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Str / AP
British tourist Judith Tebbutt, 56, who was snatched by Somali gunmen from a resort island in Kenya and whose husband was killed.
MOGADISHU, Somalia -- A British tourist snatched by Somali gunmen from a resort island in Kenya was freed on Wednesday after more than six months in captivity, according to reports.
Judith Tebbutt was taken in September by gunmen who killed her husband, David Tebbutt, during the attack.
The Associated Press reported that Tebbutt's release on Wednesday was confirmed by a Somali pirate named Bile Hussein and by an official with the militia Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama named Mohammed Hussein.
The hunt is on for the gang that kidnapped a British woman and murdered her husband at an exclusive resort in Kenya. David and Judith Tebbutt were on the first night of their stay at the remote Kiwayu Safari Village, when Mr Tebbutt was shot dead and his wife was bundled into a speedboat. NBC's Rohit Kachroo.
A third official from the ASWJ militia who asked not to be named said a ransom was paid to pirates for Tebbutt's release. No figure was given.
The BBC reported that Tebbutt's relatives had raised the sum demanded by the pirates. BBC journalist Frank Gardner reported that a private security company secured Tebbutt's release.
Str / AP
British tourist Judith Tebbutt, 56, who was snatched by Somali gunmen from a resort island in Kenya and whose husband David Tebbutt was killed in the attack, is seen after being freed following more than six months in captivity in Adado, Somalia.
Britain's Foreign Office declined to comment.
Gunmen entered the Tebbutts' resort room easily on the night of Sept. 10 -- their resort door was only a piece of colorful cloth.
Police believe that David Tebbutt resisted and was shot.
The Associated Press and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
This is a tragedy that could have been prevented. My question is why were they in Somalia, and why would they be naive enough to stay in a "resort" without any protection? I do not mean to sound harsh as the husband was killed, and as naive as one may be that does not excuse senseless murder. However, I'm still asking the question- why would anyone on earth go to Somalia??
You hit that nail right on the head!
Nicole, did you read the first sentence? The victim was in Kenya.
Kenya, Somalia, I think Nicoles point Jay, is why would you go somewhere for vacation or whatever, when it is obviously not safe for you or your loved one.
Ok, then why were they in KENYA
Sorry, Tired, that doesn't work. Kenya is not Somalia, no matter how you spin it.
sometimes it does not matter where you are these days...
The Brits have a long history vacationing in their former colonies across southern Africa, Kenya in particular. The couple was 'roughing it' at a Safari camp. Thugs, not necessarily Somali thugs, targeted them there. I imagine they have connections to someone working in the camp. They are not going to take a chance kidnapping people who may not be ransomed. They want money and they either don't want to work for it.
Olde Sarge
remember they kidnapped that disabled women in a wheelchair...she was very ill & had compromised body systems & wore a bag...she died very quickly after being taken...no ransom paid for her...
to these people, if you are a foreigner who can afford to travel to their neighborhood, you are richer than they are & there is always the hope that governments or churches will raise the funds required to reclaim citizens...
uh, they were in kenya...NOT somalia. either way, so much for gong to kenya's coast for vacation! no thank you!!
They were not in Somalia. They were in Kenya. Same difference, though. Why would anyone go to that part of the world knowing the crap that goes on down there?
This is a great example of the motivation of most pirates- snatch something and get paid to drop it off somewhere. They aren't looking for a fight, they want cash. For most of these guys a few hundred dollars is worth multiple months of salary so imagine how tempting a few million would be.
On the "tourist" front- so what tourism is good in Kenya, etc.? It makes you wonder just how exposed you would be anywhere on the African continent. They've got plenty of warlords, tribal turmoil, and looking for money so you are a likely target.
Why go anywhere, then? Just lock yourself in your home and throw away the keys. Why would anyone drive anywhere? Don't people know that people die every day in America on the roads? Oh, but maybe the house isn't safe either. You know, people die in their homes all the time too.
The security at the resorts are typically quite good. Really, I can understand why people would wonder why anyone would go to an unstable non-state like Somalia, because there rteally is not government or security anywhere there. But that does not mean the rest of the world is the same way.
Seems as though the critical story line was missed ... what sort of precedent does this set? What amount of kidnappings are we now going to see there, in India, Thailand, Mexico, and other parts of the world where the "law enforcement" and "legal system" is questionable, at best? Let the kidnapping flood gates open ... much to gain, little to lose, all with little risk.
i think the world just needs to blow up the entire landmass of africa and just start over with a population that is actually useful for humanity. africa is where humanity started, and they still cant get there @!$%# together.
