Why Can’t International Law Stop Pirates (The John Batchelor Show, WABC AM 770 New York) November 22, 2010
Posted by daviddavenport in Radio Interview Podcasts.comments closed
This is a live radio interview with John Batchelor discussing piracy and why international law jurisdiction in today’s environment is difficult.
GUESTS: Landon Thomas, NYT; David Davenport, Hoover; Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor…
To listen to the audio interview: http://www.wabcradio.com/FlashPlayer/default.asp?SPID=33447&ID=2031194
Why Can’t International Law Stop Somali Pirates? (FoxNews.com) November 20, 2010
Posted by daviddavenport in Radio Interview Podcasts.Tags: International Law
comments closed
This is a live radio interview with Greg Jarrett on Fox HQ discussing piracy and why international law jurisdiction in today’s environment is difficult.
To listen to David’s recorded podcast: http://rcpt.yousendit.com/1046551069/50c6d7b48255049494cbe427560d7f76
International Law Needs to Man Up to Pirates (Advancing A Free Society) November 16, 2010
Posted by daviddavenport in Policy Articles & Papers.comments closed
Two recent developments bring the problem of Somali pirates back into view. Last week, a federal court in Virginia began the first U.S. trial on piracy charges in over 100 years. And this week, pirates finally released an older British couple who have been held in Somalia for over a year.
Why hasn’t international law been more effective in dealing with the problem of piracy? Ironically, laws of universal jurisdiction—a core doctrine of international law—were largely developed to deal with piracy on the high seas centuries ago, yet in the 21st century, we still have pirates. Why?
For one thing, nations have been afraid to take on the possible legal complications of trying pirates, so they have engaged in “catch and release.” Europeans fear possible human rights charges if they capture pirates, and also that the pirates might seek asylum. Legal technicalities are a problem—must the Somali pirates successfully board the ship or take control of it to be guilty of piracy? Collecting evidence and witnesses are a challenge, as is the diversity of national registry and ownership of ships and their cargo.
Money is always an issue—when ransoms are paid, piracy is encouraged.
Good for the U.S. for bringing these 5 pirates to trial, but there are many more out there. It’s time for international law to spend less time and energy on political agendas and man up to deal with a real and practical problem such as piracy.
To view the commentary: http://www.advancingafreesociety.org/2010/11/16/exclusive-international-law-needs-to-man-up-to-pirates/
Send A Message (Townhall.com) November 1, 2010
Posted by daviddavenport in Radio Commentaries.comments closed
A recent study, done every 10 years, by the Washington Post, Harvard
Courtesy of Townhall.com
University and the Kaiser Foundation, had a clear message: Americans think government is too large and has overplayed its hand.
Most believe America is “off course” and that government is at fault. Half say the government has a big effect on their lives and it is mostly negative.
Washington needs to get back to basics and stop major overhauls like healthcare reform or stimulus spending. The study says Americans want government to play small ball: cut spending and the deficit, and work on job creation.
It’s impressive when Harvard and the Washington Post discover that government is out of control. What will be more impressive is when the people say it all at the ballot box on November 2. I’ve already voted, shouldn’t you?
To listen to the audio: http://townhall.com/TalkRadio/Show.aspx?RadioShowID=11&ContentGuid=4c07aba9-7225-42c5-8ff8-0f2e3db91f1e