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Richard Engel, NBC News chief foreign correspondent, had an in-depth video report from Mogadishu in May, calling it "the most dangerous city in the world." I guess that's also true for sharks.
Sadly, it's also still true for Somalis. According to the Associated Press today:
Heavy fighting between Islamist militants and pro-government troops raged in several parts of Somalia's capital Thursday, killing at least 21 people and wounding nearly 78, an official said.
Mortar shells pounded northern and southern neighborhoods in Mogadishu as militants launched attacks with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, according to a witness.
In Mogadishu's south, government soldiers and African Union peacekeepers tried to push insurgents back from a strategic road often used by government officials.
Ali Muse, the head of the city's ambulance service, said at least 21 had been killed and 78 wounded.
Somalia's most dangerous militant group, al-Shabab, has launched a series of attacks over the last month after declaring a "new" war against the Somali government. There are 7,100 African Union peacekeepers stationed in Mogadishu that protect the small enclave where the weak, U.N.-backed Somali government operates.
The country hasn't had a functioning government since 1991, and the militants hope to overthrow the transitional government and install a harsh brand of Islam across the country.
Now, back to sharks. The waters off of Mogadishu are often called "shark-infested," but according to a 2005 United Nations report, sharks are probably being overfished for their fins:
The shark species of interest are hammerheads (Sphyrnidae), grey sharks (Carcharhinidae) and mako (Lamnidae). They are heavily exploited by both the artisanal and the industrial fishery sectors, with associated competition. The current fishery status of these species is unknown, but they are considered to be overexploited, as catches have declined over the past few years. No research has been conducted on this matter, which deserves utmost attention, to avoid a sudden and unexpected collapse in stocks of these valuable species.
Could there be a connection between over-exploitation of the Somali fishery, the near-collapse of the Somal government and the risk to the international community posed by piracy and terrorism? According to some commentators and Somali pirates, the answer is "yes." An imprisoned Somali pirate named Farah Ismail Eid told McClatchy Newspapers reporter Shashank Bengali so in 2009:
Eid related what amounts to the pirates' creation myth, in which overfishing by European and Asian trawlers drove Somalia's coastal communities to ruin and forced local fishermen to fight for their livelihoods.
"Now the international community is shouting about piracy. But long before this, we were shouting to the world about our problems," said Eid, a bony-cheeked former lobsterman with a bushy goatee. "No one listened."
You can read more here, including some sceptical responses to the pirate's claim. The New York Times' Jeffrey Gettleman heard a similar story from Somali pirates in 2008, and some observers, like environmental blogger Brian Merchant, writing for Treehugger, explictly claim that "Overfishing Almost Got Capt. Phillips Killed by Pirates."
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stop trying to stop people from killing each other. This is a civil issue by natives to the area. They weren't invaded, they weren't enslaved, they chose this lifestyle.
What's the answer? Throw a net around it and let the fire burn itself out from lack of fuel.
And please, please, please, stop with all the cry for the innocent civilians nonsense. There are no innocent civilians in a failed culture. It's just natures way of deciding who exits first. If you want to war against nature, then well you better not have an exit strategy! Yeah, it is kind of like what the reality is in Afghanistan too.
And how come Al Shabab speaks Arabic? Rrobeson, it's easy to have the opinions you express here, when you are not in the midst of it. It's been known for years that militant Muslims have been setting up strongholds in South America and the Caribean. Could you actually be meaning that you are racist and wish the annhilation of a people group because they do not fit your demographical idea of the world?
You are absolutely the most ignorant person I've seen since becoming a member of the MSNBC community... What kind of rock do you live under to think that people choose a lifestyle of war, chaos, and anarchy? By your assumption we should also allow the drug cartels in Mexico to flourish and kill huge swaths of people and vacationers from our own country, simply because they chose to be born in that region or vacation to a specific community, as well as, flood the U.S. underground market with drugs. IGNORANCE. Pure, unadulterated IGNORANCE. We've seen in other places around the world (Iran) that Muslim extremest who overthrow governments do not entertain human rights, specifically for women. If we were to allow a modern form of government to grow with protection from warlords Africa would be one step closer to stability. Just as education is scant in this country, it obviously is in your neck of the woods. Anyone with any form of higher education would recognize that this is a forgotten country that has been torn apart for the past 20 years and received relatively little support from the global community. It's a sad reflection of who we are as people... But you my friend... you're an even worse example of that.
rrobeson... No doubts "Ignorance is bliss", you must believe anything anybody tells you.