Kenya and Somalia border each other and neither country cracks down on piracy. Somalia basically doesn't even have a government. So, the question is still relevant. There should have been more thought put into vacation spots on behalf of the tourists.
Mexico already kidnaps people. Most of them end up beheaded in popular tourist traps too, even after the ransom is paid.
Viva la Mexico!
This is a tradgedy, but I feel it was preventable. Living in the U.S. or England gives you a false sense of security when you go to other countries. You feel is going to be just as safe and secure. But these are developing countries where these governments have a tough enough time feeding their own people. Hell, I won't even go to Jamaica anymore. There are plenty of beautiful places right here in my own country to keep me busy for years. Forget third world countries as tourist destinations. It's a risk I am not willing to take. The way I see it, if I wanted to visit those places I would have joined the military.
Let me take this opportunity to answer that very question for you Nicole Friedman:
Because they are "DUMB PHUQUES"!
Anything else you need answered?
If we all listen to Nicole then we live in the basement of Mom and Dad's house, and carry a gun under our pillows. Kenya is a great place to visit especially to see the wildlife parks. They have a problem neighbor called Somolia, I agree, but we should help Kenya solve the Somolia problem and not shut down a thriving tourist trade. Imagine if all the naturalists were sent home because of fear. National Geographic would go out of business.
This story is sad, but let's not blame the victim for wanting to see the natural wonders of Kenya.
I have traveled the world, been to all kinds of dangerous places. Not once was I kidnapped, and I ask myself "why?" Am I not appealing enough? Or good enough to catch the eye of a swashbuckling cad? I feel so rejected! I just want to cry. I don't look poor, do I? what is wrong with me? I could not even get a priest to look twice at me as a youth. Someone, please answer! At this point in time, I am desperate enough to settle for a low brow three card monty con job. If I can even get that!
Well, guess it depends on who you are. Isn't the great leader's daughter spending spring break in very dangerous Mexico (where our own State Department has warned us not to go)? Along with her friends and no less than 25 secret service agents...using my tax dollars.
It clearly says they were in kenya, what are you talking about?
I think that Nicole is exactly right. Why would you want to go to a place like that? I certainly feel bad for those people, but in some ways, this was their own fault. Try going to Disney, or Paris, or Rome, or any number of other places where your life will not be in the kind of danger that you find in Africa. I know that there is some degree of danger anywhere you go. However, why push your luck? I would love to see the Pyramids and many of the things that the middle east has to offer, but I am not foolish enough to actually make that trip. Use your heads people, don't vacation in dangerous places. If you do, don't whine when something bad happens to you.
I'm not saying kidnapping and the people that have been killed isn't a tragedy, but doesn't anyone fine it ironic that for years the U.S, the U.K, France, the Dutch treated Africa like a garbage dumpster, a source for slaves and later just cheap later and raw materials to exploit and now wonder why these things happen? The developed world has taken a giant bowel movement on Africa for centuries now, it's no wonder they are getting desperate to get out of the hole we have kept them in.
I wish the gentleman who was freed the best for him and his family.
Realist, you possibly didn't notice that the State Department's travel ban to Mexico was lifted. Nonetheless, please stay on topic.
The really scary part is that pretty soon we'll not be able to go ANYWHERE without being in fear....even in our own country. That's the part that is really frightening to me. I would love to travel the world and see new things, especially Africa, which is a fantastic continent to visit, but I would be scared to go near it. Same goes for Mexico....beautiful country with a lot of scenic wonders, but who can feel safe going there? It just makes our world that much smaller if we have to fear for our safety wherever we go! That's what is scary to me!
This African country is barbaric and uncivilized, and it is not anyone's fault but their own. They live in the 4th century, and many are coming to America wishing to convert American's to the same lifestyle. Look what happened to the 'spring countries. ...they are now reverting back to the 'days of yore'. We should NOT be funding this continent under any circumstances, as it will be used against us in the future. Just leave them alone to fight among themselves...do NOT travel to this continent or the middle east.
I have visited mexico many times, they have very nice resorts and tours to take to visit so many beautiful places with amazing history and archeological sites, however i do not adventure to stroll at night in unfamiliar places or places that i would not be recommended by the hotel etc. using the same comon sense that i use when visiting " new york" , i do not consider mexico as dangerous as kenya or somalia, unless you drink the water hahaha!
Didi
You would assume that, under leadership of a Nobel Peace Prize winner, we would not have this extreme malcontent world wide. But, it has been nothing but turmoil since the prize was awarded.
