Pirates and United States Foreign Policy

Well done to the new United States Administration for taking such quick and decisive action against the pirates of the Maersk vessel near Somalia, and saving the life of a generous captain. A foreign policy that blends diplomatic soft power and the use of force when necessary works when an administration is on top of the issue. Military and other force where lives are at stake should always be a last resort, and in this case it appears to have been the best option. If only such quick and decisive action had been taken against Al Qaeda following 911, rather than being directed at Iraq, where diplomatic soft power blended with the threat of force may have been more effective.