Levi... militant strongholds in Latin America and the Caribbean? Sources please (and no Faux News reports please)
I am starting to agree. I guess the violence in the USA as well as the rest of the world has left me fairly numb and uncaring about what happens in the rest of the world. I have seen too many reports of violence and too few reports of the solutions to it. I am starting to develope a hermit like isolationist outlook.
RamFla...here ya go...http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17874369/
Janet, the difference between you and those such as rrobeson espousing genocide is that you are numb, and apathy is setting in. While that is bad enough, it is much less despicable than racist claptrap such as that which is posted above. Fortunately, you have the luxury of sticking your head in the sand, until it comes to your home town. Many of us understand that there is indeed evil in the world, and monsters in the closet. It is proactive and aggressive. However, good men resist, and that resistance often is more effective and powerful than the strongest aggression, even to the point of overcoming. Can't get that sticking your head in the sand, but neither can you get that by calling for genocidal slaughter of the innocent along with the perpetrators.
You know, Janet, we had the oceans to protect us from much of what goes on 'over there'. As we saw on 9/11, these oceans do not protect us any longer. Sure, it remains more difficult to attack, but it is possible, given the resolve of the militants. It is the stated position of Al-Qaeda that they are trying to cause the US to engage 'the enemy' on so many fronts, that US positions become unsustainable, and losses so great, that the US is forced to withdraw from all the middle east, indeed the whole world. If the US leadership was wise, and had any sense of what was going on, they would know this, and make sure that any actions taken would be effective and result in the desired changes. Perhaps we need to get boots on the ground and take on Al-Shabab, and turn them into Shish-Kebob. After 7 years in Iraq, how difficult would it be to root out Al-Shabab? So we go in, crush the insurgency in Somalia, which will one day make it's way to our shores, if they are successful, and militant Islam with it's Shariah Law is scratching in the dirt looking for another hole under the fence. I'm 51, a former US Army Ranger. Heck, I'd go. Make Somalia safe for aid groups and private charities to go in and work with the population, and the end result would be better for everyone...except the criminals.
Having said all that Janet, I hope that should it indeed come to our home town, that you can be counted on. If not to lend your voice and opinion to courage and reason, compassion and truth, then to stay out of the way and don't get caught in the crossfire. But then, what am I talking about. The way the world is today, Somalia is our neighbor.
Levi Thanks
I read that artivle when it came out, but I believe that ONE apparent Hezbollah cell in a very conflictive border area (this is where most human and drug trafficing pass to and from Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil) is seting stronholds (plural) in Latin America (OK 1 country) and the Caribbean (extremely far away from there!)
A little exagerated don't you think?
The problem with this is that some extremists in the USA will start usng this kinds of allegations to persecure even more latin immigrants, legal or not.
Hi RamFla, okay, I did a little research and map gazing, and I must digress about the Caribbean part. Here's the article I found:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N06409342.htm
I do note that Al-Shabbab in Somalia, and the Hezbollah group in Paraguay are on differing continents. Both regions have a long history of corruption, separation of the classes, no or minimal middle class, revolutions, and organized crime, which has all been linked to the rise of militant Islam, as dissatisfaction and desperation has risen.
A side note: In times of trouble, people always turn to God, when their own efforts fail, and the situations are beyond our abilities to better them. Each time our country (US) goes through crisis...9/11, Oklahoma city bombing, Hurricane Katrina, Y2K....church attendance rose dramatically. Within 6 months after resolution of the crisis, or recovery, church attendance fell back to pre-crisis levels. Can it be that things are so bad in Muslim countries, and even traditionally non-muslim countries, that people are looking for the God connection? As Agur, in the 30th chapter of the book of Proverbs said, "Two things I ask of You, O Lord; Do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither riches nor poverty, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown You, and say 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."
I understand that if you get caught stealing in Saudi Arabia, they lop off your hand. But in a world where your options are limited based on your station at birth, and you hear of and witness repeatedly Western and Israeli attacks on Muslim populations, and all this information is interpreted by the Imams who arouse their angst, with the lack of viable options in life, plus a fervency for God, and voila, recipe for radical Islam, especially if those who are radical suck up to you and accept you. The Shining Path in Peru is making a comeback by apologizing for past atrocities, promising that they learned how to do it better, and providing security for drug routes, for a price. And they pay local villagers $25 a day to join them, which is a princely sum in that impoverished region.
