The American being held hostage by Somali pirates was freed earlier today, after he managed to escape them, and the pirates subsequently tangled with waiting U.S. Navy SEALs, who were itching for a fight with the pirates. Three of the pirates were killed in the shootout, and the fourth was taken prisoner.
Captain Phillips was unharmed and thanked the SEALs and the Navy for rescuing him.
I'm very glad to see this crisis resolved, thanks to the professionalism of the Navy, and the willingness of President Obama to do what must be done to deal with these thugs.
The various world navies need rules of engagement that allow them to take action against the pirates.
The Law of the Sea Treaty seems to be hindering international action to secure the shipping lanes along Somalia's coast. Something needs to be done about this so that order can be restored on the high seas. It seems to me that long-held American objections to this treaty are justified, as the treaty's weaknesses are now on full display for the entire world to see.
I don't expect any U.N. action to be taken to correct the problem. They are less likely to agree on a course of action than ever before.
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