Another Foreign Policy Test

Looks like VP Biden was correct on one thing: it wouldn't be long before Obama got tested. Those of us who understand reality know this is because weakness practically begs for tests, so there's likely to be many, many more.

Following close on the heels of North Korea's defiant missile launch, we now have a direct assault on American citizens and property:

A US-flagged ship and 21 Americans on board got taken by Somalia-based pirates. The US Navy confirmed the attack this morning (via Mitch Berg):

The Kenya-based diplomat identified the vessel as the 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama and said all the crew members are American. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The U.S. Navy confirmed that a U.S. flagged ship with 21 members of crew was hijacked early Wednesday off the eastern coast of Somalia.

Spokesman Lt. Nathan Christensen said the attacked happened in the early hours of the morning hours, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) northeast of Eyl, a town in the northern Puntland region of Somalia.

Mitch scornfully refers to this as a “new chance for dialogue”. What would Janet Napolitano call it? A stowaway problem? On-demand course correction?

Regardless of what they choose to call it, the fact is that this is a direct attack on American sovereignty. The question is: what will Obama do about it?

Some thoughts from the professional bloggers:

Hot Air ---

The Somali pirates have operated in this region for a few years. Thus far, the world has seemed disinclined to put pressure on the pirates of Aden Gulf, despite the headlines they have grabbed lately. The US Navy now has an entree into the fight, and it will be interesting to see how the Obama administration reacts. The US has downlook satellites and a treasure trove of assets with which they can track down the Maersk Alabama and its crew.

Will Obama use that to send the pirates a message about attacking American shipping? Or will this be a “new chance for dialogue”?

Ace of Spades ---

So far it seems the pirates have been interested in the big payout and I don't think they've killed anyone (though I'm not 100% sure of that). Here's hoping the Americans are safe and freed soon.

Over to you Mr. President. And just a bit of free advice, I don't think the pirates are going to accept a DVD box set, a couple of trinkets from the White House gift shop and iPod with your greatest hits as part of the ransom.

Michelle Malkin ---

It’s another Gird Your Loins moment for the Obama administration. ... So far, the White House response has been weak.

Here's the really interesting part. These Somali pirates are Muslims. It's almost as if Obama's solemn intonation that the U.S. 'isn't at war with Islam' was a direct challenge. Will he crack down and act strongly to rescue those Americans, or will he equivocate, blame America, and beat around the bush while issuing strong rhetoric?

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I know the answer. If I'm correct, it's not only a big problem for those poor Americans who have been captured, but it confirms the kind of fundamental systemic weakness that Obama will display on every single confrontation he will face as President. Remember who was watching Bill Clinton's weakness in pulling out of Somalia after the Black Hawk Down incident? Osama bin Laden. And look where that ended up.

I'm certain that Ahmadinejad, Kim Jong Il, and Vlad Putin are watching this one very, very closely.

So should we.

There's my two cents.