Nothing To Lose

The first bloody test for the Obama administration came by way of Somali pirates seeking treasure from the West, or so it’s perceived. Despite the thuggish element that permeates our understanding of this unending saga, the problem is as big and complex as the Indian Ocean.

Since the early nineties when Somalia descended into hell on earth making Afghanistan in comparison a walk through a Chelsea garden show, it fell prey to tribal warlords, menacing Sharia law and a sabotaged fishing industry. Somalia can be clearly described as a lawless state with nothing but misery upon the horizon. Since the collapse the Asians and Europeans have been fishing illegally leaving Somali with no source of income and a coastline bordering on extinction.

Fisherman now become pirates out of sheer survival, nothing to with religion or imposed agenda. And if that wasn’t enough, not content with depleting the coastline the European feels it’s quite appropriate to dump their nuclear waste with complete immunity.

In 2005 when the Tsunami rolled on through, it washed up toxic waste that resulted in severe health problems for the Somalia population. While I don’t diminish the fear of been taken hostage and would very much like to have Navy Seal’s precision firepower on my side, the outcome sadly is inconclusive. There will be more hostages, perhaps with messy endings not as fortunate as this recent one and let’s face it, when you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.

So spare a thought when you tuck into that juicy Tuna Steak in some fabulous restaurant, did it leave you with a good taste in your mouth?