Somali Pirates in a Compassionate World

Does the young Somali pirate brought to trial in the U.S. create the perfect moment for the world community to take a deeper look at its own conscious? nnIf reports from Somalia are true that its coastal waters have been used as a dumping ground for toxic and nuclear wastes, and its fisheries have been overfished illegally by fishing trawlers from other countries who also practice illegal method to catch them, then its time for the world community to address these underlying issues. nnA few days ago, the New York Times Lede (blog) carried a story that was worth reading more for what readers said in their comments, than what the reporter actually wrote. In the span of 30 comments, one could see deep into the heart of the issue.n nnAs expected, the majority of comments at this shift point of human evolution, suggested that we respond to violence with violence. All pirates should be killed. All boats along the coastal waters should be destroyed. However, a few strands of wisdom and compassion, wove their way through the discussion from various posters that suggested another path. nnOne writer, an educated Somali, gave first gave some background that has not been written about by mainstream reporters. In describing the situation in the country, Liban Hassan wrote that in addition to the problem of illegal fishing, there is the problem of oil tankers and transport ships. nnSomali's don't trust anyone, he writes, "because we have seen ships of the same kind dumping toxic waste in Somalia. We have people with unfamiliar diseases. There are people who are bleeding from the mouth, nose and the ears. Doctors can't treat or don't even know what the disease is called." nnLike overfishing, which deprives local Somalis of an important food source, the issue of oil tankers and transports is also important to understand.because most of the trade between Europe and Asia as well as a large percentage of petroleum trade passes through this region. Piracy, it seems, drives up the cost of international trade as well as the goods and commodities that are transported by sea ... which is most of it. nnAsk the pirates and they will probably say: "We're in it for the money." nnAsk those with a deeper understanding of the issues behind the pirates actions and they might say: The money is not for ransom, it's a fine. nnIs it possible that a workable solution - a Right Action - might emerge from this stalemate? Two actions suggested by posters seem worth pursuing.: nnThe first suggests that the world community, centered around those countries who use those waters, should set up a joint Coast Guard with the Somali government. It would provide safe passage for international ships, and skilled jobs for poor Somali's. This is compassionate economics. nnThe second suggestion is to provide counseling and humanitarian help to the Somali pirates after they are caught. This uses the wisdom of the global community to provide compassionate aid. I like both ideas. nnAt this moment in time, is the US capable of using the symbolism of the capture of this teenage Somali pirate to shift the conversation from crime and punishment to compassion? I hope so. And I hope it does so, soon.