Outside View: Fighting pirates -- Part 2

MOSCOW, June 30 (UPI) -- A major reason for the continuing international problem of piracy on the high seas in the 21st century is that the world's leading nations do not have a common strategy and tactics to deal with the scourge that would prevent piracy in key regions. As a result, the pirates almost always go unpunished.

To lift Somalia out of its war and consequent poverty would take many years of work, enormous spending and almost definite loss of life in the peacemaking. Even then, there would be no guarantee of success.

Negotiations with the pirates -- who should be equated with terrorists -- should be held only to gain time and prepare a rescue operation. Deterrent measures deserve special mention.

The prospect of landing in a European prison and an opportunity to ask for asylum upon release is not likely to scare any pirate. Compared with this punishment, hanging from the yardarm or walking the plank, which were once widespread in European navies, seem much more effective. But, once again, we should not forget that tougher punishment of pirates is not an option, because it contradicts the principles of humanism preached by the leading Western countries.

The most realistic way of combating piracy is cooperation between militarily strong countries in protecting navigation in problem areas. A united squadron of ships set up on the basis of a broad coalition -- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, Russia, and the Gulf states -- could effectively counter piracy off Somalia, or in any other trouble spot.

Legal measures are also important. The U.N. Security Council's mandate for the invasion of Somalia's territorial waters, use of arms against the pirates, and allocation of the required forces and equipment -- reconnaissance aviation, deck helicopters, radars, and Marines and Special Forces trained in boarding and releasing hostages -- will eventually make piracy too dangerous an occupation.

It would be enough to set up a squadron of five or six warships and one light helicopter carrier as a flagship. Warships from different navies could rotate patrol duty with shifts lasting for several months. In the most dangerous areas, merchant vessels could be escorted by ships, helicopters or armed motorboats.

Importantly, patrols will be effective only if the struggle against piracy overrides the inviolability of territorial waters. Otherwise, the pirates will always be able to escape punishment.

It goes without saying that piracy will not be eliminated even if an operation off Somalia's coast is successful. The oceans are huge, and "gentlemen of fortune" will always find a place for their activities.

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(Ilya Kramnik is a military commentator for RIA Novosti. This article is reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.)

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(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)