Who died and made you the topic police? I was simply answering a question posed by a poster. And isn't it funny how that warning (in place for almost a year) was lifted just one month before spring break? By the way the next time you want to call someone out for their post why don't you think twice then decide to STFU!
Ignorance at it's best!!! Condemn a whole continent for the wrongful acts of a few, because there is no mistreatment of your fellow man in America? Please go back in the hole you crawled out of before you see the real world. Nobody can convert you unless you agree to the mindbending.
Your loss, Didi. You will miss much of the wonders of world due to letting fear rule your life. Common sense is needed whenever your travel to unfamiliar places (as lilli puts it so well). But truth be told, even along the coast of Somalia, piracy is a rare event relative to the volumes of boat traffic there. Kidnappings in Kenya by Somalian pirates is even more rare. Otherwise it wouldn't make the news.
It really never has been "safe" for people to travel to any place they're not familiar with. That includes even places like NYC, LA, Chicago, etc. Can't let fear run your life, or you'll find you really have no life anyways.
If you would search events when Obama was campaigning for his cousin Odinga when he for office in Kenya, you will see that many of Odinga's followers burned Christian churches with people in them after he lost the election. Not only are you at risk for Somalian kidnappings, it is not safe anywhere in Africa if you are a Christian.
Just gotta love when someone jumps in, eager to rant, and can't even get the country they are ranting about right.
Those Secret Service agents are getting paid whether they are protecting her in Mexico or in Miami, or in the White House. They didn't hire extra agents. They reassigned them as needed. So quit acting all butt-hurt with the tax dollars wasted rhetoric. Not to mention, since when does a 13 year old kid go on "Spring Break"? It's a friggin class field trip. Not some bar hopping half naked on the beach romp like you would suggest. Why even mention Obama's daughter in an article about a UK hostage 8000 miles away being released?
As someone earlier told you, stay on topic. And as I would ask, less whining please.
STexan,
Exactly, and it isn't just vacationers. They also took an American aid worker and a Danish Co-worker several months ago (thankfully, the SEALs got them back). The problem with paying a ransom is that they will do it all over again. It's like the old adage:
The only way you will ever stop the kidnappers and pirates of Somalia, is to show them that this is a really bad idea (like the 3 pirates that took the Captain of the Cargo Ship hostage). when they see that the menu has change from Milk and Cookies to D-Con, they will stop bellying up to the bar.
Chris from Yucaipa
Our own personal know-it-all on Newsvine. It does not take 25 SS agents to protect one child and I have NEVER heard of a school field trip OVER spring break to a dangerous country. What you are posting is the same nonsense you frequently are guilty of posting. If you don't like what I have to say then feel free to collapse my post or click "ignore this author", but I am just as free to post my opinions, right or wrong, as you are to post your nonsense.
As I stated previously I was answering a question posed by a poster, or do you have a problem with reading comprehension?
@Dem
You really are Dim aren't you...it was a woman that was freed her husband was killed when they first came to kidnap them both...did you even read the story, makes me question that.
@Jim,
Don't bother going to Florida if you're a Black teen, because that will get you shot and killed for walking down a street eating skittles and drinking an iced tea
Glad you notice the nonsense I post. You might have also noticed most of it tends to be directed at the inane comments you more than frequently make.
Care to share your inside knowledge of the Secret Service that details how many agents are needed for specific tasks?
I frequently don't like what you post, and I make a habit of pointing that out as needed. Feel free to continue expressing your opinion, just as I will continue pointing out the things wrong with it. Oh I don't use the "ignore this author" option. It's much more enjoyable seeing you stumble.
Their plan is working then.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/NC22Dj04.html
I am more scared of our own government here at home than abroad. The Orwellian laws they are passing are ten times more horrific than the chances of being "kidnapped by somalia pirates" or some-such nonsense. The truth is, they're just making it more known now than it used to be, in order to scare people such as yourself, and therefore, making it easier for them to pass another bill in the name of "protecting us", where in reality, they simply limit our freedoms.
Try this, just pick up a copy of Orwell's 1984, read it, then read some news, then tell me which story is scarier? This one about the pirates, or this...
http://www.npr.org/2012/03/12/148293470/drones-over-america-what-can-they-see
as well as this:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20117058-281/homeland-security-moves-forward-with-pre-crime-detection/
This kind of stuff makes pirates pale in comparison...
As if we don't do this daily on a personal basis.
