only one of many such scenarios, most of which have not had such positive outcomes. In 2009 alone, over $60 million dollars have been paid in ransom to these pirates.
Many have argued that the root of the problem is Somalia itself. It has been the most lawless state in the world for the past 20 years and is considered to be one of the best examples of a failed state. As it is, piracy is perhaps the most stable industry in the country. The harsh environment led the former fishermen to seek a piracy profession to begin with and this will have to be addressed before this issue can be competently dealt with. It is up to the United Nations to work out a resolution that will address the pirates, either by reforming Somalia or by use of force.