Tag Archives: piracy

National Politics

Actions have consequences

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Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, accused of hijacking the Maersk Alabama and taking its captain Richard Phillips... Expand Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, accused of hijacking the Maersk Alabama and taking its captain Richard Phillips hostage, is led into a federal building in New York April 20, 2009. The sole surviving Somali pirate from the hijacking is being tried in New York and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning. Collapse (Eric Thayer/Reuters)
Abduhl Wali-i-Musi, accused of hijacking the Maersk Alabama and taking its captain Richard Phillips hostage, is led into a federal building in New York April 20, 2009. The sole surviving Somali pirate from the hijacking is being tried in New York and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning. Collapse (Eric Thayer/Reuters)

The surviving Somali pirate was taken to New York City by the US Navy.

The smile might be a nervous one, then again he may be smiling because of the improvement in his circumstances.

So what will happen the next time four pirates are holding a hostage?

Which of the pirates will volunteer for the dangerous task of going aboard the US warship and negotiating with the Navy captain?

And which of the pirates will agree to stay behind and guard the hostage?

Actions have consequences. Rules of engagement have consequences.

Why don’t we just print up flyers and distribute them in the Somali coastal villages: Kidnap a merchant captain and win a free all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, with the possibility of becoming a US citizen!

Precedent is not just a concept for the courts.