I'm walking down the street at night and I see a couple of guys hanging out on the sidewalk that I have to walk past. So I look them over real good. Do they intend me harm? That's unknown. But I'm sure as hell going to be trying to judge all the above criteria before I do.
Take it a step forward. I'm walking down the sidewalk, same scenario. This time, I have a lot of experience having done this many times. I will be able to judge those guys better. Detect a problem before it becomes one. Same thing as Homeland Security will have done by collecting information. Will this actually work? We don't know because it's still in testing.
Realist, what question? The comment you copied in your post had nothing to do with your totally off-topic response. You were simply trying to stir the pot to a subject that obviously gets under your skin, but has nothing to do with the subject of this thread. Lucky for you, there are plenty of other threads to discuss your conspiracy-laden anti-Obama fluff. Get over yourself.
It's about time we declare open season on pirates and start blowing them out of the water. If we do so, I believe the pirates will learn the lesson very fast.
could not have said it better.
Youtube..Russian Navy versus Somali Pirates. Google it, the Russians left the pirates on their boat and used them as target practice......Best video I've seen in awhile!
schoolyard
Great videos.
America: we will kill you if we have to.
Russia: we will kill you because we can.
Tons of respect to the Russians. They take no crap. Period
deleted
It is beyond crazy that the West allows these pirates to expand their operations and develop almost a sense of entitlement, to seize ships, kidnap tourists and crew members, and to collect ransoms.
I've said it before, the solution is to target the pirate enclaves along the Somali coast. These are not large cities, like Mogadishu. Go in quick, seize any known pirate leaders, destroy all weapon stores found, sink anything which looks like a boat, free any hostages, shoot anybody who resists, and then leave.
Do this a dozen or more times, and these Somali pirates will join Captain Kidd and Blackbeard in the pages of history.
Don't do it, and the problem will only get worse.
The Russians have their own solution. When they sent a Special Forces response team to liberate a ship in the Indian Ocean, they freed the hostages and set the animals, er, pirates, adrift in a small boat on the open ocean. Never to be seen or heard from again. Nice job!
We can't do anything about it. We're mired in afghanistan, and we have a president that is too worried about how "arrogant" the US is. He's trying to get us out of those countries, with no concern for the brewing threats over there.
Wait.. Why is it the West's responsibility to bring down these Somali pirates? If they were raiding off our coasts, it'd be one thing. But they aren't.
Why do we have to save everybody who won't lift a finger to help themselves?
I'm not buying what you're trying to sell me.
Capt: What about when they sieze the oil tankers (like the Alabama Murmask) with an American crew, bound for domestic refineries. Don't you think that has any effect on you, or your daily lifestyle?
Maybe I should've added a clause:
If said kidnapping victim is American, then the US should do everything in their power to rescue them.
If said kidnapping victim is British, then the Brits should do everything in their power to rescue them.
Etc, etc, etc.
Its not the US's job to track down and save every single person who wanders in to war torn territories. Especially when they think "hey this looks like a fantastic place to vacation, we'll just ignore the pile of bodies over there on the horizon."
Come on, where's the common sense?
they aren't "allowing" it to happen; if the west opened fire, it would cause such a huge global retaliation that it wouldn't really be worth it politically. I would have carried a concealed weapon and learned how to use it. Looks like the pirates have already won this war...they know people will pay the ransom.
I agree with CaptBrngDwn. It is NOT a US problem regarding the pirates. Britain at one time ruled the waves. Now they send their Prince to the Falklands for SAR duty. Why don't they divert their assets to the coast of Africa and let them take care of the problem. I really don't think Argentina will invade anyone in the near future.
The Russians are tough on pirates and treat them as they treat others, with total disregard. In the 80's when Lebanon was falling apart and Europeans & Americans plus some Russian Embassy types were being kidnapped the Russians sent in their Spetsnaz GRU troops. They grabbed whoever was responsible for taking Russian nationals, cut off fingers or ears and sent them to the party involved with the warning release the hostages or we will grab more of your families and send them all back...in pieces! It worked, no more Russian hostages. Now that is better than "Gunboat Diplomacy".
Agreed. If we went all "Shores of Tripoli" on them, the way we dealt with the Barbary Corsairs, that should take care of the problem, or at least reduce it drastically.