Have you seen "My Trip to Al Qaeda"? It's an adaptation of Lawrence Wright's one man play about his struggle to remain objective as a journalist writing about Islamic terror. It's pretty illuminating, and filled with photos, snapshots and so on. It's a 'docu-drama'.
Anyway, the point of all this is, how wise is it to war against radical Islam, yet present no option for anything else? I'm thinking it would be best to not even engage the enemy, but only protect our borders. But then we'd be like the city that built a wall, and if you were inside the wall, you were okay and happy, but for all who got trapped outside, they languished in despair and need. I'm not sure that's the best option.
3 deleted, tahoe3 with the racism:
Banned, rereg of tahoe/tahoe2.
I couldn't have said it better myself! We have to many people on this planet already and if they want to kill themselves then I say why stand in their way.
So, the civilians that are caught in this. They want to kill themselves? They want to be killed? So, should the fledgeling Somali government capitulate and let militant Islam with it's Shariah law flood Somalia? Wake up and smell the camel dung. The length of time it would take for Al-Shabab to attempt an attack on US soil would be counted in months.
Evil exists and must be opposed. If you, tahoe, rrobeson can't or don't want to do it, then sit down and shut up. If you can't be part of the solution, at least try not to be part of the problem.
I feel sorry for the shark.
I agree. I have no sympathy for the humans. We make our choices, and if this eliminates some of us - well so be it.
I do feel bad for the sharks, and all the other animals who are at the mercy of humans.
I completely agree, it's so sad.
Guys, I'm with about hating to see animals hurt, but please keep something in mind. The only difference between that kid/man and yourself is that they were born there and you were not.
I don't know what the answer is, but indifference to human suffering can't be the answer.
Sincerely yours, The Wet Blanket (sorry!)
Please! No more Somali "refugees" in this country. The ones who are here, have successfully imported the culture to our shores. We do not need any more "diversity".
Perhaps you do not watch the " FIRST 48 as avidly as my wife does. You will see how the Minneapolis area has been become a suburb of Somalia complete with the prevalent culture of violence and inhumanity. It takes more than a change in location to foster civilized behaviour.
MOGADISHU Is a blatant example of WHY It Is Time For WOMEN To Get Control Of, Have Authority Over, Conduct and Administrate Female Life Philosophy of Running The World.
We Males Just don't get It!! We LOVE WAR!! WE Love OverSeeding and OverPopulating to Prove Our Macho Style!, We Love Greed and Letting others starve while we live the "Good Life" We Love War Toys - Bombs, Bullets, Mines, Tanks, Nuclear Weapons, Aircreaft Carriers, InterContinental Ballistic Missiles, All Manor of Weapons Toys to WASTE OUR Wealth and Youth ON. Gettin' Drunk Watchin' the FootBall Games And Makin' A Mess for our subservient Women to clean up.
Face It Guys!!! When it comes to running a planet, WE ARE INCOMPETENT!!!!
It is Time To Let The Pu$$ys RUN THE SHOW - Before It Is Too Late!!!!!
That dosn't cut it. Do your hstory homework and you will see many women PM's, Leaders, etc. have gone to war.
@Phantom------------------what the hell have you been smoking, if you believe the American female has even a thought of being subservient you need to be committed!
You actually think that women would go to war less? You obviously have no idea how cruel women can be.
Women aren't hardwired for running this world. They are really great at organizing, budgeting, muti-tasking, but their other qualities such as mercy and tolerance make them unsuitable to make the hard choices. That's why men have tunnel vision, singular focus. And the ability to choose mercy, or not.
Very well said rrobeson!
I agree. And why is the fact that the city is dangerous for Somalis sadder than the fact that it's dangerous for sharks. There are far, far fewer sharks on the planet than human beings.
I agree. I like sharks more than most people.
Gray Reef shark near as I can tell.
I agree. And why is the fact that the city is dangerous for Somalis sadder than the fact that it's dangerous for sharks. There are far, far fewer sharks on the planet than human beings.
Amen Duke. Couldn't agree more.
IndigoKid - I agree wholeheartedly. 110%. People are a disappointment, animals should be ruling the world.
Okay, Dakjoy, you first.
