“Use of Force” Webcast – Nexus Consulting Group May 16, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Laws and Leglslation, terrorism, weapons and tactics.Tags: Keving Doherty, maritime piracy, Maritime Security, nexus consulting, security, somali pirates, Use of Force
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Nexus Consulting Group is scheduling a webcast for the week of May 21- 25 on the topic of the Use of Force in Maritime Security. Recently, a video surfaced of a maritime security company firing on Somali Pirates. While the topic has been debated, Nexus was mistakenly identified as the company that took action. If you are interested in learning about Use of Force and the legal issues, then contact Nexus at info@ncga.us and note your interest in attending the webcast and we will advise which sessions are available. You can download the Use of Force Primer and follow along document here.
Having previously worked for a maritime security company, I felt pretty informed on the Use of Force and Maritime issues. After speaking to Kevin on numerous occasions, it was apparent that Kevin is an expert on Maritime Security and the industry at large. I always come away from a discussion with Kevin impressed and having learned something new about maritime security. Any knuckle-dragger can carry a gun and use it indiscriminately. It is appropriate, disciplined use of a weapon that separates professional security from amateurs. There are few security companies that I would recommend and that have the expertise to protect ships while minimizing risk to ship owners. Use of force is an critical yet complex subject. I recommend you take the opportunity to listen to an expert on maritime security and definitely take the opportunity to ask questions.
Anarchists, Communists, Extremists, and….Pirates?; “Democracy and the Devil you Know” May 16, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Laws and Leglslation, Politics.Tags: Arab Spring, Chris Mark, Germany, Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood, Pirate Party, terrorism, US Senate
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As an American I am always fascinated when speaking with my fellow countrymen (and women) who are fixated on the idea that democracy is the only and best form of government for all people. While those who believe in the democratic process certainly believe that free will, and giving a voice to people is a central theme to any form of government, there is always a tradeoff. As a recent example, the Arab Spring brought about numerous changes in governments throughout the Middle East. In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak was removed from power and Egypt began planning for “free and fair” elections. While Mubarak was the ‘elected’ president for 29 years, the elections were questionable as the constitution did not allow for anyone to run against Mubarak. Mubarak, while considered a corrupt and dictatorial leader by many, remained close with the United States who provided roughly $1.3 billion annually in aid to Egypt. With Mubarak’s removal and a more ‘transparent, and open’ election, what has resulted? In December 2011 the militant Muslim Brotherhood (who many consider a terrorist group) won a majority of the votes in the first election since Mubarak stepped down. While many of my own friends applauded when Mubarak stepped down, they are now critical of the election of the Muslim Brotherhood.
In another, more humerous example on MSNBC.com, Germany’s upstart Pirate Party (you read that right) sent a strong message to the existing regime when it won 8% of the votes in a local election in the most populated state in Germany. (more…)
United Nations Part Deux; “Return Lands to Native Americans” May 5, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Laws and Leglslation, United Nations.Tags: Chris Mark, Human Rights, native Americans, UN, United Nations
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Always the selective idealists, the United Nations has now issued a formal statement that the United States should return lands to the Native Americans. According to the report: “The United States must do more to heal the wounds of indigenous peoples caused by more than a century of oppression, including restoring control over lands Native Americans consider to be sacred, a U.N. human rights investigator said on Friday.” Anyone with a basic grasp of American history knows that the US has not always treated the Native Americans well. The issue at hand, however is the UN and not the Native Americans. According to the report, the “UN Special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, just completed a 12-day visit to the United States where he met with representatives of indigenous peoples in the District of Columbia, Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, Washington State, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. He also met with U.S. government officials.” Based upon this description one would believe that Mr. Anaya is a foreign expert. A review of his biography however, indicates that not only is Mr. Anaya an American his is also the Regents professor at the University of Arizona where he teaches law. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Anaya made his career in Native American issues. According to his bio, Mr. Anaya: “…represented indigenous groups from many parts of North and Central America in landmark cases before courts and international organizations.” You can read his full CV here. It seems inappropriate for the UN to use a Native American lawyer who specializes in Native American and indigenous issues to investigate, report, and recommend a course of action. There is certainly a level of bias in this position. (more…)
SAMI Accredidation?…Check before you believe… April 30, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Laws and Leglslation, Piracy & Maritime Security.Tags: Accredidation, Chris Mark, Maritime Security, membership, Piracy Europe, SAMI
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I am recently back from speaking an an anti-piracy event in Hamburg, Germany. Overall, it was a good conference but I was struck by one particular company that was strongly advertising that they were SAMI Accredited. I thought this claim merited some investigation and it would allow me to understand what, exactly, it means to be SAMI Accredited. First…here is the list of accredited PSMCs through SAMI. The Security Administration for the Maritime Industry or SAMI is a: “a global organisation representing companies working in maritime security and related industries. SAMI has introduced a level of compliance and scrutiny to ensure that the maritime industry can easily identify reputable private maritime security companies. SAMI provides reassurance, guidance, and minimum quality and standards in the delivery of maritime security where none has existed before. The SAMI Standard has been established as the international benchmark for standards within the industry. The Association is an international non -governmental organisation (NGO), which exists to facilitate clear dialogue and a common standards framework in the delivery of maritime security products to the shipping community.” As a membership organization anyone that is a signatory on the ICOC can join SAMI as a ‘member’. This does not mean you are accredited. After joining SAMI a company may then volunteer to participate in the 3 step SAMI Accreditation Programme. According to the SAMI website: (more…)
“Privacy, Terrorism, Blowback, and Crime” – Where to start? April 10, 2012
Posted by Chris Mark in Industry News, Laws and Leglslation, terrorism.Tags: al qaeda, Chris Mark, fox news, mark consulting group, Raptor, security, terrorism
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There is an interesting story on the front page of Foxnews this morning where a self-proclaimed patriot hacker who calls himself “The Raptor” is “…waging his own war on terror..” by taking down online forums used by Al Qaeda sympathizers. Certainly, known, and admitted terrorist organizations are not in the public interest. This blog is not justifying their position their tactics, or anything else they do.
The purpose of this post is to question the value of an individual (if you believe his tweets) taking unilateral action and then basking in the attention given to his actions. While vigilante actions may have a visceral appeal to many (including this author, at times) do actions such as this exacerbate the situation? Additionally, one has to ask whether he is right in taking unilateral action? As an American my gut reaction is to applaud the person but upon closer review, I don’t know if his actions are positive or altruistic.
In espionage there is a term called Blowback that refers to the unintended consequences of a covert action. (more…)
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