Capt, you got a point. But I think where US shipping is being threatened, the US should take decisive action.
prude, Somolia is not the same as China. It is my undestanding that they are the international equivalent of schoolyard bullies. They don't have anyone big looking out for them, nor are they big enough themselves to stand up to any well-equipped show of force. Again, the best analog for this situation is the Barbary Corsairs. The very first deployment of the marines, and the first U.S. military action overseas, involved beating down pirates that were threatening U.S. and European shipping. Europe decided to give tribute, we decided to give cannonballs. After getting the latter, the Barbary Corsairs ceased to be a threat.
dman: Do you realize that doing what you are suggesting costs money.....taxpayer money? People are screaming already about how much money has been spent by our government, especially in the last 2 wars! I don't think we can afford another foray into a foreign country to start another war!
Additionally, any American ships going through that area are now carrying armed soldiers to protect it...much like the other ships going through the area with the pirates. Already, one ship has been saved because they had the armed soldiers on board as security.
The problem is that Somalia has no government. It's citizens are left to fend for themselves against armed, ruthless thugs, who have imposed themselves as rulers, and are being taken advantage of by said thugs. While this is unlikely the case with this kidnapping (an obvious criminal act), much of the marine piracy is being front-lined by youth who are told that Somalia's sovereign waters are being breached. Money is promised to the family for sending their boys to "fight for the country," and keeps them from asking questions, lest the money they feed their family with cease, and they be hauled off. It's nice to think that attacking their coast a few times will end it, but I suspect they'll just be told that it's yet a further invasion of their country. Somalian piracy a complicated problem that bombs alone won't fix.
You're absolutely right regfife. If US shipping is being threatened, then we should protect our own.
I thought that was included in my clause?
Arm the Somoli people and let them fight their own wars. Also, for th one hat said we enslaved these people, their own people sold them into slavery so get your facts straight and they are still enslaving their own people. We cannot save the world, everyone for themselves, keep our ships in our waters do not take any vessels to that area. These people are all criminals and the children, however they are pitiful, will just grow up to be criminals. We have enough of them in the USA that the government will not do anything about. We need the american soldiers here in America so we can walk the streets safely.
I thought you were only talking about kidnappings. But it's nice we agree.
They're already armed, that's kind of the problem in this situation, because as you said sonja, they're practically all criminals. When an entire nation relies on crime to survive, its hard to sort the good guys from the bad guys. And the way I see it, we don't really need to anyway. While a large military operation would of course cost money, it would be worth checking the expenses of said operation to destroy the Somalia's naval capabilities against economic losses resulting from piracy. I could be wrong, but in the long run, it may cost less to wreck Somalia's harbors and leave.
:/ I should've just said hostages. That's a broader term than kidnappings.
Either way, I bet we can expect to see a whole lot more of this in the upcoming months. Since they realized that people will succumb to their outrageous demands for money, more and more pirates will want to cash in on this. Her husband won't be the only one to lose thier life.
Catsclaw - Are you referring to the same President who sent a special ops team into Somalia last month, secured the hostages and killed all or most of the kidnappers?
This problem with piracy of the coast of East Africa did not originate in January of 2009. It is a problem which has roots spanning at least 3 Presidential Administrations. None of them (including Obama) has done enough to address the problem.
Also, I'm not talking about a massive invasion, involving a sea landing against fortified positions, followed by a prolonged occupation, just a series of raids, such as the one which took out bin Landen last year. Our involvement in Afghanistan should not prevent us from doing this.
Trex - I've no real objections to the Russian solution. But I still think one is better off attacking the problem at the source.
If I have a hornets nest in the attic, I can either swat the occasional hornet I find flying around my bedroom (and endure an occasional sting), or I can take can of Raid up into the Attic, in the cool of the early morning when the !@$!!s are asleep and truly fix the problem.
I like this second plan best.
the pirates are celebrating now, they was able to kidnap and kill and got awarded likely in the millions, great job on encouraging the pirates to kidnap and kill more to be rewarded more millions
That thought was running around in my head too, but I would do the same for many of my kin.
John M.-3156861, If you paid for the release of your Mother or Sister and I came on here spouting the crap that you're spouting, what would you say? If it was me, I would tell you to go straight to hell you insensitive jerk.
Open season on Pirates, no arrests just out them all.. The glory of being a useless thug will diminish and our seas and vacation areas just may be safe again.. same goes for the Mexican mobs, execution for kidnapping, smuggling, and extortion will put many out of business.. If they are not around they can't be REPEAT offenders.
WtF? they need to take those motherf*&$ers out.....
wtf = win the future.
Wow nice language
Wow, grow up.
Wow....Learn to communicate without using foul language! It'll open up a whole new world for you and actually show you have intelligence!
Hmm, let's see Dee Dee has 8 votes up (at last count). How many do you have? FYI...my dad was a genius and an inventor with a fondness for using foul language. The use of curse does not indicate if one's intelligence.