These people thrive on conflict and death, it was too evident when the US tried to help this backward civilization, if you can call it that. They are so keen on the survival of the fittes, then let it be so.
I'll keep praying for the day when all the idiots like rrobeson and tahoe3 are gone.
Then you go over and try to help. Nobody else has been able to do it.
Mankind, as a whole, is so stupid. We're depleting this earth of one species after another. Won't last forever, though, because Man himself is on that list of depleting species. Just a matter of time...whether 100 years, 1000 years, or 10,000 years from now. At some point Man will go one step too far and our species will be gone. Shame that we're going to take down sharks, lions, tigers, elephants, etc. along the way. This is the first I've heard of a link between overfishing and the pirates and chaos of Somalia. Sure makes sense to me now that I've heard this. Somalia's situation is a microcosm of what the whole world will face down the road. Stripped and exhausted resources will lead to fighting, crime, and chaos. I'm just glad I'm here on earth at this moment, and not that moment in time when the whole world is in a state like Somalia is now....
Massive killing and violent upheaval is going on in many third world nations , but instead of doing something to disarm criminals and inject some sort of civility, the United Nations is focusing on demanding billions of dollars to be GIVEN to provide these people with a decent life! How stupid, feeding these kind of people just make them strong and healthy to do more destruction to their own society. I say seal these countries off and let them kill each other!
I don't feel sorry for the shark, I rather feel sorry for the people who have no hope in that region. They need Jesus, and quit embrasing Saudi money which made them muslim. When they come back to the living God and worship and serve him the nation will be healed. Somalia is in the news because of Pirates. But Somalia will not be in the news when there is prayer for the nation.
Please do not bring Jesus into the situation. Seeing as he is omniscient and all powerful, he must be condoning this killing.
The world would probably be better off if there was no religion of any kind.
kkll4 - Jesus you say? God? Ya right. I'm a believer too but you'll never change those people. God should step in first and change things, we'll clean up.
Prayer can change. You pray and God will make the change. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, says the Allmighty God of Israel.
I just added 'don't pick a fight with a guy carrying a giant shark' to my life's list of rules.
Falstaffsmind, that is a great thought.
You read my mind. If you're carrying a shark on your back, no one messes with you.
Wow. You're quite a catch.
"You stay classy San Diego"
To even care about freaking sharks when all those little kids are starving is sick. Screw you and your shark you bunch of idiots
Anthony - if you're so worried about these kids - kids that would sooner shoot you than speak to you - run on over there and help them out. Let's see how much your assistance is appreciated.
Idiot.
Anthony - IndigoKid is right. Those people know what kind of world they live in, why in God's name would they want to bring kids into this world? Now that's ignorance and stupidity. Sharks only survive day to day and hour to hour, they don't start wars.
Get a strong grip and leave on the next flight.
This is a snapshot story of what a place looks like. We are shown a photograph and given a bit of prose. I found the prose of little interest---a repetition/rehash of material that struck me as familiar and almost old.
The photograph---especially the buildings---this is where I learned something. Those structures in the background are in the category of a picture that is worth a thousand words.
Great shot actually! Beautiful architecture. I agree, poor shark!
Thank goodness for the cold war. It flooded the world with enough cheap AK-47, RPGs and other cheap and nearly indestructable Russian weapons to allow people who don't even own shoes to fight on indefinately.
Yet another country torn to shreds by muslims...Violence is the only way muslims know how to operate so its no wonder why everywhere muslims exist, there is death, destruction, and diaster.
Huh? There are plenty of muslims here in the US.
Pirates need to make a living, too. Nucular dumping and illegal fishing have done enough to deprive them of that.
I've heard people pronounce nuclear that way, never saw anyone spell it that way.
yes lets just let people die. why dont we start with you or your family/kids? oh wait its a different story then huh? one word, ignorance.
The buildings were probably built and designed by a European country whom were then thrown out of the country for it's independence. After their euphoria, reality set in. They did not have the education or know how to run a country. Then squalor and destitution.
Yeah Duke, but a shark is just a fish. When humans kill other humans, it is much worse. Surprised you don't know that.
Okay, this may seem like a silly comment in the overall context of this story...but, as an avid fisherman, do you have any idea how heavy this shark would be? Could this possibly be a photoshop trick? Seriously, that shark would weigh twice as much as the thin man carrying it and he's not struggling in the slightest! Oh yea, and what a nice clean shark he is...no blood or anything!