How Obama actually delayed pirate rescue

[gsvol]

SEAL team deployment stalled 36 hours, hampered by limited rules of engagement

They say the response duty office at the Pentagon was initially unwilling to grant an order to use lethal force to rescue Phillips. They also report the White House refused to authorize deployment of a Navy SEAL team to the location for 36 hours, despite the recommendation of the on-scene commander.

The White House also turned down two rescue plans offered up by the Seal commander on the scene and the captain of the USS Bainbridge.

The SEAL team operated under rules of engagement that required them to do nothing unless the hostage's life was in "imminent' danger.

In fact, when the USS Bainbridge dispatched a rigid-hull inflatable boat to bring supplies to the Maersk Alabama,
(actually wnd has it wrong there, they were bringing supplies to the pirates and Captain Philips I believe)gs, it came under fire that could not be returned even though the SEAL team had the pirates in their sights.

Many hours before the fatal shots were fired, taking out the three young pirates, Phillips jumped into the Indian Ocean with the idea of giving the snipers a clear target. However, the SEAL team was still under orders not to shoot.

Obama dressed in traditional Somali elder garb in 2006.

 

[westtnorangeman]

SEAL team deployment stalled 36 hours, hampered by limited rules of engagement

Obama dressed in traditional Somali elder garb in 2006.

Get a life The seal team took them out and freed the captain

 

[gsvol]

Get a life The seal team took them out and freed the captain

I already have a life, thank you anyway.

Congratulations to the US Navy, especially the Seals.

However the media heaping praise on Obama is akin to praising the terribly failed Clinton policy toward Somalia.

The NATO catch and release policy needs to be changed to kill or capture. (and without signing some UN treaty that has a lot of anti-American fine print!!)

The worst thing any nation can do is exhibit weakness and a lack of resolve, it only emboldens the pirates. Piracy on the high seas comes under universal jurisdiction and can be enforced and prosecuted anywhere.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Well, I found it strange that he waited 'til Easter. Of course the media sensationalized the event and gave it more air time than it deserved. Heh, I even recall a news reporter (or pundit, whichever suits you) say "this one will go down in the history books". History books! Yeah, right. But whatever, that's just how it is. Gotta squeeze it for all it's worth and turn it in a game of show business. That's what it's really about. Show business.

 

[volinbham]

Well, I found it strange that he waited 'til Easter. Of course the media sensationalized the event and gave it more air time than it deserved. Heh, I even recall a news reporter (or pundit, whichever suits you) say "this one will go down in the history books". History books! Yeah, right. But whatever, that's just how it is. Gotta squeeze it for all it's worth and turn it in a game of show business. That's what it's really about. Show business.

Welcome back VK. How's the military been treating you?

 

[IPorange]

Well, I found it strange that he waited 'til Easter. Of course the media sensationalized the event and gave it more air time than it deserved. Heh, I even recall a news reporter (or pundit, whichever suits you) say "this one will go down in the history books". History books! Yeah, right. But whatever, that's just how it is. Gotta squeeze it for all it's worth and turn it in a game of show business. That's what it's really about. Show business.

Historically, it was the first American seized by pirates since the early 19th century. In that sense, it is very historical. It also has the potential to shape future naval plans and national/international policy.

Is it the biggest thing that will happen this year? No. Is it big? Sure. Plus, it beats hearing about the economic crisis.

 

[gsvol]

Historically, it was the first American seized by pirates since the early 19th century. In that sense, it is very historical. It also has the potential to shape future naval plans and national/international policy.

Is it the biggest thing that will happen this year? No. Is it big? Sure. Plus, it beats hearing about the economic crisis.

Strong action by Jefferson proved to be quite effective, no?

I'm pretty sure some Malaysian muslim captured an American sailing ship about ten or fifteen years ago.

There are currently over 50 ships being held by muslim pirates practicing islamic jihad in Somalian ports, surely there are some American merchant marines among those but who would know?

The opportunity to politicize the rescue of Captain Phillips from Somali pirates was one Barack Obama could not resist.

This suggests Obama intends to dump the American Service Members’ Protection Act and put our war fighters under the control of leftist lawyers eager to please the anti American ICC.

If Obama had the well being and safety of our military in mind he would not have “signed off” or “not signed off” on this operation. His hands on involvement in a military operation, opens the door to lawyers controlling combat operations.

When lawyers not commanders run combat operations America is in trouble.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Welcome back VK. How's the military been treating you?

Greetings volinbham, thank you. I did not end up joining the military afterall, though I was very close to joining. I will be working for the government (AmeriCorps) in the near future, though. Hows that for irony... But anyways. For my time now I am going to be working as a volunteer for an environmental / conservation organization in Flagstaff, AZ. So, yeah I at least have myself a regular "j-o-b" and that's more than some people can say in this economy, so I am quite pleased with how things have turned out. And BTW I am not officially "back" yet. I will still check in on my off days, though.

Take care!

 

[TennTradition]

Well, I found it strange that he waited 'til Easter. Of course the media sensationalized the event and gave it more air time than it deserved. Heh, I even recall a news reporter (or pundit, whichever suits you) say "this one will go down in the history books". History books! Yeah, right. But whatever, that's just how it is. Gotta squeeze it for all it's worth and turn it in a game of show business. That's what it's really about. Show business.

Kirby...good to see you around...