* correction
The use of curse words is not an indicator of one's intelligence level.
They weren't in Somalia.
Eh, I'm not seeing the big deal here. If people took the time to understand the region they were stepping into prior to going there, crap like this might not happen. Similar to the journalists and rock climbers that entered the Middle East to face charges of espionage, because they were American.
I for one am not surprised by this turn of events. Should just call it what it is, two idiots who went to the wrong place. Kenya is no better than Somolia.
They were in Kenya, still close enough.
400 yrs ago blowing a ship out of the water, hanging every pirate from the yardarm was normal, now with instant news, lawyers and plaintiffs wanting to get rich any Captain doing such a thing would be in prison. With all the cover your ass politicians out there nobody would give the go ahead for doing the smart thing. We are rewarding the pirates and by giving them money, the resources to continue and expand their operations.
400 years ago, most of the pirates were government sponsored entrepreneurs, lol. And these governments were at war with each other constantly. Are you sure you want to go back to those "good ol' days"? Personally, I prefer the rule of law. Not sure any boat out there would be safe if standing orders for everyone was to shoot first, blow thenm out of the water, hang the survivors, then try to find out if they were really pirates.
How does that even make sense? And yes, the Barbary Corsairs were Muslims, using their religion as an excuse, but that's all it was, an excuse. If you want to be persuasive, try to be more coherent, and less raving.
I'll agree with your name, angryminority. You are one angry dude, lol, and (hopefully) in the extreme minority. Never mind that the Caribbean has a long history of piracy (both govt. sponsored and private - you know, where they got the name privateer). Also around Indonesia, and India, and and SE Asia, and even Europe. All this well before the Muslims became a factor. And it continues in all these areas today without the benefit of religion. Admittedly I'm guessing here, but piracy is as old as sailing. I can easily imagine that as soon as someone built the first boat, there were others trying to figure out how to steal it.
Piracy is due to greed, pure and simple. Religion has no place in the act, even in places like Somalia. The pirates want money, and will do anything to get it. Islam does not have a corner on that market.
angryminority banned, low-usage, most comments were violations, this is particularly garbage.
Anyone who doesn't realize the difference between Kenya and Somalia and think they have something to say is more of a problem then Somali pirates.
Hummm...Kenya, kenya.. is it in America?next to this place called Somalia?I am so confused.....
trying again Allan74...an almost identical statement bashing Nicole
you might wish to correct yourself...it's "than" Somali pirates & not "then"
you see, we all make mistakes...some just different than others
Good idea, pay the ransom and encourage more kidnappings of stupid tourists...
SONO, I'm going to stoop and actually hope that someone you love gets kidnapped. Better yet, let it be you, I will personally retrieve your comment and deliver it to your captors. Do you even travel?
And if it was YOUR mother..........or YOUR sister, Sono??????????
I hate to disappoint both of you but I don't think I know or care about anyone who's stupid enough to take a vacation so close to Somalia or anywhere else that would be considered a potentially dangerous area for westerners. The fact that the tourists in question where on an island resort so close to Somalia made it an even worse decision. If they wanted fun in the sun, my recommendation would’ve been just about anywhere on the Mediterranean as long as it’s on the EU side. Paying the ransom for things like hostages and oil tankers only encourages more kidnappings. They need to be crushed without mercy and made an example of instead of rewarding them for their actions.
I was fortunate enough to do a lot international traveling when i was in my early 20's. To be honest, the only thing I would've liked to have seen in person, as far as Africa goes, is various Egyptian monuments and the areas around Mt. Kilimanjaro. At this point i'm perfectly fine with seeing that country in 1080p via a huge HD television from the safety of my living room, thank you very much. There are a few places I'd like to see in China, like Zhengjiajie national park, but we always opt for someplace warm and sunny in the Caribbean instead b/c it’s so much easier and relaxing.
Anyone who doesn't know the difference between Kenya and Somalia and expresses their opinion is as much of a problem as Somali pirates.
never made a blooper of a mistake Allan74? most humans have at one point or another...
let's not beat this error to death...
...and these people vote.
F.X.Lozano...you must be as perfect as Allan74
let's look at this error if we still need to beat it up again & again
Somalia was mentioned NUMEROUS times...the article was about negotiations with a Somali pirate for the woman's release & it was published in Somali newspaper...it was a Somali pirate raid.
in contrast, Kenya was mentioned once...
not that I think errors are grand things, but there is no need to continue beating Nicole Friedman up
unless there is another underlying reason for your ongoing diatribe re this mistake
give it a rest, or your own competency to vote shall be called to question
Someone who doesn't know their geography is as much of a problem as someone who murders and kidnaps for cash? Huh?
