uh-oh. Somali Pirates have seized an American-flagged ship along with 21 Americans off the eastern coast of Somalia. This is clearly the first international life-and-death crisis for President Obama.
Ed Morrissey asks:
The Somali pirates have operated in this region for a few years. Thus far, the world has seemed disinclined to put pressure on the pirates of Aden Gulf, despite the headlines they have grabbed lately. The US Navy now has an entree into the fight, and it will be interesting to see how the Obama administration reacts. The US has downlook satellites and a treasure trove of assets with which they can track down the Maersk Alabama and its crew.
Will Obama use that to send the pirates a message about attacking American shipping? Or will this be a “new chance for dialogue”?
Anyone else starting to think that Joe Biden is psychic. Remember this from the NY Post:
“Mark my words,” Biden told donors at a Seattle fund-raiser Sunday night.
“It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We’re about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America.
“Watch. We’re going to have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy.
“And he’s going to need help . . . to stand with him. Because it’s not going to be apparent initially; it’s not going to be apparent that we’re right.”
I pray that all ends well for the Americans but I fear that Obama will see this as an opportunity for dialogue. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I think many Americans are going into this crisis unsure of our Commander in Chief. And that’s not a good way to enter into a crisis.
Just today I read at Gateway Pundit that The White House was warning Israel not to attack Iran, despite the fact that Iran is clearly developing a nuclear weapon, has vowed to destroy Israel, and is currently responsible for American deaths on the battlefield in the effort formerly known as “The War on Terror.”
We should all pray for Obama and the hostages and everyone involved in this crisis for a peaceful and effective solution. This could very well be a pivotal moment in the presidency of Barack Obama and the United States. I think it would be foolish to underestimate thsi incident. Recall that it was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania that many believe led to the eventual decision of the United States to join World War I in 1917.
I just hope I don’t hear anything about a U.N. resolution condemning the pirates. That’ll be a sure sign we’re going down the wrong path.
April 8, 2009 at 5:12 pm
God help those hostages.
This is where the honeymoon ends for B.O., he now has to show what he’s made of. I pray he proves all his detractors (including moi) wrong.
April 8, 2009 at 5:55 pm
The crisis is over. The US crew retook command of the ship, and 1 pirate has been apprehended.
Thank you Lord. Oh. And WHOOAHH!
April 8, 2009 at 5:57 pm
God be praised.
April 8, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Let’s hope that Biden and O’bama are as spineless in their warnin to Israel as they are to the N Koreans and Iran. However, since their administration has shown a strong committment to back Islam and to back away from helping the only pro U.S. country in the region, the little country less than 50 miles long, I think they will punish Israel for defending her citizens from Islamic butchers.
April 8, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Correction, folks. Fox News now says that the US crew has retaken the ship, but that the pirates are holding the ship’s captain. The pirates are apparently in a lifeboat, and have the captain with them.
Keep praying, folks.
April 8, 2009 at 10:10 pm
I prefer to call the pirates TERRORISTS. Anyone with me?
April 9, 2009 at 1:52 am
“Pirate” can be a specific type of terrorist– sea robber/terrorist.
Compare to the “suicide bomber” or “hijacker” form of terrorist.
April 9, 2009 at 3:46 am
I’ll keep them in prayer.
But if we’re going to send a reset button, we should make sure to translate it badly and send them something that means something completely different and somewhat insulting.
April 9, 2009 at 4:38 am
UPDATE: A US Navy warship is now on the scene. Fox News reported that the captain is still being held and the terrorists/pirates (pirates were actually backed by a nation) are back in their little boat.
I would imagine the navy might use a loud speaker, “Attention foolish people in the small vessel… This is the United States Navy, throw your weapons into the sea and prepare to be boarded.”
Keep praying for that captain and his family.
April 9, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Forget the Lusitania. Remember the Barbary pirates.
Where’s Jefferson when you need him?
April 9, 2009 at 5:46 pm
My guess is that he’ll through taxpayer money at the pirates to pay the ransom.