The Only Thing Worse Than Doing Nothing...
By Douglas Farah
While it appears the United Nations took a step forward by authorizing military actions on land to combat Somali pirates, the truth is, it is another mistake in dealing with the region.
I am not against the sentiment of the UN action. I think hot pursuit into Somali territory to free ships, hostages and combat terrorism are fully warranted, and indeed necessary.
With a portion of the ships' ransom money going to Islamist terrorists and another portion going to leaders of the feckless government, all in the interests of fueling a senseless war that has destroyed a nation beyond repair, one can make a powerful argument that something must be done.
Indeed, the content of Resolution 1851, which I applaud, authorizes for one year states already involved in fighting piracy off Somalia to "take all necessary measures that are appropriate in Somalia" to suppress "acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea."
Unlike previous resolutions, the current text empowers states combating piracy to conduct operations on land in Somalia.
Secretary of State Rice hailed adoption of the resolution, saying it sent a "strong signal to combat the scourge of piracy" and stressing the need "to end the impunity of Somali pirates."
But it isn't going to happen. And that sets up the UN (and by extension the US and others who pushed the measure) for failure and a show of weakness.
The only thing worse than taking no action when it is required is to promise action, and then fail to deliver. It reveals the weakness to do anything other than talk and threaten. If you have to do that, than you are likely not actually going to act. My full blog is here.
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