By an often misunderstood choice of labels, the lengthy two-way communication with the pirates (and other hostage holders) is conducted to preserve any potential chances for a non-violent conclusion, as well as provide as much insight as possible regarding the state of mind of the hostage holders, and as much time as necessary for thorough operational preparation for the rescue, is also called “negociation”.

Perhaps it is so-called because this delicate operation is better executed by folks who are experienced in the art of negociating, (with the backing of language experts, psychology experts, ballistics experts, etc…) but it is not a real negociation, only a subterfuge in the sense that there is no intent to concede anything, but rather to get the attackers to concede the advantage of surprise, should they indulge in hesitation, which is a rather common possibility, opened for exploitation if you know how to go about it.

One remarkable thing became evident in yesterday’s dramatic rescue: Somehow, the pirates had been led into accepting towing service from the Navy ship! Now, if that does not come from virtuosity in the exercise of highly refined negociating skills, where does it come from?

So, let’s not be fooled by the double meaning of the word. It is meant to confuse the assailants, but it needs not confuse us. Congratulations USA! Now, What is the right follow-up, and how do we get it right? Probably not by some knee-jerk reaction.

The standoff with the Somali jihad pirates has ended with the hostage rescued safely:…

Long run: Exterminate the ports and sink everything in those ports that floats.