People really need to keep some perspective around here. No wonder we hardly make any progress amongst each other anymore.
NATO or some form of an international agency should start laying elaborate traps for these scum bags.
Give them something else to think about before taking on a helpless vessel while at sea.
As for land abductions, I don't see why anybody in their right mind would want to go anywhere near that region.
i would not trust NATO to pick up my dogs poop! that is a wasteful org.
SEMPER FI
DANNY P
Article: "The Associated Press reported that Tebbutt's release on Wednesday was confirmed by a Somali pirate named Bile Hussein and by an official with the militia Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama named Mohammed Hussein."
Hussein...Hussein...hmmmmm. Wouldn't be any relation to Barak Hussein Obama, would they?
No ... they're related to Cheney.
joe1022joe...really tired of lame humor...
I'd switch the channel if I heard this crap on TV...get some new material if you fancy yourself a Seinfeld
joe, joe, hmmm, heard that name before wouldn't be any relation to joe ahole would you?
Joe, as much as I dislike Obozo, Hussein is a common Arabic/Muslim name. His father was Kenyan. I don't for a minute believe that there's a connection.
I am thankful that this lady was returned to her family, but troubled about the actions that created it. While I don't believe that America should rage war on pirates I believe that all the West, US and Europe should take action against something like this happening again.
If that means sending in troops to take out pirate strongholds, to destroy their ships, so be it. Force seems to be the only thing these people understand.
I don't think it should matter where they are from. They could be from England, pirates can not be allowed to continue their rampage. They don't possess the weaponry or the technology to even be considered a force to be reckoned with so why are we even dealing with them? Of course now they have the money to buy more weapons but regardless just take them out. Engage the military, gather them up and get rid of them. The whole operation shouldn't even take 24 hours.
thatgirl
famous last words...only 24 hours...that part of the world is much bigger than it looks on maps we are accustomed to seeing...has to do with the bulging ball of a planet we sit on
but I do agree that something must be done...a travel ban for starters...(although that does take funds away from struggling tourist operations trying to give a better life to their people & a peaceful alternative to kidnapping to earn money)
difficult problem...no easy solution
all I know is if they shot and killed my husband, I'd make sure they killed me too
Pirates have existed sine ships have existed. Militarises and countries only care when it is in direct conflict with their interests. President Obama gave the order and Navy snipers took out those pirates that had kidnapped some Americans. We sent in hit squads and rescued another, killing those that took her. There are too many and you don't know who to target. Not as easy as you like to say.
Put US Merchant Marines on all US flagged vessels, arm them to the teeth, protect US interests.
Ditto Slyvia.....they would have had plenty of reason to take me out also. Six minutes would be too long to spend with those savages (savages being anyone who has no respect for life....not racial) let alone six months. @Army - I know this is much bigger than what we're being told and not knowing who to target is a problem. I just hate that they received a ransom which will enable them to grow in weapons and bodies. Flagged vessels sounds like a winner. It's just time for something to be done about them.
Chances are they blow all that money on entertainment (drugs, foods, fancy clothes and cars, etc.). Very little is really invested in better weapons or more people. They are pirates, after all, and pirates have never been good at long range business plans. It's all about getting the money, then spending the money, then going out and getting some more, lol.
Paying ransoms only encourages more kidnappings. Poor move.
md22mdrx although I do agree that paying ransoms only encourages more kidnappings
given the choice between raising money to pay ransom for a beloved family member
or letting them die,
I think I might succumb and pay a ransom to try & get them back
Yeah, but later I'd want to plead with my government to firebomb the whole country in revenge.
Honestly, it depends on which family member they take.
Bazinga!
Easy for you to say that paying a ransom is a bad idea. I think your opinion would quickly change if it was a member of your family being held.
True it's amazing what people will do for money we just got to watch our back because they will lie to gain points. I'd prefer to be one on one and at least give me the chance to defend myself. I will always go back to let my Higher Power deal with it we arent keeping secrets from him if that's what we think.
eh,one less 1%er.
spiceman...your needle is stuck on a nasty perspective
life will kick you in the butt for putting things like that into print...remember you started this ball rolling when it gets to you eventually...could be today...
spiceman.>>>>DID your welfare check not come today?
What check? Welfare benefits are all put on a plastic card now. From Medicaid to TANF to daycare assistance to food benefits, all on a card. Why do you think they changed the name from "food stamps" to "SNAP"?
