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| Overloaded Human Trafficking boat sinking as Australian Navy comes to the rescue (File Photo) |
By Greg Austin
European covert action forces may be needed in the Mediterranean Sea.
In February 2015, Britain’s former spy chief, Sir John Sawers, suggested that the U.K. may need to consider military intervention in North Africa to stem the growing chaos there, including a new wave of violent extremism claiming ties with Islamic State. It is this chaos that prevents governments of Europe from having reliable partner governments in countries like Libya in managing the escalating crisis of boat people in the Mediterranean, abetted by people smugglers.
The last week has seen renewed calls by European leaders to consider the use of military force to destroy the boats used by people smugglers before they can put to sea with their vulnerable human cargoes. The week also saw comments from Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott, to the effect that Europe could learn from his country how to stop the people smugglers and prevent would-be migrants from drowning at sea.
Calling on Europe for stronger border protection policies, Abbott said: “The only way you can stop the deaths is in fact to stop the boats. That’s why it is so urgent that the countries of Europe adopt very strong policies that will end the people smuggling trade across the Mediterranean.”
Read the full story at The Diplomat