The Business of Piracy

I read today that a stock market exists in Somalia to trade shares in the funding of future pirate attacks. Whether this is true or not , I know not as it was derived from a single source, but what it does tell me is that the level of business activity relating to piracy is at a significant level.

Modern day Haiti was once a pirate state called Hispaniola, and from these dark beginnings the makings of a structure for society emerged. Perhaps the basis of that society was never sufficient to explore issues of freedom of thought and action, or to set forward arguments for democracy amongst others, that would signify a credible system of government or independent police force or judiciary . Somehow, it survived into the 21st century and perhaps in its survival there is a grim hope for Somalia.

For in an age when the world's governments wring their hands hopelessly at the level of piracy blighting one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, it may be that the millions and millions of ransom dollars pouring into the country will eventually coalesce into some form of settled structure from which the beginnings of a new arrangement as a country might emerge. The structure of piracy is already at a sophisticated level and the basis of a capitalist market has been formed. Perhaps there is still a long, bloody road to travel but where there is a dynamic in any situation, there is the potential for change and for growth. Of course, it is better to hope for a more peaceful path for Somalia, but will any nation intervene after the lesson of Iraq?