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End piracy

History shows at least two ways to approach hostages and piracy. For the embassy hostages taken in Iran, President Jimmy Carter lost his perspective, waited 444 days, and got nowhere. With the Barbary pirates, Thomas Jefferson initially tried to get international cooperation to oppose the pirates, but failed. Jefferson opposed paying tribute because doing so would only invite further demands. When Jefferson became president, believing millions for defense but not one cent for tribute, Jefferson started the United States Navy. The unconventional war and diplomacy continued for 15 years before complete success. But Europe continued to pay tribute for 30.

To be sure, each life has value, particularly to those whose life it is and to those close to the hostage. But each future hostage‚s life tips the scale with as much value. Piracy and hostage-taking for ransom over the last ten years shows that it will not end without action, that effective action from the United Nations is inconceivable, and that the so-called human rights lawyers who claim international law has no means to deal with piracy are irrational.

Whether leaks are unfounded or not, some claim that Navy Seals are prepared to put a severe dent in piracy in the shipping lanes near the Somali coast. Whether the rumors are true or not, we believe that the Seals could change the equations in the current pirate business model seriously raising their risks to the point that piracy would no longer be profitable. Business people do not like to see their employees, associates, families, and friends put in jeopardy.

The problem with this approach is that the lives of some hostages will be at greater risk. That‚s obvious and unfortunate. Protection is one reason why the hostages are being held. However, once the pirates learn that hostages are a greater risk to their health than they are a security, fewer hostages will be taken, more lives will be saved, and shipping will become more secure.

The lessons of history are clear. Give the pirates 24 hours to turn any hostages over to a foreign embassy unharmed or face eradication of boars, pirates, and havens. Then act if hostages are not freed unharmed. Millions for defense, but not a penny for tribute.

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