Wonder if any of the pirates have parrots??
nothing new here
sure hope not...I LOVE parrots...wise & loyal birds!
Nothing new here - I would ensure that the pirates all had peg-legs though.
When we're happy, we say ARRR
When we're sad, we say ARRR
When we don't know what to say, we say ARRR
Maybe next time this imbecile will vacation in a safer place of the world. I actually hope it cost his family a great deal of money so that they learned a lesson!
Grizzly Adams...if you read the article again, it cost this guy his life....it's his wife who was freed...
& yes, family raised the money...how would you like a female in your family in the hands of pirates?
no telling what kind of shape she is in now....possibly wishes she was dead too
so "this imbicile" as you call him is dead and will not be learning any more lessons
perhaps you could volunteer to learn some lessons for him?...
reading lessons would be a good place for you to start
there should be a international law prohibiting the payments of ransom to pirates, had the law been on the books years ago, it would have saved many more lives than the pirates can kill or kidnap, and that no pirates are going to kidnap or kill hostage knowing they won't be paid
John M. now let me see...an international law...insist a grieving family not pay a ransom...
what kind of punishment would they get for breaking this law?
what kind of jury would knowingly add to their victimization and suffering?
in my opinion, that kind of law is as difficult to enforce as it is to catch the pirates
its not hard at all, stop paying pirates millions and they'll stop kidnapping and killing hostages, paying them only fuel the fire for additional kidnappings and killings, if they are not getting paid they'll stop for sure
easy for you to say John M.
desperate, lawless people rarely stop...they usually just "up" the anty by finding nastier ways to get what they want...in their own minds, they are "entitled" to do this
Brilliant idea John. No, seriously, I'm awed by your insight and intellect..
Instead of holding people hostage in exchange for absurd amounts of money, these pirates will just kill the men outright and save the women and children for sadistic, sexual purposes then slit their throats when they've outgrown their usefulness. Only to bury them (maybe) in some hole in the ground.
http:*//www.globallawforum.*org/ViewPublication.aspx?ArticleId=96
Whatever happen to the British SAS hunting them down and killing them? I used to think the British had the best answer. Mess with an English family and we will hunt you down and kill you. For God's sake, please stop paying these Cretans and kill them.
Never!!
Not without a UN resolution.
The UN resolves absolutely nothing.
Kenya & Somalia are neighboring countries!!!!
What are the odds??
The president's 1/2 brother living next to pirates.
So frilling what!
Mexico and the USA are neighboring countries.
Are they the same? Have the same problems (Army patrolling their streets due to drug cartels)?
The way pirates were dealt with by all civilized nations in 1750 sounds about right. When encountered, execute them at sea, summarily. Invade their strongholds, catch them, and execute them. And keep doing it. Shouldn't take more than a few years until those that might consider pirating will decide it would be more prudent to take up some other line of endeavour. Enevitibly, some innocent hostages will be injured and possibly killed in the process of getting rid of these guys, but in the long run many more will be saved.
So, if some one is vacationing in El Paso, TX, and gets kidnapped by a Juarez gang its their fault for vacationing near such a failed state?
Chip
Bingo...you win first prize for the post so far !
And that goes for vacationing in Detroit as well.
nothing new here
you just tied for first prize with Chip...
could this be like play-off golf?
Simple solution to all let's just stay in our Country now days if it is so bad everywhere else.
We can only hope the British Special Forces have a plan of action. The hostage had to be freed first.
RetEngCoLt
....time for another Margaret Thatcher & Special Forces will get a green light
U.S. Navy Seals would have done the opposite, paid the pirates nothing, gun them down and rescue the hostage
There is nothing common about common sense and this couple had none. To go to places that are known hot spots of lawlessness shows a wanton disregard for anything resembling intelligence. If you walk into the street without looking both ways you may be hit and killed. Guess what happened here?
William...check out Chip's comment near the bottom of page one
Yeah, ya can't cure stupid.
Nope, but hopefully you can keep it from reproducing.
Frankly I hope the pirates/kidnappers( same thing) from Kenya/Somalia (Same @!$%#hole) kill as many stupid people as they can, because until they do, we're going to continue pay ransoms and condone the behavior.
Either provide security to commerical vessels or the the @!$%#ing crew die.
For private citizens who choose to put themselves in that situation, let them die.
Sounds like you may want to join the pirates? Make some money, kill some people?
And what's with the "we're going to continue to pay ransoms"? Did you pay their ransom?
What a douche.