When Somali pirates seized the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama, taking the ship's captain hostage, resulting news coverage focused U.S. public attention on piracy and lawlessness in Somalia. Piracy is a growing problem that benefits from the instability in Somalia. In the near term, effectively safeguarding maritime traffic requires a balanced public/private effort with the use of force limited to protecting commerce and maintaining freedom of the seas. Also required is an effective strategy to resolve Somalia's troubles and establish and bolster the rule of law.
Piracy Makes a Comeback
The goal of modern-day pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden is to make easy money--take over a ship, seize a few hostages or a few million dollars in cargo, and wait for the shipping company to pay a ransom. This approach usually translates into $1–2 million in ransom per ship...more...http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/wm2397.cf
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